Certification Procedures & Standards

IMPORTANT!
The current version of the Certification Procedures and Standards is the one available on the CMS4S, Inc. web site (www.cms4s.org). If there is a difference between the printed version and the online version, use the online version.

Article I - Certified Specialist Status

Section 1. Definition

A CMS4S is a recognized specialist who is technically and ethically qualified to manage or coordinate nationally consistent EPA NPDES MS4 programs which are in compliance with applicable (local, state, provincial and federal) laws and regulations.

Section 2. Application Procedure

Interested individuals should follow the steps below to apply to become a CMS4S.

1. Receive and review CMS4S Application Forms. Forms are available from CMS4S web site (www.cms4s.org), CMS4S, Inc. representative, IECA or SWCS headquarters, chapter representatives, trades show displays, etc.

2. Assemble the following materials:

   • Application fee (see Article II, Section 3, Fees) (check made out to CMS4S, Inc.)

   • Original copy of the following

     • Application for CMS4S
     • Education, Training, and Professional Accreditations
     • Professional Experience Profile for each job (that is, employment position) that you wish to report MS4 operations experiences (make additional copies as needed from original)**
     • References — provide contact information for four (4) references.
     • College transcripts — if any
     • Additional documentation (such as, resume/vitae or government SF171)
        
       

       **

       Professional Experience must detail pertinent work experience. Copies of relevant consulting reports, publications, manuscripts, and other significant professional activities may also be submitted. All materials received by the application review committee will be kept confidential. The experience materials must demonstrate competence in operations of a MS4 and methods and knowledge of federal and state laws relating to EPA NPDES requirements.

     Important!
     It is imperative that prospective references are fully qualified to provide information about your skills and experience in managing or operating a MS4. It is recommended, where possible, that at least one individual familiar with the applicant's expertise be a CMS4S. These individuals may be peers or clients but no more than two should be coworkers.

     Please let your references know that you are using them as a reference and that they may be contacted.

3. Send all materials from Step 2 to the CMS4S Administrative Office.

   Important!
   Candidates whose materials are not complete will be notified of missing portions. The application review process will not begin until the application is deemed complete.

Section 3. Application Review Committee

1. Application materials are forwarded to the Application Review Committee (ARC). The ARC will review applications and return to the CMS4S, Inc. Administrative Office within 30 days.

2. Approval for certification requires a majority affirmative vote of the ARC.

3. All decisions are vested in the ARC and are considered final after due provisions for an appeal have been satisfied.

4. Applicants who are denied qualification for the exam may:

   1. Appeal, providing they are able to furnish additional supportive data to the ARC.

Article II - Standards for Professional Certification

Section 1. General Information

1. Certification shall be valid for one (1) year from the date on which it is granted and must be renewed annually.

2. Each applicant must subscribe to the Code of Conduct and Ethics, which shall be the standard of conduct.

3. Professional Development is a requirement for certification maintenance (see Section 5 of this Article).

Section 2. Eligibility Requirements

1. Each applicant must successfully pass a written examination designed to determine proficiency in the principles, practices, and legislation of operating or managing a MS4. Applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:

   1. Earn a qualifying BS degree* or higher plus three (3) years of qualifying experience in a qualifying environmental field. College transcripts are required.

   2. Earn a qualifying Associates Degree* plus four (4) years of qualifying experience (see examples above ).

   3. Earn a High School Diploma and complete five (5) years or more of qualifying experience (see examples above ).

      *	Degree in engineering (agricultural, civil, or environmental), geology, soil science, natural resource science or management, landscape architecture, or a related field.

2. Through the professional experience profile, references, and written exam, the applicant must demonstrate an ability to observe, evaluate, and synthesize information; to consider alternatives; and to propose appropriate recommendations in a clear, logical manner.

3. International applicants must provide documentation to assure that educational degrees obtained and work experience are comparable to the requirements described in Section 2A above.

Section 3. Fees

1. The application fee is US$150. The fee is non-refundable.

2. The application fee entitles the applicant to sit for the exam, upon approval. Note, the exam sponsor may charge an additional fee to cover their costs. If a qualified applicant fails the exam, there is a US$75 re-test fee for all subsequent exams. After 2 re-tests the applicant must reapply through the application process. The appropriate application fee is required.

3. Certification must be renewed annually by the date shown on the face of the wallet card. (Note: This is the anniversary of the date that the registrant achieved CMS4S certification.) Payment is due at the CMS4S Administrative Office on or before this date. Renewal fees are considered late one month after this date.

4. The Renewal Fee is US$75.00. A late fee of US$25.00 per year will be added for late renewals. The renewal and late fees are subject to change.

Section 4. Revocation or Suspension of Certification

1. The right to revoke or suspend certification is vested in the CMS4S Council.

2. Certification may be revoked or suspended for any of the following reasons:

   1. Violations of the rules and regulations of the Code of Conduct and Ethics.

   2. Misrepresentation on an application or submission of incorrect information in any communication to CMS4S, Inc.

   3. Proven charges of incompetence.

3. Any action to deprive a certified individual of his/her status (for the reasons in Section 4.B) shall be handled according to the "Complaint and Hearing Procedure" contained in Section 3 of the Policies & Procedures.

4. Failure to renew registration as described in Article II, Section 3.D is a basis for suspension of certification. Reinstatement following a lapsed time can be obtained by submission of proper justification and payment of all past renewal fees including a late fee for each year. If renewal has lapsed for three (3) or more years, re-application forcertification will be necessary.

Section 5. Professional Development

1. CMS4S registrants are required to accumulate a minimum of thirty (30) professional development units (PDUs) over a two (2)-year period in order to maintain their credential.

2. The program relies on the honesty and integrity of each individual registrant.

3. Units must be earned in at least two different categories.

   1. Continuing education and training;

   2. Authorship of Publications, Presentations, Reports and Coursework;

   3. Professional Organizations/Activities;

   4. Work Experience.

4. Registrants holding other EnviroCert International, Inc. certifications (such as CPESC, CPSWQ or CESSWI) may be audited for all certifications.

5. Registrants who are selected to be audited for compliance with professional development requirements must submit their documentation to the Administrative Office within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the audit notice.

6. Registrants who fail to meet this requirement may have their certification suspended by action of the CMS4S Council. If the requested documentation is not received within ninety (90) calendar days, the registrant’s certification may be revoked by action of the CMS4S Council.

Section 6. Time Limit for Professional Certification

1. Applicants must complete certification requirements within one (1) year of receiving full certification candidacy.

2. An extension of time may be granted only for extraordinary reasons upon written petition to the ARC.