CPESC Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of becoming a CPESC?
How can our organization sponsor the CPESC Review course and Exam?
Is there a class I can take to prepare for the exam?
How do I move from being a CPESC In-Training to full certification?
How do I become an approved instructor?
How do I pay renewal fees with my credit card?
What is CPESC?
A CPESC is a recognized specialist in soil erosion and sediment control. CPESCs have educational training, demonstrated expertise, experience in controlling erosion and sedimentation, and meet certfication standards.
How much does it cost?
See the Fees section of the CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards.
What are the requirements?
See the Eligibility Requirements section of the CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards.
How do I apply?
The CPESC application has three parts: the application, your professional experience and professional references. The application fee must be submitted with your completed application to CPESC, Inc. The application fee is non-refundable.
How do I become a CPESC?
Complete the application and return it to CPESC, Inc. with the application fee. Your application will be reviewed by the Application Review Committee. This process takes approximately 30 days. Once your application is approved, you will have one year to write the exam.
See the Exam Struture and Grading section of the Policy and Procedures Manual for information about the make-up of the exam. Also, see the CPESC Exam Review Outline for syllabus of the CPESC Exam Review.
See the CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards for detailed information about becoming a CPESC.
What are the benefits of becoming a CPESC?
CPESC Certification benefits
Enhance your professional credibility
Promote public awareness of the erosion and sediment control profession
Have greater influence on policy decisions affecting technical and professional issues
Gain access to unique sources of information and educational opportunities
Improve your career opportunities by making more professional contacts
How can our organization sponsor the CPESC Review course and Exam?
If a group would like to sponsor a CPESC Exam Review Course and Exam, the first step is to contact CPESC, Inc. to obtain a recommendation for an approved instructor. The organizing group would then contact the Instructor to coordinate the presentation of the course.
See the Procedure for Sponsoring the CPESC section of the Policy and Procedures manual for more information.
Where can I take the exam?
The exam is offered at different events throughout the year in most states. It is always offered at the annual meetings of the IECA and SWCS. Check the calendar of events for the next location.
Contact CPESC, Inc. for additonal information.
Is there a class I can take to prepare for the exam?
Yes, please check the calendar of events for currently scheduled classes. Click here to view the course outline.
Are there study materials?
Yes, the CPESC Review Session and Exam Workbook is available through CPESC, Inc. Click here for ordering information. Click here to view the Table of Contents for the workbook.
Additional Study Materials:
- Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Controls: Planning, Design, and Performance, by Robert Pitt, Donald Lake, Shirley Clark, Published by DEStech Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-932078-38-X
- Designing for Effective Sediment and Erosion Control on Construction Sites, by Jerald S. Fifield, Ph.D., CPESC, Published by Forester Press, ISBN 0-9707687-0-2
- USDA NRCS National Engineering Handbook, Part 630 Hydrology
- USDA NRCS - TR-55, Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds
How do I move from being a CPESC In-Training to full certification?
See the Achievement of Professional Status section of the CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards.
How do I become an approved instructor?
Click here to view the procedures for becoming an approved instructor.
How do I pay renewal fees with my credit card?
Print/fill-out the credit card payment form and mail/fax the form to us. When the payment is processed, we will send you a receipt.
