How to Get Certified/Recertified/Reinstated in Erosion Control Practices

Video: "How to Get Certified in Erosion Control Practices by Maine DEP"

New Certification Process - 2025

Step #1: Provisional Certification: Complete Introductory Certification Course

To become certified in ESC, completion of an 8-hour training course, Basic and Advanced Erosion Control Practices, is required. Courses are posted on Training Schedule and Courses. Upon completion of the in-person course, participants will receive a provision certification for 1 calendar year. Provisional certification can only be used once, however, completion of the 8-hour training course will allow individuals to qualify for certification for an additional 3 years following class completion by demonstrating competency in erosion and sedimentation control.

Individuals taking the online certification course must apply for a 1-year provisional certification using the Provisional certification application (pdf)

Step #2: Demonstrate competency in the installation, inspection, or planning for site-specific erosion and sedimentation controls

Methods to Demonstrate Competency
Options for Erosion Control Installers (Contractors)
  1. Submit documentation of inspection of the contractor’s site by a person with active CPESC certification.
  2. Submit documentation of inspection of the contractor’s site by a Maine DEP Site 3rd Party Inspector or Third Party Inspector approved for construction-phase inspections by the MS4 town in which project is located
  3. Submit documentation of a successful compliance inspection by Maine DEP, Maine LUPC, or Maine DOT Environmental Office staff
  4. Photo demonstration: Submit multiple photos of a site under construction showing:
    1. sediment barriers installed prior to soil disturbance; and
    2. continued function of Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) BMPs during construction; and
    3. final, permanent stabilization of the site.
Option for Erosion Control Inspectors
  1. Submit documentation of an inspection you have performed of an active construction site that includes photographs of the entire site, identification of any required fixes or maintenance to BMPs on-site, documentation of proper BMP function, and evaluation of whether either a discharge from the project site or a discharge to natural resources was observed.
Options for Erosion Control Plan Preparers
  1. Submit documentation of acceptance of a SWPPP or ESC Plan prepared for: a MaineDOT Contract; a Maine DEP Stormwater Law or Site Law permit; or a LUPC permit.
  2. Documentation prepared by the creator of a SWPPP or ESC Plan that the contractor fully implemented the accepted plan.

 

Step #3: Submit Certification Application and attach Competency Demonstration from Step 2

Certification application (pdf)

Certification application packages can be submitted by email to john.maclaine@maine.gov or by mail to:

John Maclaine
Nonpoint Source Training Center
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
State House Station #17
Augusta, ME 04330-0017

Please allow 14 days for review of the submitted materials and any follow-up.

Active CPESC & CESSWI Certification

Due to the rigorous training and standards associated with the internationally-recognized Certified Professional in Erosion and Sedimentation Control (“CPESC”) and Certified Erosion, Sediment, & StormWater Inspector (“CESSWI”) programs, Maine DEP will grant certification to those who have obtained and maintain these certifications. Individuals with these certifications may request Maine DEP Certification in Erosion Control Practices by submitting an application and proof of active status. In order to maintain certification beyond the initial certification period, provide proof of active CPESC Status for a 3-year extension.

Recertification Process

Once full certification is achieved, it is initially valid for 3 years (expiring on December 31 in the third year of certification.

After the initial certification period, certification is maintained by completing Continuing Education Hours (“CEH”) either in-person or online. Each Continuing Education Hour completed will equal one year of re-certification. Online courses will each be worth one CEH and in-person classes will be assigned the number of qualifying Continuing Education Hours on a case-by-case basis.

Reinstatement of an Expired Certification (New!)

Expired certifications that were not renewed within the 6-month grace period can have their certification re-instated if they expired within the previous 5 years. To become reinstated, additional Continuing Education Hours will be required and afford you certification until December 31 of that calendar year (see table below for required credits, grace period applies). Once reinstated, individuals must maintain certification through the normal re-certification procedure. NOTE: Provisional certifications cannot be extended using continuing education hours

Length of Expiration Credit Hours for Reinstatement
Expired less than 1 year (*since end of 6 month Grace Period) 1
Expired more than 1 year, less than 3 years* 2
Greater than 3 years, less than 5 years* 3

Certification Revocation

Under certain circumstances, certification can be revoked. Revocation is likely if a formal enforcement action is taken against a certified individual or responsible person whose failure to employ satisfactory erosion and sediment control practices results in sedimentation of waterbodies or wetlands.

If an individual’s provisional certification is to be revoked, that individual may reapply for new certification after a period of at least 1 year has passed; however, they will not be given a provisional certification period.