Organizational

Announcement

ECI Announces the Launch of the Certified Professional Installer in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPIESC) Program

EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) is pleased to announce the launch of the Certified Professional Installer in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPIESC) program, a new certification designed to establish foundational, industry-recognized standards in erosion and sediment control management practice (MP) installation. This credential supports industry-wide training needs and reinforces the importance of proper erosion and sediment control MPs installation.

The CPIESC program provides foundational knowledge and installation principles applicable across sectors involved in soil preparation, erosion control, and stormwater management on active construction and land-disturbance activities. Developed with John McCullah’s “The ABCs of BMP Installation” and “The Best of BMPs Summit” courses, the program reflects current practices, installation expectations, and proper technique and methodology for MP installation. The program also supports professional growth and workforce development by opening access to high-demand career opportunities in environmental protection, construction, and stormwater management.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The program will consist of watching a series of thirty-two (32) modules (professional field videos) on ECI’s Learning Management System (LMS) that will include the following topics:

• Introduction to CPIESC
• Certification Information and Exam Procedures
• Why BMPs Fail and the BMP Toolbox
• How to Choose an Effective BMP
• Raindrop Impact Erosion and the CALTRANS Experience
• Soil Prep - Earth Works
• Erosion Control BMPs
• Run off Control
• Sediment Control
• Soil Prep and Surface Roughening
• Principles and Methods for Erosion Control Seeding
• Straw Mulching
• Erosion Control Blankets and Mats
• Hydromulching
• Compost Blankets
• BMP Overview Walking Through a Drainage Channel
• Energy Dissipators

• Turf Reinforcement Mats – Basic Theory
• Turf Reinforcement Mats – Part 1
• Turf Reinforcement Mats – Part 2
• Turf Reinforcement Mats – ENKA Mats
• Turf Reinforcement Mats – The Green Armor System
• Ditch Checks – The Basics
• Ditch Checks – Triangular Silt Dike
• Gravel Stabilized Construction Entrance
• Rumble Strips
• Silt Fence
• Straw, Fiber, and Coir Rolls
• Compost Blankets, Socks, and Berms
• Straw Rolls and Compost Soxx
• Bio-D Logs
• Skimmer Sediment Pond with Baffles

QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION

A CPIESC Professional Certification requires an application submittal through the ECI Certification Management System (CMS). No prior experience is required. Following application approval, candidates must complete the training program and pass an open-book, open notes, on-line exam. The on-line training, exam, and a digital copy of the Resource Manual are included with the application fee at no additional cost.

TRAINING PROGRAM AND EXAM

The CPIESC Certification Program is approximately eight and one half (8 1/2) hours of On-Line course modules provided On-Demand and includes ninety (90) day access to the training content, including videos and the Resource Manual. At the completion of each module the candidate will be required to answer a series of questions before moving onto the next module until they complete and pass all the modules in the certification. The exam is open-book, open notes, and administered through ECI’s secure LMS platform.

CPIESC PROGRAM FEES

Program fee of $450 (introductory fee of $395 through March 2026) will include: 

1. Application,
2. Recordings
3. Resource Manual, and
4. On-Line Exam (174 multiple choice questions) administered though the ECI LMS. Candidates may complete the exam on a computer from any location with a stable internet connection.

CPIESC CERTIFICATION

This is an introductory certification and no experience is necessary. Several pathways to obtaining the CPIESC certification are available:

Path I. Certificate or Proof of taking the “The ABCs of BMP Installation” and “The Best of BMPs Summit” courses: Individuals who have already taken the base courses, or sat through the classes with John McCullah, may petition to sit for the CPIESC exam. Upon passing the exam, petitioners will be awarded the CPIESC certification.

Path II. Individuals With 5+ Years of Erosion and Sediment Control MPs Installation Experience: Installers with five (5) or more years of documented Erosion and Sediment Control MPs installation experience may also petition to take the exam. If the petitioner fails the exam two (2) times they will be required to watch the CPIESC Presentation to move forward.

Approved petitioners will be eligible for a reduced application cost of $250.

Path III. Standard Applicants: For all other applicants, the introductory application fee is $395 through March 2026 ($450 thereafter), which includes:

• Access to the modules on-line
• Resource Manual (PDF)
• Certification Exam on LMS

CPIESC BENEFITS

Certified erosion and sediment control installers bring critical environmental and operational value to infrastructure and land disturbance projects:

• Helps ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding erosion and sediment control.
• Aids in protecting the environment from impacts due to misapplied or misinstalled MPs. Proper MP implementation helps protect natural resources and nearby water bodies from sedimentation and pollution.
• Reduces the risk of environmental violations and associated fines.
• Proper initial MP installation reduces or eliminates schedule and cost overruns associated with rejected work and unnecessary reinstallation of MPs.
• Improves project efficiency through trained personnel who learn how to install MPs for various conditions.
• Supports sustainable development by preserving soil, controlling stormwater runoff, and reducing construction-related pollution.
• Creates and builds employees / personnel skills in erosion and sediment control practices, enhancing economic opportunities within the environmental and construction sectors.
• Fosters public trust and client satisfaction through demonstrable commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

The CPIESC Certification Program is a cornerstone for developing a workforce dedicated to protecting soil and water resources during land development activities. Whether you are a contractor, builder, agency, or environmental consultant, CPIESC professionals are your frontline defense in sustainable site management.    

EnviroCert International, Inc. extends its sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable contributions to the development and ongoing maintenance of CPIESC:

Special Acknowledgement

ECI gratefully acknowledges John McCullah and SALIX Applied Earthcare for granting the license to the technical content upon which this Professional Certification is based.

ECI Staff and Associates

Robert Anderson, CEO and President, PE, CPESC, CESSWI, CPSWQ, CPIESC, CPMSM, CPISM, NGICP, QSM, Senior Editor

Mike Chase, Vice President, Technical Committee Co-Chair, CPESC, CPSWQ, CPIESC, CPISM

Melissa McKinney, COO and Director, Director of NGICP, Director of CPIESC, Director of CIHECP, MBA, CNED, QSM, NGICP, CPIESC

Matt Chase, CPESC, CPIESC

Grayson Goldsmith, Editorial Associate, QSM

Dalton Parry, Program Associate, QSM

Charles Wilson Jr., Associate Technical Director, PLA, CPESC, CESSWI, CPSWQ, CPIESC, CPMSM, NGICP, QSM, Senior Editor

Mike Chase Jr., CPSWQ, CPIESC, CPISM

Mike Kucharski, CPESC, CESSWI, CPIESC, QSM, NGICP

Gerald Montgomery, CPESC, CESSWI, CPSWQ, CPIESC

Steve Anderson, CESSWI, CPIESC

EnviroCert International, Inc. | 18 December 2025