CPSWQ Application Process
Overview
The following table provides an overview of the CPSWQ certification process.
| Phase | Who Does It | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Applicant | Reads and fully subscribes to the CPESC and CPSWQ Code of Ethics. Completes/assembles application materials/fees and sends to CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office. |
| CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office | Reviews application for completeness. If complete, sends to Application Review Committee. If incomplete, notifies applicant (application is delayed). | |
| Review | Application Review Committee | Reviews application materials to determine status. Sends results to CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office. |
| CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office | Sends appropriate letter to applicant. An applicant that lacks some qualifications may be offered In-Training status. | |
| Testing | Qualified Applicant | Investigates available exam review course and exam dates (CPESC, Inc. web site, regional and area representatives, IECA/SWCS Chapters). Schedules review course/exam with sponsoring entity. See Calculator Policy. |
| CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office | Supplies test/reference materials to entity sponsoring review course/exam. | |
| Sponsoring Entity | Provides an approved proctor to adminster the CPSWQ Exam in accordance with CPESC, Inc. directives. Returns ALL test materials to CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office. | |
| CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office | Grades exam (passing score is ≥70% correct answers). | |
| Certification | CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office | Sends appropriate letter to applicant. |
| Newly Certified CPSWQ | Complies with the purposes, policies and code of ethics of the CPSWQ program. |
Candidate must send to the CPESC Administrative Office:
Completed application forms (1 original and 3 copies)
A copy of transcripts
Completed professional experience form (resume/vitae, or govt. SR 171)
References (4 required) at least one should be from a CPSWQ
Any additional documentation
Upon receipt of an application, the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office will assess it to determine completeness. If the application is complete it will be sent to the Application Review Committee (ARC). Candidates whose materials are not complete will be notified of missing portions and their applications will be delayed.
The Application Review Committee (ARC) review process takes approximately three weeks. Once the results are returned to the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office, they will be compiled and appropriate letters will be sent to the candidate.
Any individual not achieving full CPSWQ qualifications will have the option of becoming a CPSWQ In-Training (CPSWQ-IT) candidate. This offer will require a verbal or written response from the candidate to secure this status. In-Training candidates will be required to follow the CPSWQ-IT policy. Candidates who know from the beginning that they are lacking qualifications can apply directly for the CPSWQ-IT status by checking the appropriate location on the CPSWQ application.
| Reference: | For more information about the CPSWQ In-Training Policy, see CPSWQ Certification Procedures and Standards (in the Policy and Procedures manual), Article III - In-Training Status. |
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The candidate must bring an approved calculator, pencil, and a clear straight edge to the exam site. All needed resource materials and scratch paper will be provided by CPESC, Inc. For information about the CPSWQ exam, see CPSWQ Exam Structure and Grading.
Applicants who test under In-Training status will take only Part I of the exam. They will take Part II at the end of the In-Training requirement specified by the Application Review Committee. All In-Training applicants will take the CPSWQ Full Exam.
See the Calculator Policy for a list of approved calculators. Examinees are NOT allowed to bring cell phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable computers, or similar devices into the exam room.
The CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office will send an appropriate letter to each applicant that sits for the exam. Those applicants who receive a passing score will also receive a personalized CPESC certificate and wallet card. In-Training candidates will receive these materials when they achieve full professional status.
To become certified, an applicant must subscribe to the purposes, policies and code of ethics of the CPESC Program. This requirement is specified in the CPESC, Inc. Bylaws, "Article II - Registration and Fees, Section 1. Registration."