100+ Free CPSWQ Practice Questions
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Key Facts: CPSWQ Exam
150-195
Exam Questions
EnviroCert (Part 1 + Part 2)
70%
Passing Score
Each part scored separately
7 yrs
Experience Required
Combined education + work
$775
Total Cost
$375 app + $400 exam
The CPSWQ exam has 150-195 multiple-choice questions across two parts with a 70% passing threshold on each. It covers CWA/NPDES regulations, pollutant science, hydrology calculations, and construction, municipal (MS4), and industrial stormwater management.
About the CPSWQ Exam
The CPSWQ certification from EnviroCert International validates that professionals meet the EPA NPDES definition of Qualified Personnel for stormwater management. The two-part exam covers federal regulations, stormwater pollutants, watershed hydrology, BMP design, and construction, municipal, and industrial stormwater programs.
Questions
170 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours (Part 1 + Part 2)
Passing Score
70% on each part
Exam Fee
$775 total ($375 application + $400 exam bundle) (EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) / Prometric)
CPSWQ Exam Content Outline
Federal, State & Local Regulations
Clean Water Act, NPDES permits, enforcement actions, penalties, and the regulatory framework for construction, municipal, and industrial stormwater discharges
Stormwater Pollutants & Stream Environments
Pollutant categories (sediment, nutrients, metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides), sources, transport mechanisms, stream classification, and channel stability
Watershed Hydrology & Hydraulics
Curve number method, time of concentration, peak flow calculations, detention storage, Rational Method, and TR-55 methodology
Construction Stormwater Management
Construction General Permit, SWPPP development, erosion and sediment control BMPs, site inspections, and post-construction requirements
Municipal Stormwater (MS4) Programs
Phase I and Phase II MS4 permits, six minimum control measures, IDDE programs, public education, and good housekeeping practices
Industrial Stormwater Management
Multi-Sector General Permit, SIC code classifications, industrial SWPPP, monitoring requirements, benchmark values, and compliance reporting
BMPs, Green Infrastructure & Maintenance
Structural and non-structural BMPs, bioretention, permeable pavement, green roofs, CSO mitigation, inspection protocols, and solids management
How to Pass the CPSWQ Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70% on each part
- Exam length: 170 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours (Part 1 + Part 2)
- Exam fee: $775 total ($375 application + $400 exam bundle)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CPSWQ Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the CPSWQ exam?
The CPSWQ is considered challenging. It has two parts (Part 1: 100-120 questions, Part 2: 50-75 questions) each requiring 70% to pass. Candidates must have 7 years of combined education and experience, and the exam tests national-level knowledge across regulations, hydrology, and BMP design.
What are the CPSWQ eligibility requirements?
Candidates need a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of combined education credit and professional experience. A bachelor's degree in science, planning, or construction management provides 4 years of credit. A PE, LA, PG, or PH license also provides 4 years of credit.
How much does the CPSWQ certification cost?
The total initial cost is approximately $775: a $375 non-refundable application fee (includes the General Principles Review Manual) plus a $400 exam bundle at Prometric. Annual renewal is $200 with 8 PDH required. An optional 8-hour review course costs $400.
What is the difference between CPSWQ and CPESC?
CPSWQ focuses broadly on stormwater quality management across construction, municipal, and industrial programs, while CPESC focuses specifically on erosion and sediment control. Many professionals hold both certifications for comprehensive stormwater expertise.