CPSWQ Exam Structure and Grading

There are two CPSWQ Exams. One is for individuals already certified as a CPESC (CPSWQ Crossover Exam) and another for individuals wanting only a separate track CPSWQ certification (CPSWQ Full Exam). The following sections provide details about these exams.

See the Calculator Policy for information about which calculators are approved for use on the CPSWQ exam. Note that examinees are NOT allowed to bring the following devices into the exam room:

• Cell phones
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Portable computers
• Similar devices

CPSWQ Crossover Exam

Overview

The exam is comprised of two sections. The exam has a four (4) hour time limit. All needed resource materials will be provided by CPESC, Inc.

Section A - Fundamentals of Stormwater Management

Section A consists of 40 multiple choice and 10 matching questions that test the applicant's knowledge of the fundamentals of stormwater management in specific resource topic areas. For this Section you must answer all of the questions.

Section B - Practical Application

Section B contains 25 multiple choice questions that test the applicants knowledge of stormwater implementation and evaluation through problems on hydrology and pollutant loading. A resource booklet will be provided to assist you in answering these questions.

Grading

All examination materials will be returned to the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office for grading. Candidates must score at least 70 percent to pass the examination portion of the application process. The process time for grading of the exam is approximately thirty (30) days.

An exam review course/study manual is available from the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office. See CPSWQ Products for cost and ordering information.

If a qualified applicant fails the exam, there is a re-test fee to sit for the exam again. See CPSWQ Certification Procedures and Standards, Article II, Section 3. Fees for more information.

CPSWQ Full Exam

Overview

The exam is comprised of two parts. The exam has a five (5) hour time limit. All needed resource materials will be provided by CPESC, Inc.

Part I - Fundamentals

Part I consists of 100 questions worth 50 points. The questions are multiple choice, true false, and matching on topics of rules and regulations, soil and water resources, stormwater runoff and pollutants, and erosion and sediment control.

Part II - Practical Application

Part II contains two sections. Section A contains 25 computational questions on hydrology and water quality. Section B contains 11 computational questions on erosion and sediment control and 14 practice placement questions on erosion and sediment control application for a specific problem site. A resource booklet will be provided to assist you in answering these questions.

Grading

All examination materials will be returned to the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office for grading. Candidates must score at least 70 percent to pass the examination portion of the application process. The process time for grading of the exam is approximately thirty (30) days.

An exam review course/study manual is available from the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office. See CPSWQ Products for cost and ordering information. Click here to view the table of contents for the manual.

If a qualified applicant fails the exam, there is a re-test fee to sit for the exam again. See CPSWQ Certification Procedures and Standards, Article II, Section 3. Fees for more information.