The www.CPSWQ.org web site has the following answer in their web site. 

• Enhance your professional credibility
• Promote public awareness of the storm water quality profession
• Have greater influence on policy decisions affecting technical and professional issues
• Gain access to unique sources of information and educational opportunities
• Improve your career opportunities by making more professional contacts
• Meet State, Local, or Project requirements
  

From our local instructor’s perspective, this certification would set you apart from the competition (there are only 8 CPSWQs in Washington State); it gives civil engineer PE’s a way to communicate their specialization in stormwater quality; and it gives scientists and other non-PE’s credentials that are similar to having a PE. Unlike the PE license, the CPSWQ applies nationally. 

You can learn more about the background of the CPSWQ Certification in the following link http://www.cpswq.org/cq-policy/sponsors.asp

The www.CPESC.org web site has a very similar answer as shown for the CPSWQ.

From our local instructor’s perspective, this certification would set you apart from those who have the Ecology’s CESCL because this certification is much more than a simple card showing that you attended a three day class once every three years. Like a professional engineering license this CPESC certification requires that you meet the specific experience and demonstrated knowledge in the field. Once you have the certification, there are specific continuing education requirements for annual renewal. As we state in the course ad, CPESC holders are recognized professionals and are exempt from also needing the CESCL. This certification would set you apart from the competition: there are currently 58 CPESC’s in Washington State.

First you must apply for the CPSWQ or CPESC Board approval to take the exam. This is time critical because it has an earlier deadline to give them 3 weeks to review and approve your application packet prior to the exam.  You must have the CPSWQ or CPESC Board approval letter in hand on exam day.

Signing up for the course and exam is more direct and may occur as late as 3 days before the course.

Submit your application to CPSWQ, LLC according to the steps as outlined in their web site: http://www.cpswq.org/cq-info/app-process.asp

Similarly, CPESC applications follow the steps outlined in the web site: http://www.cpesc.org/cc-info/app-process.asp

In this case, NWETC is the "sponsoring entity". Otherwise, the links provide a simple summary of what you can expect. Note that applications must be completed by February 25th to assure that you have the board approval in-hand as needed for the exam.

No. We have schedule the two Exam Review courses back-to-back. Sign up for one review course and exam:Those sitting for the CPSWQ exam would attend the Friday review course and have Saturday to study the materials before taking the exam on Sunday.Those sitting for the CPESC exam would attend the Saturday review course and take the exam on Sunday.

See additional FAQ responses in the CPSWQ and CPESC web sites: