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Exam Review

Key Facts: CPESC Exam

70%

Passing Score on Each Section

EnviroCert International

180 min

Part B Time Limit (60 + 120)

EnviroCert International

60-80 hrs

Study Time

Recommended

$400

Prometric Exam Bundle

EnviroCert Program Fee Schedule

The CPESC (Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control) exam requires 70% or better on each section. EnviroCert does not publish pass rates or a fixed item count. The credential is accepted or required in over 35 US states and 44 countries, and is frequently specified for professionals who prepare Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).

Sample CPESC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CPESC exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 170+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following erosion processes is characterized by the uniform removal of a thin layer of soil from a large area?

A.Gully erosion

B.Sheet erosion

C.Rill erosion

D.Splash erosion

Explanation: Sheet erosion is the detachment of soil particles by raindrop impact and their removal downslope by water flowing overland as a sheet instead of in definite channels or rills. It's a less obvious form of erosion but can be a significant source of sediment.

2What is the primary purpose of a silt fence in sediment control?

A.To slow down water velocity and allow sediment to settle

B.To filter out all suspended solids from water

C.To divert concentrated flows of water

D.To provide a permanent structural barrier

Explanation: A silt fence is a temporary sediment barrier of permeable fabric designed to intercept and slow the flow of sediment-laden sheet flow runoff. This reduction in velocity allows the suspended sediment to settle out behind the fence.

3The 'R' factor in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) represents what?

A.Soil erodibility

B.Rainfall and runoff erosivity

C.Crop management

D.Slope length and steepness

Explanation: The 'R' factor in the USLE represents the rainfall and runoff erosivity index. It is a measure of the kinetic energy of rainfall and the rate of runoff, which are the primary drivers of erosion.

4Which of the following is a key component of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?

A.A description of the construction activities

B.A list of all endangered species in the area

C.A marketing plan for the development

D.A copy of the local zoning ordinances

Explanation: A SWPPP must include a detailed description of the construction activities, including the sequence of major soil-disturbing activities, the total area of the site, and the area that will be disturbed.

5What is the primary function of a check dam?

A.To increase the velocity of water in a channel

B.To reduce the velocity of concentrated flows and promote sediment deposition

C.To create a permanent water impoundment

D.To filter out dissolved pollutants

Explanation: Check dams are small, temporary dams constructed across a swale or channel. They are used to reduce the velocity of concentrated flows, thereby reducing erosion and allowing sediment to settle out.

6Which of the following is NOT a principle of effective erosion and sediment control?

A.Minimize the extent and duration of disturbance

B.Protect slopes and channels

C.Retain sediment on-site

D.Maximize the use of impervious surfaces

Explanation: Maximizing the use of impervious surfaces increases runoff and erosion potential. The principles of effective erosion and sediment control focus on minimizing disturbance, protecting slopes and channels, controlling runoff, and retaining sediment on-site.

7What is the term for the process of establishing a protective cover of vegetation on a disturbed area?

A.Sedimentation

B.Revegetation

C.Subsoiling

D.Grading

Explanation: Revegetation is the process of establishing a vegetative cover on disturbed areas to control erosion. This can be done through seeding, sodding, or planting.

8Which of the following is a common cause of gully erosion?

A.Concentrated flows of water over unprotected soil

B.Wind blowing over a dry, flat area

C.Freeze-thaw cycles in a temperate climate

D.The impact of raindrops on bare soil

Explanation: Gully erosion is caused by concentrated flows of water that are strong enough to detach and transport soil particles. This often occurs in areas where runoff is concentrated, such as in swales, ditches, or on steep slopes.

9What is the primary purpose of a sediment basin?

A.To provide a source of water for irrigation

B.To capture and detain sediment-laden runoff, allowing sediment to settle out

C.To generate hydroelectric power

D.To create a recreational area for swimming and fishing

Explanation: A sediment basin is a temporary pond built on a construction site to capture and detain sediment-laden runoff. The basin is designed to slow the runoff and allow the suspended sediment to settle out before the water is released from the site.

10The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permit program of which federal agency?

A.U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

B.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

C.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

D.U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Explanation: The NPDES permit program is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was established under the Clean Water Act to regulate point source discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States.

About the CPESC Exam

The CPESC is a certification for professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the principles, practices, and legislation of erosion and sediment control.

Exam sponsor: EnviroCert International. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Part B is 180 minutes total (Section 1 60 minutes, Section 2 120 minutes); Part A is open book with no time limit

Passing Score

70% on each section

Exam / Certification Fees

$400 Prometric exam bundle (plus a $375 application fee)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

0% (separate Part A exam)

SAOP 1: Rules and Regulations

Federal, state and local erosion, sediment and stormwater law, administered as a separate Part A exam for candidates without a current ECI certification.

6-8%

SAOP 2: Site Assessment and Resource Inventory

Assessing site conditions and limitations, identifying resources needing protection, and interpreting soils reports.

8-10%

SAOP 3: Site Planning and Management

Design standards, work scheduling, materials and stockpile management, spill prevention, grading, water conservation, dewatering, sampling and cost takeoffs.

10-13%

SAOP 4: Predicting Soil Loss

Calculating soil loss with USLE, RUSLE and MUSLE and applying results to control system design.

9-12%

SAOP 5: Runoff Management

Drainage patterns, run-on and runoff management, and integrating drainage design into erosion and sediment control plans.

8-10%

SAOP 6: Soil Stabilization

Temporary and permanent stabilization methods, including stabilizing areas of concentrated flow.

4-6%

SAOP 7: Assessing Soil Fertility and Soil Amendments

Interpreting soil reports and calculating lime, nutrient and organic amendments for sustainable vegetation establishment.

2-3%

SAOP 8: Plant Species Selection

Selecting native and adapted plant materials for cover and restoration, and calculating seeding quantities.

14-17%

SAOP 9: Erosion and Sediment Control

Practices for non-concentrated flow, practices for concentrated flow, and advanced active and passive treatment systems.

16-20%

SAOP 10: Specification of Pollution Prevention Measures

Writing installation and maintenance specifications for management practices and non-sediment pollution prevention.

4-6%

SAOP 11: Observation, Effectiveness Evaluation and Measure Recommendation

Inspecting and assessing practice performance and setting maintenance thresholds and installation techniques.

SAOP 12: Research and Development Relating to Erosion and Sediment Control

Researching and developing erosion and sediment control technologies. In the scope of practice but unweighted on the exam.

SAOP 13: Administration of Erosion and Sediment Control Program

Managing and overseeing erosion and sediment control policies and procedures. In the scope of practice but unweighted on the exam.

3-5%

SAOP 14: Education of Erosion and Sediment Control Practitioners and Others

Providing education that promotes implementation and improves the success of stormwater control plans and programs.

3-5%

SAOP 15: Erosion and Sediment Control Products

Researching erosion and sediment control products, matching them to applications, and communicating product selection.

Preparing for the CPESC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% on each section
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: Part B is 180 minutes total (Section 1 60 minutes, Section 2 120 minutes); Part A is open book with no time limit
Exam / certification fees: $400 Prometric exam bundle (plus a $375 application fee) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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CPESC: Suggested Study Strategy

1Weight your study time to the blueprint: Specification of Pollution Prevention Measures is 16-20% and Erosion and Sediment Control is 14-17%

2Work RUSLE (A = R x K x LS x C x P) and MUSLE problems by hand until factor lookup and unit handling are automatic

3Learn the separate Part A rules-and-regulations exam if you do not already hold a current EnviroCert certification

4Practice Section 2 skills directly: reading grading plans, soils reports and site photos, then selecting and quantifying measures

5Memorize Rise / Run = Slope; EnviroCert supplies all other formulas in the question or a drop-down

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the CPESC exam?

EnviroCert requires 70% or better on each section of the CPESC exam, not a combined average. Section 1 and Section 2 are scored separately, so a strong Section 1 result cannot compensate for a failed Section 2.

How can I pass the CPESC exam on my first try?

Work from the official Job Task Analysis blueprint: 1) Master Specification of Pollution Prevention Measures (16-20%) and Erosion and Sediment Control (14-17%), the two largest areas. 2) Drill the RUSLE, MUSLE, Rational Method and Manning's calculations that appear in Section 2. 3) Practice reading site plans, soils reports and photos under time pressure. 4) Study 60-80 hours over 6-8 weeks.

How hard is the CPESC exam?

The CPESC is a professional-level exam that assumes seven years of field experience. Section 1 tests principles that can be learned from the General Principles Review Manual, while Section 2 tests applied judgment: interpreting maps, photos and case scenarios, choosing measures based on site conditions and cost, and quantifying management practices. Candidates most often struggle with Section 2 calculation and specification items.

How many questions are on the CPESC exam?

EnviroCert does not publish a fixed item count. Its examination-procedures memo states that CPESC Part 1 (Section 1) ranges from 150 to 200 questions and Part 2 (Section 2) ranges from 30 to 50 questions. Section 1 is allotted 60 minutes and Section 2 is allotted 120 minutes, for 180 minutes of Part B testing.