Free CPESC Exam Prep

Federal, state and local erosion, sediment and stormwater law. Administered as a separate Part A exam for candidates who do not already hold a current ECI professional certification, so it carries no weight inside Part B.

Assessing existing site conditions and limitations, identifying resources needing mitigation or protection, and reading and interpreting soils reports.

Applying design standards and ordinances, scheduling work to reduce erosion, managing materials, stockpiles, spills, ingress/egress, grading, water conservation, dewatering and sampling, plus takeoff and cost calculations.

Calculating potential soil loss with USLE, RUSLE and MUSLE and using the results to design systems that reduce erosion and sediment discharge.

Understanding drainage patterns and managing run-on, on-site runoff and site discharges, and incorporating drainage designs into erosion and sediment control plans.

Temporary and permanent soil stabilization methods, including techniques used to stabilize soil in areas of concentrated flow.

Reading soil reports and calculating lime, fertilizer and organic amendments needed to produce fertile, stable and sustainable sites for vegetation establishment.

Selecting plant materials (especially natives) that provide adequate erosion and sediment control cover, and calculating the quantity of seed required for a disturbed area.

Management practices for non-concentrated flow, management practices for concentrated flow, and advanced (active and passive) treatment systems.

Writing installation and maintenance specifications for management practices, including non-sediment pollution prevention and good housekeeping measures.

Observing, inspecting and assessing management-practice performance, and setting maintenance thresholds and installation techniques that improve performance.

Researching available technologies, recognizing appropriate applications, and developing or improving technologies that minimize soil loss and pollutants. Listed in the scope of practice but not weighted on the exam.

Managing and overseeing the development of erosion and sediment control policies and procedures. Listed in the scope of practice but not weighted on the exam.

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

Researching available erosion and sediment control products, recognizing appropriate applications, and communicating product selection to practitioners and owners.