CERTIFICATION vs. CERTIFICATE Certification Training Certificate Focus Assessing current knowledge and skills usually broad in scope Training individuals to achieve knowledge and skills (usually focused in scope) and assessing attainment of them Components Eligibility requirements Assessment Ongoing Requirements Course/s based on a defined curriculum Assessment Attributes Can be revoked Results in a designation Cannot be revoked No designation 1
APWA CERTIFICATION Certified Public Fleet Professional (CPFP) Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Certification Commission Certification Councils Strategic Plan Donald C. Stone Leadership Center PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Feasibility Study Job Practice Analysis Exam Development 2
Feasibility Study Determines the extent to which a credentialing program is viable by conducting research to assess 1. Stakeholder demand. 2. Existing competition. 3. Opportunities for collaboration with other organizations. 4. Organizational capacity to support such a program. Job Practice Analysis Determines and verifies what a group of professionals do (their responsibilities) and the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in accomplishing those responsibilities. Content Outline Specifications outline the content the test should cover and the relative emphasis it should place on each content area. Test specifications ensure the certification assessment accurately reflects what individuals do in a particular job, occupation, or profession. 3
Exam Development Item Writing Standard Setting Item Analysis Program Components Eligibility application process Multiple-choice examination Recertification application process Testing Computer-Based Testing Available in the United States and Canada. Paper/Pencil Exams Offered Annually at Congress. 4
Top 5 Reasons to Be Certified 1. It highlights your leadership as a professional and demonstrates your expertise. 2. It provides increased hiring potential on a national level. 3. It advances public works in your community. 4. It offers exclusive networking opportunities. 5. It continues your professional development, making you the best public works employee possible! 5
How Can Chapters Get Involved? Certification Presentation Chapter Library Study Groups Scholarships Awards/Recognition Program Promotes excellence in fleet management by advancing the knowledge and practice of public fleet professionals to benefit communities through quality fleet services. 6
Target Audience Public Fleet Professionals that supervise, manage, oversee and/or administer fleet services within or for a public fleet entity. Eligibility Requirements Completion of one of the following education and work experience pathways: High school graduation or equivalent and 9 years of relevant work experience* within the last 11 years Associate s degree or equivalent trade school certificate and 7 years of relevant work experience* within the last 9 years Bachelor s degree and 5 years of relevant work experience* within the last 9 years Master s or doctoral degree and 3 years of relevant work experience* within the last 5 years Agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions related to the practice of public fleet management. Payment of the current application fee. *Relevant work experience is that performed in the role of a fleet professional defined as one who supervises, manages, oversees, or administers fleet services within or for a public fleet entity. 7
Certification Fees Application Fee: APWA Member $195 USD Nonmember $245 USD Examination Fee $550 USD Recertification Fee: APWA Member $195 USD Nonmember $245 USD Exam Preparation Content Outline Recommended Reading List 8
Content Outline Operations (20%) General Management and Business (16%) Asset Management (17%) Financial Management (17%) Human Resource Management (10%) Risk Management (8%) Environmental Management (7%) Information Management and Technology Systems (5%) Operations (20%) Maintenance of Vehicle, Equipment, Facilities, and Fixed Equipment Parts Fuel and Lubricants Management Repair Policies and Strategies General Management and Business (16%) Strategic Planning, Business Planning, and Marketing Customer Service and Collaboration Ethics 9
Asset Management (17%) Needs Determination of Vehicle, Equipment, and Fixed Equipment Research Acquisition of Vehicle, Equipment, and Fixed Equipment Utilization of Vehicle, Equipment, and Fixed Equipment Replacement of Vehicle, Equipment, and Fixed Equipment Disposal of Vehicle, Equipment, and Parts Financial Management (17%) Budgeting Cost Recovery Fleet Operating Purchasing Vehicle Replacement Funding Record Keeping Staffing Human Resource Management (10%) Work Environment Employee Training Policies and Procedures 10
Risk Management (8%) Workplace Safety Management Vehicle Damage Contract Compliance Regulatory Compliance Environmental Management (7%) Shop Best Practices Regulatory Compliance Information Management and Technology Systems (5%) 11
Recertification Requirements Completion of a minimum of 100 units/hours of professional development or successful completion of the examination for recertification. Continued agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions related to the practice of public fleet management. Payment of the current recertification application fee. Completion of 3 years of relevant work experience within the last 5 years. 12
Tools for CPFPs Recertification Tracking Sheet Publishing & Speaking Opportunities CPFP InfoNOW Community 13
Target Audience Public Infrastructure Inspectors inspect the construction of public infrastructure and facilities and other types of construction work and materials to ensure compliance with plans and specifications. Eligibility Requirements Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Minimum five years of public infrastructure inspection field experience. Agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions related to the practice of public infrastructure inspection. Payment of the current application fee. 14
Certification Fees Application Fee: APWA Member $95 USD Nonmember $145 USD Examination Fee $350 USD Recertification Fee: APWA Member $95 USD Nonmember $145 USD Exam Preparation Content Outline Recommended Reading List 15
CPII Major Content Areas Testing, Measurement & Inspection Project Planning & Management Project Compliance & Documentation Testing, Measurement & Inspection 50% Underground Construction At-Grade Construction Structural Construction General Construction Project Planning & Management 25% Planning Management 16
Project Compliance & Documentation 25% Compliance Documentation Recertification Requirements Completion of a minimum of 5.0 continuing education units (50 hours of instruction) or successful completion of the examination for recertification. Continued agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions related to the practice of public infrastructure inspection. Payment of the current recertification application fee. 17
Tools for CPIIs Recertification Tracking Sheet Pre-Approved Continuing Education Courses CPII InfoNOW Community 18
CSM Target Audience Stormwater Managers coordinate and implement stormwater management programs for city, county, state, provincial, and federal agencies. These individuals assist in administering drainage, flood control, and water quality programs. Eligibility Requirements Completion of one of the following education and work experience pathways: High school graduation or equivalent and 7 years of relevant work experience* Associate s degree or equivalent trade school certificate and 5 years of relevant work experience* Bachelor s degree and 3 years of relevant work experience* Master s degree and 2 years of relevant work experience* Doctoral degree and 1 year of relevant work experience* Agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions. Payment of the current application fee. Certification Fees Application Fee: APWA Member $195 USD Nonmember $245 USD Examination Fee $550 USD Recertification Fee: APWA Member $195 USD Nonmember $245 USD 19
Exam Preparation Content Outline Recommended Reading List CSM Major Content Areas Program Management Water Quality & Quantity Operations & Maintenance 20
Program Management 45% Overall Stormwater Management Program Administration Communication/Education Planning and Design Water Quality & Quantity 45% Regulatory Programs Structural Best Management Practices Hydrology and Hydraulics Operations & Maintenance 10% 21
Recertification Requirements Completion of a minimum of 100 professional development hours or successful completion of the examination for recertification during the five-year period. Continued agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions. Payment of the current recertification application fee. Four years of continued employment as a stormwater manager within the five year recertification period. 22
Tools for CSMs Recertification Tracking Sheet Publishing & Speaking Opportunities CSM InfoNOW Community QUESTIONS? Additional Information: www.apwa.net/certification Becky Stein bstein@apwa.net Jill Boland jboland@apwa.net 23