Whitson CM Announces An All-Inclusive Accelerated Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) Training Program

As most contractors are aware, the State of California Water Resources Control Board recently adopted the new Construction General Permit. This permit regulates all construction projects, including linear construction projects, over one acre in size. As of September 2, 2011, only State certified individuals are permitted to conduct stormwater management on your projects. The permit reads, “The discharger shall ensure that all BMPs required by this General Permit are implemented by a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP). A QSP is a person responsible for non-stormwater and stormwater visual observations, sampling and analysis.”

Most importantly, becoming a QSP is not an easy or quick process. Individuals wanting to become a QSP must pass a State exam. Before you are permitted to take the test, you must accomplish two things:

1. Be either a Certified Erosion Sediment Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) or Certified Inspector of Sediment Erosion Control (CISEC). Both of these certifications require an application for eligibility and experience inspecting erosion control on projects.

2. Attend a State sponsored training course. This is a 16 hour course presented by a State “Trainer of Record”.

Do not wait to begin this certification process as it is a multi-step process and may take several months to become QSP certified. Whitson CM has created an accelerated all-inclusive program that will personally walk you through every step of this program to ensure that you are permitted to conduct stormwater management on your projects.

All-Inclusive Accelerated Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) Training Program

Part 1: CESSWI Review and Examination
(Approximately 6-8 hours per day)

As of September 2, 2011 you must be either CESSWI or CISEC certified. Our program will teach you everything you need to pass the CESSWI test. This course will cover topics including EPA rules & regulations, best management practices and erosion control procedures, understanding a SWPPP, reading erosion control plans, inspecting procedures and project/SWPPP documentation. After a thorough review, Whitson CM will proctor the examination.

Part 2: Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) Training Course
(Approximately 6-8 hours per day)

Successful completion of the QSP Training Course is a prerequisite to register for the Construction General Permit’s QSP Exam which is proctored by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. This course will prepare you to pass the QSP exam covering topics including regulations, SWPPP implementation, monitoring the SWPPP, reporting, project planning, and site assessment. After completing this course, you will take the examination online at www.casqa.org.

If you are interested in becoming certified, please click here for the current version of the CESSWI Application.