QEP Credential
Send a strong signal to clients, employers, prospects and colleagues. Become a QEP.
The QEP is the first and only credential of its kind. It is a multi-media, multi-disciplinary, fully accredited credential that requires environmental professionals to see "the big picture" and to have the skills and knowledge to solve "real world problems". QEP General Information
Through the 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. QEP Value
The QEP is distinguished from other certifications by its multi-disciplinary nature, its qualifying education prerequisites, its rigorous application and examination process, and by its continuing education requirements for recertification. The QEP establishes standards for the established environmental professional and provides a beginner certification for new professionals entering the field.
The QEP is committed to:
- A strict code of ethics
- High standards of environmental practice
- Ongoing professional development
- Contributing to community and professional development
The QEP has demonstrated:
- Ability to solve complex environmental problems
- Awareness of multi-media impacts
- Broad based, multi-disciplinary understanding of environmental issues
- In-depth knowledge in his/her area of professional practice
IPEP offers two options for QEP examination. A 90-minute oral exam is available for those candidates with at least 15 years of professional experience. There is also a two-part written exam for those candidates with more than 5 years, but less than 15 years of professional experience. The written exam tests candidates knowledge of general environmental science as well as their knowledge in a specialty discipline of their choosing. Specialty exam choices include: Air Quality, Water Quality, Waste Management, or Environmental Science Management and Policy.
Oral Exam Requirements: Format
- A baccalaureate degree
- At least 15 years of subsequent professional environmental work experience acceptable to IPEP, at least 10 years of with must have been in a position of responsible charge. and,
- At least one of three required references must be supplied by a QEP.
Written Exam Requirements: Format
- A baccalaureate or equivalent degree in physical, earth or natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
- At least 5 years of subsequent professional environmental work experience.
OR
- At least 8 subsequent years of professional environmental work experience with a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than those listed above.
Preparing for the Exam:
IPEP has published a free Examination Guide outlining the subject material, to assist individuals in preparing for the written exam.There are also more specific Body of Knowledge materials for each specialty test.
Because the environmental protection field is a dynamic one and continues to advance, IPEP is committed to keeping both its outline of the "Body of Knowledge" (which lists the subject specific areas that a qualified environmental professional is expected to know and which is the focus of the written exams) and the written exams up to date. The next updated exams to be "rolled out" based on revisions to the underlying Body of Knowledge is the Air exams.
* The updated Air Exam will begin to be used sometime in Spring of 2010. The exact date of the switch to the updated Air Exam will be posted at least 2 months before the updated exams begin to be used.
The current Body of Knowledge for all exams can be found here:
QEP Part One/EPI General Science Body of Knowledge
QEP Part Two/ESM&P Body of Knowledge
QEP Part Two/Air Quality Body of Knowledge
The Air & Waste Management Association offers courses to assist individuals in preparing for the QEP and EPI written examinations. Environmental Practices Review Course
