Qualified

Environmental

Professional

Intern

Professional

Certification & Examination Guide

for the QEP and EPI

Written Exams

Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) Certification

Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) Certification Program

published by:

The Institute of Professional Environmental Practice

600 Forbes Avenue, 339 Fisher Hall

Pittsburgh, PA15282 USA

Phone: +1-412-396-1703

Fax: +1-412-396-1704

Email:

Thank you for your interest in the Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) certification and/or the Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) program. This guide provides you with the necessary information on the QEP & EPI certification programs. An application to apply for admission into either the QEP or the EPI examination process can be obtained by contacting the address on the cover or downloading from our website at . Eligibility requirements for both certifications and information on IPEP's examination process are contained within. Each applicant is encouraged to read this guide thoroughly.

Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs) and Environmental Professional Interns (EPIs) agree to abide by the ethical principles set forth below:

•Practice my profession only to the extent of my personal expertise;

•Maintain my personal proficiency through continuing education and professional development;

•Comply with applicable statutes, regulations, and standards;

•Strive to protect and enhance human health and the environment;

•Conduct my professional affairs in a manner that reflects the highest moral character.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Certifying Body - IPEP...... 2

History...... 2

Purpose of the QEP...... 2

QEP Application Requirements, Procedures, & Fees...... 2 - 3

Recertification Requirements...... 3

The Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) Program

What It Is...... 3

EPI Application Requirements, Procedures, & Fees...... 3 - 4

Application & Examination Process

Length of Time Involved...... 4

Scheduling of Examinations...... 4

Examination Content

Subjects Covered...... 5

Part I (General Environmental Science)...... 5 - 6

Part II (Specific Practice Areas )...... 7- 10

Air Quality...... 7

Water Quality...... 8

Waste Management...... 8 - 9

Environmental Science, Management, and Policy...... 9 - 10

Examination Structure

Examination Format...... 10

Sample Questions...... 10 - 12

Answer Key...... 12

Tips for Preparing for the Certification Examinations...... 12 - 13

Reporting to Testing Locations...... 13

Score Reporting...... 13

Recommended Study Materials, Text Books, and Resource List...... 13 - 14

The Institute’s mark , “IPEP,” and “QEP” are the registered Trademarks of the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice.

Introduction

The Certifying Body - IPEP

The Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) is the independent, not-for-profit certifying body of the Qualified Environmental (QEP) and the Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) certifications. IPEP's mission is to improve the practice and educational standards of environmental professionals. The Institute is governed by a volunteer Board appointed by leading environmental organizations:

  • The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA)
  • The AmericanAcademy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE)
  • The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
  • The Institute of Clean Air Companies (ICAC)
  • The National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM)
  • The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
  • The Water Environment Federation (WEF)

IPEP is also a member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), an independent, third party accreditation board. The QEP program is fully accredited by the CESB. IPEP publishes and distributes an annual roster listing all individuals certified as QEPs and EPIs to its members.

History

The Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) certification program evolved out of an interest among Air & Waste Management Association membership in a broad-based credential. A&WMA created a Certification Steering Committee in 1990 to research existing certifications and formulate a report on its findings and recommendations. A survey was conducted in the spring of 1992 among both A&WMA and non-A&WMA members which indicated overwhelming support among environmental professionals for a broad based, over-arching environmental credential. Following approval by the A&WMA Board of Directors, the Steering Committee incorporated to become the Institute of Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP), an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(6), in March of 1993. The Steering Committee members became the initial Board of Trustees, and following discussions with several leading environmental organizations, representatives from those organizations also joined IPEP.

Why QEP?

The QEP is the first and only credential of its kind. It is a multi-media, multi-disciplinary, board-certified credential, which requires environmental professionals to see "the big picture" and to have the skills and knowledge to solve "real world problems." The QEP credential is international. The examination contains no questions related to policies or regulations specific to any particular country. Through QEP certification, environmental professionals demonstrate the breadth and depth of their knowledge and experience. They also agree to abide by IPEP's Code of Ethics (see Page 1).

The QEP is distinguished from other certifications by its cross-disciplinary nature, its qualifying education prerequisites, its continuing education requirement for recertification, and by its rigorous application and examination process. The QEP evaluates the environmental professional by establishing a professional standard and by providing a career track for new professionals entering the field. It does not take the place of specialized certifications or registrations, but rather is a unique credential, which serves to link and coordinate environmental fields.

What is involved in obtaining the QEP?

Minimum requirements to apply for admission into the QEP written exam process are a baccalaureate or equivalent degree in physical, earth or natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics and five subsequent years of professional environmental work experience, or eight subsequent years of professional environmental work experience with a degree in a discipline other than those listed above. Minimum requirements for oral examination are a baccalaureate degree and 15 subsequent years of professional environmental work experience acceptable to IPEP, and at least one reference from a QEP on the form provided in the application. The candidate must also demonstrate that a minimum of 10 of the qualifying years of work experience was in a position of responsible charge. (General definition of the term "responsible charge" refers to a leadership role or position of influence held in direct relationship to work assignments, job responsibilities, and to key roles in the projects or program assigned.)

An applicant must be approved by IPEP's Admissions Committee to be admitted in the examination process. The written examination process for the QEP consists of two parts:

Part IThe General Environmental Science Exam

Part II A Specific Practice Area Exam chosen from one of the following areas:

A. Air Quality

B. Water Quality

C. Waste Management

D. Environment Science, Management, and Policy

Each part takes up to three hours to complete and consists of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions. Both exams are international in scope and contain no regulations specific to any country. The focus is on technical environmental science.

Upon notice of approval to be admitted into the QEP examination, a candidate will then submit an examination fee of US$150.00 and contact his/her QEP Regional Coordinator to schedule the exam. Approved candidates have 12 months from notification of approval to take the exam to having to sit for the exam. The outline of that exam is contained within this guide.

Candidates who have passed both parts of the exam and who have met all of the requirements for full QEP certification will be formally confirmed as QEPs by IPEP's Board of Trustees and issued a certificate. An annual renewal fee of US$150.00, with the first year's fee prorated, is required to maintain QEP certification. The names of all current QEPs will be published in IPEP's annual Roster.

Summary of QEP fees: The oral application fee is US$100.00, and the written US$75.00; if accepted into the exam, the oral exam fee is US$200.00 for the first attempt and the written US$150.00 for the first attempt, which must be completed within one year of being approved to sit for the exam. Second attempts will be subject to a $200 USD retake fee for the oral exam, and written exam retakes will be $60 USD within the first four months and $100 USD following that date and up to two years. Annual renewal fees are US$150, with first year's fees prorated. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Are there Recertification requirements for QEP?

Yes. A QEP is required to maintain the QEP certificate by paying an annual renewal fee of US$150.00. Every five years the QEP must apply for recertification. Recertification requires the individual to complete a recertification application and submit documentation of ongoing professional development and involvement in the field as per IPEP's recertification guidelines. IPEP guidelines on recertification are available. There is no fee for the five-year recertification process if completed on time. A $40 USD late fee applies to late recertifications.

The Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) Program

What is the EPI?

The Environmental Professional Intern (EPI) program is an entry-level certification for environmental students and environmental professionals who are just beginning their careers, and is an optional first step towards obtaining QEP status. The EPI is an opportunity for students anticipating entering the environmental field or for graduates who have recently entered the field to demonstrate personal knowledge of general environmental science. The EPI program offers the availability of a QEP mentor to provide the EPI with professional guidance and introduction into a network of well-respected senior environmental professionals. The EPI certification expires seven years from the date certified.

What is involved in obtaining the EPI?

The EPI is available to college or university seniors who are working towards a technical baccalaureate/masters degree in physical, earth or natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics; or an individual who has received a baccalaureate/masters degree in one of the above mentioned disciplines within the last five years and has entered, or anticipates entering, the environmental profession.

Individuals can submit an application to take the general EPI exam no sooner than the last semester/final quarter of their junior year. A completed application must be submitted to IPEP with a US$35.00 application-processing fee.

Applicants approved to be admitted into the EPI exam process will take Part I of IPEP's standard QEP certification exam, which is the General Environmental Science written exam, no sooner than the last semester/quarter of their senior year. Approved candidates have 12 months from notification of approval to take the exam to having to sit for the exam. The outline of that exam is contained within this guide.

All policies and procedures for certification and for the administration of the EPI exam are the same as those adopted by IPEP for the QEP. The EPI exam will be administered through the same network of Regional Coordinators as QEPs or delegated to an approved proctor. IPEP’s Board determines the passing scores for all of IPEP’s exams.

Individuals passing the EPI exam are given the designation of “Environmental Professional Intern” (EPI). An EPI certificate is valid for a period of seven years (this period allows for the opportunity to obtain five years of environmental work experience and ample time to apply for full QEP status and to take Part II of the exam). During this time the availability of a QEP mentor is offered to each EPI on a voluntary basis. After seven years, EPI status expires.

EPIs pay a reduced IPEP Annual Renewal fee of US$75.00 per year, with the first year’s fees prorated.

EPIs may apply for full QEP certification status when they have obtained five full years of environmental work experience acceptable to IPEP. At that time, an EPI must submit a QEP application and an examination fee of US$150.00 in order to apply to take Part II of the QEP exam, which is the specific practice area section. If the work experience as submitted on the application is not acceptable to IPEP, the examination fee will be returned with a letter explaining the deficiency.

If an EPI fails to obtain a passing score on her/his first attempt at Part II of the QEP examination, the exam can be taken once more, provided that it can be completed within the seven-year period in which the EPI certificate is valid. If the retest cannot be retaken within that valid period, or if taken and failed a second time, the candidate will be informed via formal letter that her/his EPI status has been terminated and that if she/he wishes to continue to pursue the QEP certification, she/he must complete the full QEP application and testing process again.

Summary of EPI fees: There is a $35 USD application fee. Initial exam fee for the EPI is $60 USD and must be completed within one year. Individuals failing the first attempt are permitted one retake of the exam, which must be completed within one year of the first attempt. Retake fees apply: $60 USD retake fee within four months or $100 USD between four months and one year. When applying for the full QEP status, an EPI's QEP application fee of $75 USD is waived, but the EPI must submit an examination fee of US$150.00 to reserve an exam slot to take Part II. EPI annual renewal dues are $75 USD, with the first year's fees prorated. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Application & Examination Process

How long does the application process take?

A complete information/application packet can be obtained from IPEP. An individual will need to complete and submit an application to IPEP for admission into either the QEP or the EPI certification examination process. The application requires that three references be submitted. Please read instructions carefully for all sections, and type or print legibly. You may attach a curriculum vitae or resume to your application to further support professional/ community accomplishments and contributions, but all parts of the application must be completed in full.

Once IPEP has received your completed application, application fee payment, and all three references, your application will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee of IPEP for review. That committee will make a recommendation, based on the information you furnish, as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications to be admitted to either the QEP or the EPI examination process. From the date that your application is found to be complete, it generally takes four to six weeks for the Admissions Committee to complete the review.

When and where are the examinations given?

IPEP's written examinations are administered frequently and in numerous locations in Canada and the United States, and in limited locations throughout the world. A current list of geographic locations for the exams is maintained at IPEP's office. Exams are given on an individual and a group basis by Regional Coordinators located throughout the world. An applicant declared eligible for admission to examination, but who fails to pay the exam fee and submit to examination within 12 months of notification of eligibility, is required to file a new application and pay a new filing fee in order to continue pursuit of certification.

Examination Content

What subjects are covered on the examinations?

A detailed outline of the examination content for Part I–the General Environmental Science Examination, and for Part II–Air Quality; Water Quality; Waste Management; and the Environmental Science, Management, and Policy practice area exams, is provided.

Detailed Examination Content Outline of PART I: General Environmental Science

All approved QEP applicants are required to take this section as well as one of the four practice area sections under Part II. Approved EPI applicants only take this section of the exam.

Sub-Part A, Basic Sciences

/ Wt %
  1. Chemistry
  1. Atoms, molecules, elements & compounds
  2. Reactions & equilibria
  3. Gas laws
  4. Dissolution/precipitation
  5. Degradation/breakdown (hydrolysis, substitution, biological/chemical)
  6. Organic pollutant categories- VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, PCBs, dioxins
  7. Inorganic pollutant categories- metals, CN, anions, cations
  8. Properties of materials- solubility, boiling point, melting point, vapor pressure
  9. pH, acidity/alkalinity, oxidation-reduction (redox) potential (Eh)
/ 7
  1. Physics
  1. Fluid flow- viscosity & turbulence
  2. Material characteristics- density, viscosity, flash point, volatility, partition coefficient, particle size distribution
  3. Thermodynamics- 3 laws & their meaning
  4. Diffusion- in air & solutions
  5. Particle size distribution/separation
  6. Radioactivity- natural & man-made
/ 6
  1. Earth Science/Geology
  1. Permeability of materials
  2. Aquifers & aquitards
  3. Ground water flow pathways & rates
  4. Migration of contaminants in soils, sediments & ground water
/ 4
  1. Ecology
  1. Ecosystem sensitivities; flora, fauna & people
  2. Bioaccumulation & biomagnification
  3. Major ecosystem characteristics; estuaries, wetlands, streams, forests, mountains, prairies, open oceans & lakes
  4. Species diversity
e. Endangered species / 4
  1. Toxicology and Risk Assessment
a. Dose- response relations
b. Physiologic endpoints- neurotoxicity, cancer (carcinogens), mutation (mutagen), etc.
  1. Acute vs. chronic effects
  2. Extrapolation issues for toxicity
e. Exposure/pathway concepts
f. Methods of evaluating site risk characteristics / 4

Sub-Part B, Mathematics

  1. Mathematics/Statistics
  1. Use of “powers of 10”
  2. Means & measures of variation (mean, medium, mode, variance, & standard deviation)
  3. Probability/statistical distributions
  4. Unit of measurements- metric (S.I.) versus English (lb., ft., etc)
  5. Statistical confidence limits/decision making
f.Representative sampling requirements & methods / 5
7.Data Management
  1. Omission & error identification
  2. Graphical representation of data
  3. Trend analysis
  4. Modeling
  5. Quality assurance & quality control - outlier identification
/ 6
  1. Environmental Economics (Risk & Cost Benefit Analysis)
  1. Management system capital cost, interest rate, discount rate
  2. Operations, maintenance & monitoring costs
  3. Beneficial reuse of waste materials
  4. Environmental liability implications
/ 6
Sub-Part C, Environmental Science, Management & Policy
  1. Environmental Quality Standards
  1. Ambient air quality standards- ozone, particulates, CO, NOx, SOx
  2. Surface water quality- DO, BOD, TOC, pH, TDS, TSS, TPH, VOCs, metals
  3. Drinking water standards- bacteria, metals, pH, turbidity, VOCs, THA
  4. Ground water quality- pH, VOCs, metals, bacteria, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
e.Soil standards- VOCs, metals, pesticides, POPs, others. / 5
  1. Basic Principles of Environmental Systems
a.C,N, O, H2O, S, cycles (nutrient cycles)
  1. Ecosystem development & climax
  2. Population dynamics
  3. Primary productivity
e.Sustainable development / 5
  1. Cross-Media Impacts of Pollution
  1. Migration across boundaries- non-point source run-off, permeation of solvent gases through synthetics liners, liner permeability
  2. Liquid phase/gas phase transport- VOC emissions from ground water air stripping or in-situ soil air sparging
  3. Solid/gas phase transport- products of incomplete combustion, byproduct emissions, biological decomposition gas generation, and fugitive emissions from area and mobile sources.
  4. Solid/liquid phase transport- dredged contaminated sediments resuspension, leaching of solids from landfills
/ 4
12Health & Safety Requirements
a. Properties of toxics, acute vs. chronic
b. Confined space entry, toxic, anoxic
c. System tagging/lockout
d. Safety, Health & Emergency Response Plans (SHERP)
e. Risk communication
f. Training & hazard identification
g. Medical surveillance
h. Personal protective equipment (PPE) / 4
  1. Public Information/Community & Regulatory Relations/Ethics
  1. Not in my back yard (NIMBY) syndrome
  2. Environmental justice
  3. Community hazard right-to-know
  4. Emergency preparedness & contingency planning
  5. Environmental Ethics (IPEP Ethics Code)
/ 5

Sub-Part D, Waste / Pollution Management, Treatment & Disposal

  1. Waste Minimization, Recycling, Reuse
  1. Materials substitution
  2. Source reduction
  3. Process modification
  4. Separation & hazard reduction
  5. Waste reduction
/ 6
  1. Hazardous Materials/Waste Management and Transport
  1. Hazardous material categories- flammable, poison, explosive, shock or friction sensitive
  2. Hazardous waste categories- toxic, corrosive, reactive, flammable, radioactive
  3. Handling, packaging, manifesting
/ 3
  1. Fate and Transport of Environmental Contaminants in Air/Water/Soil
  1. Mass transfer
  2. Biodegradation
  3. Vaporization
  4. Kinetic factors
  5. Henry’s Law and partition coefficients, Kow
  6. Natural attenuation
/ 5
  1. Principals of Water, Soil & Solid Waste Treatment & Residuals Disposal
  1. Physical treatment- air/thermal stripping, sedimentation, clarification, filtration centrifugation, barriers, liners, soil washing.
  2. Physical/chemical treatment- coagulation/clarification, absorption & adsorption, wet air oxidation, reduction, solvent extraction, solidification/stabilization,
  3. Thermal treatment- incineration, catalytic oxidation, desorption, vitrification
  4. Biochemical treatment- aerobic/ anaerobic degradation, in-situ and ex-situ
  5. Biosolids, treated soils, debris and residuals management alternatives
  6. Land disposal and leachate management practices, Hazardous vs. Non-Hazardous
/ 7
  1. Air Pollution Control
  1. Pollutant elimination/minimization
  2. Physical separation- cyclone, bag house, electrostatic precipitator
  3. Physical/chemical treatment- wet scrubber, carbon adsorption, thermal destruction (after burner), chemical oxidation, biofilter
  4. Mobile sources- motor vehicles, aircraft, water craft, agricultural and construction equipment.
  5. Mobile source controls- clean burning fuels, combustion modifications, catalytic converters, diesel particulate traps, etc.
  6. Stationary Sources- manufacturing processes, power generation, combustion, waste management facilities, fuel terminals, pipeline transfer stations, etc.
  7. Stationary source controls- clean burning fuels, combustion modifications, flue gas cleaning, selective catalytic reduction, etc.
/ 5

Sub-Part E, Monitoring

  1. Air Emissions Monitoring & Inventories
  1. Greenhouses gases- sources, control strategies
  2. Toxic air emissions- point sources, non-point sources, fugitive dusts and vapors.
  3. Stationary Source Priority pollutants
  4. Mobile source emissions
  5. Meteorological monitoring & Modeling
  6. Atmospheric chemistry, green houses gases, ozone depletion
  7. Emissions inventories
/ 5
  1. Surface & Ground Water Monitoring
  1. Monitoring methods, frequency & reporting
  2. Toxic substances- metals, chlorinated hydrocarbons, PAH, PCBs, pesticides, POPs
  3. Conventional pollutants- BOD, pH, TSS, oil/grease, THP, VOC, turbidity, pathogens
  4. Non-conventional pollutants- NO3, fluoride, sulfides, phosphorous, cyanide, radioactive materials
/ 4

Detailed Examination Content Outline PART II: each of the four Practice Areas