Happy New Year from the EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) Board of Directors and Staff. We hope everyone is off to a strong and positive start to 2026.
ECI has prepared a summary of various tasks and projects that are currently underway in this article. We have listed the major headers and then provided a link to the more detailed discussion. We hope you find it informative.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs): As part of ECI’s ongoing effort to improve communication and transparency, ECI Certified Professionals may earn two (2) PDHs by reviewing this entire announcement. To receive PDHs:
- Fill out a self-certification form stating that you have read the full announcement.
- You may record the PDHs in your certification profile under Category (Self Study).
The PDH value reflects both the scope and depth of the material presented (approximately two hours of professional content). ECI welcomes feedback on this format and encourages Certified Professionals to share comments or suggestions at [email protected].
Program Updates and Forward-Looking Initiatives: The sections that follow this announcement provide updates on a number of initiatives that were advanced during 2025 and continue into 2026, particularly in areas where ECI has not issued recent detailed communications. Given the breadth of activity, this announcement is structured with MAJOR TOPIC HEADERS, followed by a more detailed summary accessible via embedded links.
ECI sincerely thanks its Certified Professionals, volunteers, committee members, and staff for their continued engagement, professionalism, and commitment to advancing environmental and stormwater standards worldwide. We look forward to another productive year ahead.
1. CONTINUED GROWTH AND OPERATIONAL ADVANCEMENT
2025 was an exceptionally busy and productive year for ECI and we expect this to continue through 2026. To support the advancement of multiple technical initiatives, ECI was fortunate to bring Butch Wilson out of retirement and to add two temporary staff members, Matt Chase and Mike Chase Jr. Their support enabled other ECI staff to focus on a wide range of program (Susanne Watson and Mike Kucharski) and administrative priorities (Dalton Parry, Dalton McPeters, and Grayson Goldsmith) necessary to sustain ECI’s continued growth.
As ECI’s operations have expanded, staff efforts in 2025 included:
- Development and refinement of detailed internal policies and procedures.
- Implementation of a new Learning Management System (LMS).
- Expansion and enhancement of the Certification Management System (CMS); and
- Ongoing accreditation-aligned governance and program oversight activities.
On an ongoing basis, ECI staff manages approximately fifteen (15) committee or council meetings per month, responds to an average of one hundred (100) to three hundred (300) emails and approximately one hundred (100) phone calls per day). These responsibilities are carried out alongside continuous program development and stakeholder support related to running a non-profit business.
ECI is proud of its dedicated and highly capable staff, who work diligently every day to support our Certified Professionals and to advance ECI’s mission and standards of practice.
2. ECI OFFICE RELOCATION AND FACILITY UPDATE
EnviroCert International (ECI) has successfully relocated its headquarters to a newer office facility in Sacramento, following the conclusion of its prior lease and the inability to reach new lease terms. The new office encompasses approximately 3,600 square feet and represents a strategic rightsizing aligned with ECI’s operational needs.
Melissa McKinney, ECI’s Chief Operating Officer, led the site selection and played an integral role in negotiating the new lease. Ms. McKinney noted:
“The new facilities are located in a newer office building with more current infrastructure and building systems. The relocation represents a significant reduction in rent while also providing a safer and more secure neighborhood environment.”
The new office is being configured to support general principles reviews, certification preparation, and exam sessions, enhancing ECI’s ability to host small-group technical activities and professional engagements.
ECI welcomes visits from certified professionals who may be in the Sacramento area and encourages members of the community to stop by when feasible. In addition, the ECI Board of Directors will host its Annual Board Meeting at the new office location later this month, marking an important milestone in the organization’s transition and continued growth.
3. EPA ADVOCACY – ECI SUBMITS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED RULES REDEFINING WOTUS
EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding the proposed rule defining Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) [Link].
The proposed rule was jointly issued by EPA and USACE and published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2025, with the public comment period closing on January 5, 2026. ECI’s submission reflects a technical, implementation-focused review of the proposed rule, informed by stormwater, erosion and sediment control, and watershed-scale engineering practice.
This submittal represents ECI’s ongoing commitment to advancing professional standards and providing technically grounded input on regulatory frameworks that directly affect certified professionals engaged in stormwater management, construction compliance, and water quality protection.
ECI commends EPA and USACE for their management of this complex regulatory effort and looks forward to continued engagement with the agencies, certified professionals, and other stakeholders as this issue advances.
4. DEFENSE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND REGULATORY INTEGRITY (2025–2026) & REINSTATEMENT OF THE STATE COMMITTEES
During 2025, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) dedicated substantial organizational resources to addressing significant regulatory changes adopted by the California State Water Resources Control Board under the Construction General Permit. These changes eliminated education and experience requirements for Qualified SWPPP Practitioners (QSPs) and Qualified SWPPP Developers (QSDs), citing the need to expand the available workforce.
ECI raised concerns early and directly with the State regarding the technical, professional, and public-interest implications of these changes. While ECI supports workforce development and broader participation in the profession, our position has remained consistent and unequivocal: expanding access must not come at the expense of competence, accountability, or environmental protection.
Transparency and Public Accountability
A central concern throughout this process has been the lack of transparency in how these regulatory changes were developed, evaluated, and adopted. For regulatory frameworks to maintain public trust and achieve durable environmental outcomes, the decision-making process must be open, well-documented, and accessible to practitioners and the public. Transparent processes allow stakeholders to understand the rationale for changes, evaluate associated risks, and participate meaningfully in the evolution of professional standards.
ECI has consistently advocated for clear technical justification, documented decision-making, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Absent transparency, regulatory changes risk functioning as de facto underground regulation, undermining confidence in both the regulatory system and the professionals tasked with implementation.
Defense of Professional Standards
Throughout this process, ECI was openly critical of decisions that materially lowered professional qualification standards for individuals responsible for stormwater compliance, erosion and sediment control, and water quality protection. In doing so, ECI encountered opposition from certain special-interest groups, including for-profit training providers, building organizations, and private entities—many of which stand to benefit financially from reduced qualification thresholds.
Despite these pressures, ECI remained steadfast in its role as an independent, non-profit professional certification body. Our mission is not driven by revenue, market share, or popularity. It is grounded in the stewardship of professional standards, the protection of public health and safety, and the advancement of science-based environmental practice.
Rather than relying on independent non-profits and NGOs with established governance structures, validation processes, and quality controls, the State’s actions, whether intended or not, shifted training and qualification pathways toward for-profit entities. In ECI’s professional assessment, many of these programs lack the rigor, transparency, and accountability historically required for professional credentialing and appear motivated primarily by business considerations rather than instructional integrity or public benefit.
Education and Public Awareness
ECI believes that science-based education and public awareness are essential components of effective environmental regulation. Throughout 2025 and continuing into 2026, ECI has invested significant effort in educating Certified Professionals, agencies, decision-makers, and the public regarding the implications of reduced qualification standards and the importance of maintaining professional competence in stormwater management.
This educational role includes publishing technical analyses, providing expert input, supporting Certified Professionals with accurate information, and promoting informed public dialogue. ECI will continue to prioritize education as a means of improving transparency, strengthening accountability, and supporting sound regulatory outcomes.
Commitment Moving into 2026
These efforts required a meaningful investment of staff time and organizational resources and, at times, diverted attention from other initiatives. ECI considers this work essential to its mission. Raising concerns, documenting risks, educating stakeholders, and addressing deficiencies in transparency are responsibilities inherent to a standards-setting organization.
As ECI moves into 2026, the organization remains fully committed to:
- Defending the credibility, integrity, and value of ECI Certified Professionals
- Upholding rigorous, objective, and science-based professional standards
- Promoting transparent, accountable regulatory processes
- Engaging constructively—but firmly—with regulators, agencies, and stakeholders
- Continuing public education and awareness efforts related to stormwater quality and environmental protection
- Ensuring regulatory frameworks support long-term environmental protection rather than short-term expediency
State and Regional Representative Program (Reinstatement)
To further strengthen transparency, communication, and practitioner engagement, ECI will be reinstating its State Representative Program. Under this program, State and Regional Representatives will convene on a quarterly basis to advise ECI leadership, discuss emerging regulatory and professional issues, and provide region-specific insight into challenges affecting Certified Professionals and regulatory implementation.
In the coming months, ECI staff will be contacting current and former State Representatives to determine continued interest in participating in the program. In addition, ECI will be soliciting volunteers from within the organization to serve on State and Regional Committees, expanding opportunities for Certified Professionals to engage directly in policy discussion, standards development, and professional advocacy.
This program is intended to provide a structured, transparent forum for two-way communication—ensuring that ECI remains informed by on-the-ground experience while giving Certified Professionals a meaningful voice in advancing professional standards and regulatory integrity.
5. ECI ACQUIRES THE IAHP MEMERSHIP AND CHP CERTIFICATION
ECI was approached by the Board of the Certified Hydroseed Professionals (CHP) and the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals. ECI was selected to acquire the CHP program which was then integrated into the Hydromulch Program that ECI was developing. The program underwent an additional year of revisions resulting in the development and subsequent release of the Certified Professional in Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (CPHECP) certification.
ECI will be incorporating the IAHP membership group into the new and upcoming membership group, International Association of Water and Environmental Professionals (IAWEP).
A special thanks is extended to Mr. Ron Ciolfi, Mr. Chris Thompson, and Mr. Ray Badger for their hard work and efforts regarding this acquisition.
6. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION RENEWAL FEES AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) is an independent, self-sustaining professional certification organization. Annual renewal fees—typically ranging from $100 to $200 per year, depending on the certification—are necessary to support the ongoing operation, maintenance, and advancement of ECI’s professional certification programs.
Unlike state-licensed professions such as Professional Engineers (PEs), whose licensure systems are supported and administered at the state level and limited to operation within individual jurisdictions, ECI certifications are administered nationally and internationally, with active Certified Professionals across the United States and forty-four (44) additional countries. This global scope requires continuous investment in governance, exam maintenance, credential administration, and program oversight without reliance on government subsidy.
Use of Renewal Fees
Annual renewal fees directly support:
- Development, review, and periodic updating of certification programs, exams, and technical content in response to evolving industry needs and stakeholder requests.
- Training and education resource development, including study materials, technical modules, and continuing professional development frameworks.
- Accreditation-aligned governance and administrative functions, ensuring independence, impartiality, and program defensibility.
- International program administration, including credential tracking, recertification oversight, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Nonprofit and Volunteer Governance Structure
ECI is organized as a California nonprofit 501(c)(6) professional organization. The organization:
- Has no shareholders and distributes no profits.
- Is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
- Is led by a volunteer President and CEO.
All revenue generated by ECI is reinvested directly into the development, maintenance, and promotion of professional certification programs, and into advancing standards of practice across the industry.
Leadership and Professional Standards
ECI is widely recognized as an industry-leading professional certification body dedicated to raising standards of education, ethics, and technical competence in the stormwater and environmental fields. While other organizations may attempt to replicate aspects of ECI’s programs, there are currently no other international stormwater certification organizations that meet the accreditation-compliant standards established and maintained by ECI.
Commitment to Certified Professionals and Environmental Protection
All ECI initiatives are undertaken with the express purpose of:
- Advancing the careers and professional credibility of Certified Professionals.
- Supporting sound, science-based decision-making; and
- Helping to protect and preserve natural resources and environmental quality.
Despite claims to the contrary by certain special-interest groups, multiple studies continue to demonstrate that stormwater quality—outside of limited, localized exceptions—continues to decline. ECI maintains that science-based standards and public awareness are essential to any realistic and durable improvement in environmental outcomes and continues to prioritize both.
Fee Stewardship, Efficiency, and Workforce Data
ECI remains committed to responsible financial stewardship. The organization will continue to review fees and operational expenses to identify opportunities for increased efficiency while maintaining program quality and accreditation alignment. In addition, ECI will be conducting a detailed salary review across multiple certification disciplines in 2026 to better understand compensation trends and professional value in the marketplace.
Participation from Certified Professionals is critical to the success of this effort. ECI respectfully requests that all certificants participate in the upcoming salary survey, as the results will help inform workforce advocacy, program development, and data-driven discussions with agencies, employers, and academic partners.
Comparative Fee Analysis
ECI has performed a comparative fee analysis and determined that its renewal fees fall within the mid-range of professional certification organizations, reflecting a balanced approach between affordability and the requirements of maintaining a robust, independent, and internationally recognized certification system.
7. ECI LAUNCHES TWO NEW CERTIFICATIONS CONSTRUCTION INSTALLER PROGRAMS IN DECEMBER 2025
In December 2025, ECI launch two new Certifications based on continued industry and regulatory demands.
Certified Professional in Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (CPHECP): This certification was developed as result of technical content provided under an agreement by Profile Products who promoted the need for international standards for Hydromulch techniques. With the acquisition of the CHP, ECI developed this program. The CIHECP program provides foundational knowledge and installation principles applicable across sectors involved in erosion control, stormwater management, and land-disturbance activities. Developed with input from experienced practitioners and key representatives throughout the HECP industry, the program reflects current practices, installation expectations, and real-world field applications.
President Robert Anderson provided the following statement: “ECI was fortunate to not only acquire the Profile Products program but the CHP program in our effort to establish international standards and an associated Professional Certification. Two Steering Committees and a series of Back-Check Committees and groups consisting of some of the leading experts in the field along with several members of ECI staff were assembled and put forth a tremendous amount of time and energy to develop this program.
A special thanks is extended to Mr. Jim O’Tousa, ECI Secretary and Director, and Mr. Ron Ciolfi, Regional Sales Manager, Finn Corporation for their hard work and leadership on the steering committees. ECI is very fortunate for the hard work and effort of these individuals.”
The program will be available online through ECI’s Certified Management System (CMS) and will consist of approximately six (6) to eight (8) hours of videos and PowerPoint presentations. ECI staff prepared a Resource Manual for this program. There will be a series of exam questions after every chapter.
ECI has kicked off a steering committee to prepare a design certification for HECP.
Certified Professional Installer of Erosion and Sediment Control (CPIESC): This credential supports industry-wide training needs and reinforces the importance of proper erosion and sediment control MPs installation and provides foundational knowledge and installation principles applicable across sectors involved in soil preparation, erosion control, and stormwater management on active construction and land-disturbance activities. Developed with John McCullah’s “The ABCs of BMP Installation” and “The Best of BMPs Summit” courses, the program reflects current practices, installation expectations, and proper technique and methodology for MP installation. The program also supports professional growth and workforce development by opening access to high-demand career opportunities in environmental protection, construction, and stormwater management.
8. CPSWQ UPDATED AND DIRECTIONAL FOCUS
EnviroCert International (ECI) has been actively evaluating and updating the Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) program to ensure it continues to serve as the industry’s flagship certification for stormwater quality and management.
In 2025, ECI prepared a comprehensive draft update to the Stormwater Quality (SWQ) program that included a significant Green Infrastructure (GI) design component. Following extensive internal review, technical analysis, and consultation with a broad range of industry experts, ECI has determined that while GI design concepts will remain part of the program, the CPSWQ will primarily emphasize core, integrated stormwater quality (SWQ) principles and traditional mitigation frameworks that are foundational to effective stormwater management.
Robert Anderson, President of ECI, stated:
“The CPSWQ program is an industry flagship certification for stormwater quality and management related to mitigation measures and implementation approaches. ECI has undertaken a significant effort to update and strengthen the program to address emerging technical, regulatory, and environmental challenges associated with stormwater quality management.
A critical part of this effort has been more clearly defining the practices that fall within the scope of the CPESC program and, conversely, those that properly belong within the CPSWQ. These programs were developed at an earlier stage in the industry’s evolution, and ECI recognized the need to refine their respective scopes to maintain technical integrity, clarity, and professional rigor.”
As part of this update, ECI has retained the foundational CPSWQ Certification Committee modules while expanding the program to include enhanced technical content in the following areas:
- Soil erosion processes and mechanisms
- Soil formation, classification, and basic soil mechanics
- Hydrology and watershed processes
- Surface water pollutants and pollutant transport
- Stream and channel restoration fundamentals
- Water sampling methods, data quality, and analytics
- Sediment trap and sediment basin design principles
- Coastal processes and shoreline dynamics
- Climate resilience and adaptive stormwater management strategies
These additions are intended to reinforce the CPSWQ’s role as a comprehensive certification focused on stormwater quality, pollutant mitigation, and system-level understanding, while maintaining appropriate alignment with complementary certifications.
ECI anticipates releasing the updated SWQ Manual for public comment within the next three (3) months, following final internal review, formatting, and module audio recording.
9. CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY TREATMENT (CPATT)
In 2018, EnviroCert International (ECI) initiated development of an add-on certification program intended to standardize the design, operation, and field implementation of advanced stormwater treatment systems, with a particular focus on active treatment technologies used in sediment and turbidity control.
To support this effort, MC Environmental and Clear Water Technologies (CWT) were retained to prepare the initial manuscript addressing active treatment system design, deployment, and basin-level operations.
As treatment technologies continued to evolve, particularly in the area of passive treatment systems, ECI retained Geosyntec Consultants in 2020 to develop a companion draft manuscript addressing passive treatment approaches. During this phase, ECI identified substantial challenges related to the lack of consistent industry standards, limited peer-reviewed science, and variable field performance associated with passive treatment technologies. These concerns necessitated additional technical evaluation and resulted in measured delays to ensure the credibility and defensibility of the certification program.
Following extensive research, technical vetting, and refinement, ECI is now finalizing the first industry-recognized manual dedicated to advanced stormwater treatment technologies. The CPATT manual is currently approximately eighty-five (85) percent complete, and the associated exam blueprint and competency framework are nearing completion.
ECI anticipates formally launching the Certified Professional in Advanced Technology Treatment (CPATT) credential within the next two to three months, providing the industry with a long-needed professional standard focused on advanced treatment system design, implementation, and operational oversight.
10. ECI IS RELEASING MODULES FOR THE DESIGN OF SEDIMENT TRAPS AND SEDIMENT BASIN
In 2023, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) retained Professor Michael Perez of Auburn University to develop foundational technical chapters addressing the design, sizing, and functional performance of sediment basins and sediment traps. These chapters were prepared to reflect current engineering principles, regulatory expectations, and constructability considerations encountered in active construction environments.
ECI has since expanded this material to strengthen its alignment with professional practice standards, incorporating detailed design logic, performance-based considerations, and common field challenges. A comprehensive set of exam questions has been developed directly from this content to ensure certified professionals demonstrate not only conceptual understanding, but also the ability to apply sediment basin and trap design principles in real-world project conditions.
The finalized chapters are being incorporated into the Certified Professional in Advanced Treatment Technology (CPATT) and Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) programs and will be added to the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) program. For professionals pursuing inspection-focused credentials, ECI will further develop an inspector-oriented version emphasizing plan review, installation verification, operational performance, and compliance assessment for inclusion in the Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) program.
Collectively, this material reinforces ECI’s commitment to ensuring that certification exams directly reflect the technical decisions, judgment, and accountability required of certified professionals, bridging the gap between design theory, regulatory compliance, and field implementation.
11. CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (CPWPC) FINAL RELEASE
In 2020, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) retained Jacobs Consulting to prepare a technical draft for what is now the Certified Professional in Water Pollution Control (CPWPC) program. This certification was developed in response to extensive research and documented demand from federal and state agencies, reflecting a growing need for professionals who can address surface water pollution beyond traditional stormwater frameworks.
The program underwent multiple rounds of review by an international steering committee, with detailed technical assessments leading to expanded studies and refinement of the program scope. As a result of this process, ECI has finalized the certification framework as a surface water pollutant–focused professional credential, emphasizing pollutant sources, transport mechanisms, regulatory interfaces, and applied mitigation strategies across a broad range of environments.
CPWPC represents a significant milestone for ECI as it is the first professional certification to extend beyond stormwater-specific practice areas, formally recognizing the interdisciplinary responsibilities increasingly placed on environmental and water-quality professionals. For certified professionals, this means exam content will test applied understanding of surface water pollution control principles, regulatory expectations, and cross-sector implementation challenges encountered in real-world practice.
ECI anticipates submitting the CPWPC program to ANSI for accreditation within the next year, reinforcing the program’s credibility, defensibility, and long-term recognition. Concurrently, ECI is in active discussions with colleges and universities, with expectations that the program will expand into multiple industries and professional sectors due to its technical depth and breadth.
The CPWPC program is expected to be completed within the next two to three months, with training modules recorded and the certification examination finalized for delivery through Prometric, bringing the exam live online prior to June 2026. ECI views this certification as a critical advancement in professional standards and is enthusiastic about its role in elevating applied surface water pollution control practice across the environmental field.
12. WATER SAMPLING, MONITORING, AND TESTING METHODOLOGIES & MATH MODULES
EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) has developed a comprehensive set of technical modules addressing water sampling, monitoring, and testing methodologies. In addition, ECI has developed a series of specialized math modules to assist our certified professionals.
These modules are designed to reinforce applied competency, data integrity, and regulatory defensibility across a wide range of water quality–related professional roles.
The modules will be incorporated into multiple ECI certifications, including CESSWI, CPESC, CPSWQ, CPISM, and CPWPC, and are being provided as a direct benefit to ECI Certified Professionals. While the core technical principles are consistent, exam emphasis and application will be tailored to the responsibilities associated with each certification.
What This Means for Certified Professionals
For Certified Professionals, inclusion of these modules means:
- Greater technical consistency across certifications – Certified Professionals can expect a common, standardized approach to sampling, monitoring, and testing practices, reducing variability, and improving defensibility across jurisdictions and project types.
- Exam content aligned with real-world responsibilities – Certification examinations will assess practical understanding of sampling methods, monitoring protocols, quality control, and data interpretation as they are applied in field inspections, program oversight, and compliance decision-making.
- Improved regulatory credibility – Certified Professionals will be better equipped to produce and evaluate water quality data that withstands agency review, audit, and enforcement scrutiny.
- Clear role-based expectations – Inspectors, designers, program managers, and compliance professionals will see exam content and guidance aligned with how sampling and monitoring responsibilities are actually performed in practice.
- Professional mobility and confidence – Consistent exposure to validated sampling and monitoring principles across certifications supports career progression and cross-sector credibility.
Collectively, these modules reinforce ECI’s commitment to ensuring its certifications measure professional competence rather than training attendance, and that Certified Professionals are prepared to make technically sound, defensible decisions related to water quality monitoring and reporting.
13. RELEASE OF THE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (CPGI) IS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR LATE-FALL 2026
Following extensive studies evaluating the integration of Green Infrastructure (GI) with Stormwater Quality (SWQ) practice areas, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) is reorganizing and advancing the development of the first international standards–based Green Infrastructure (GI) design manual. This effort is intended to establish a consistent, defensible technical foundation for GI planning, design, and performance evaluation across jurisdictions and sectors.
ECI will release additional information regarding the structure, technical content, and development milestones of the GI standards and associated certification as the program progresses. Based on current timelines, ECI anticipates releasing the new GI professional certification in Fall 2026.
This initiative reflects ECI’s broader commitment to expanding professional standards beyond traditional stormwater frameworks and to developing internationally relevant, practice-based certifications that align with regulatory expectations, infrastructure investment trends, and evolving environmental performance requirements.
14. ECI IS PREPARING AUDIO/VIDEO MODULES FOR EACH CHAPTER FOR EACH CERTIFICATION
ECI is preparing audio and video recordings for each certification module to support consistent, high-quality content delivery across its professional certification programs. These recordings are developed using ECI’s standardized PowerPoint presentations and delivered through Zoom, enabling fully online, on-demand access for certification applicants and Certified Professionals.
What This Means for Certified Professionals and Applicants
- Flexible, self-paced learning – Modules may be reviewed at the applicant’s convenience, allowing professionals to balance preparation with work and field responsibilities.
- Consistent instruction across programs – Recorded modules ensure that all candidates receive the same technical explanations, terminology, and emphasis, regardless of location or schedule.
- Improved exam readiness – Audio/video delivery reinforces key concepts, design logic, and regulatory considerations that are directly reflected in certification examinations.
- Ongoing reference value – Certified Professionals can revisit modules as refresher content to support field decisions, inspections, documentation, and program management activities.
- Enhanced accessibility and continuity – On-demand delivery supports professionals in multiple time zones and reduces barriers to participation while maintaining ECI’s instructional standards.
This approach reflects ECI’s commitment to modernizing certification delivery while preserving the rigor, consistency, and professional accountability expected of independent, ANSI-aligned professional certification programs.
15. ANAB (PREVIOUSLY ANSI) APPROVES NGICP CERTIFICATION FIVE (5) YEARS AUDIT
EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) has a long-standing commitment to developing and administering independent, defensible professional certification programs aligned with nationally recognized accreditation standards. This commitment is demonstrated through ECI’s governance structure, exam development processes, recertification requirements, and continuous program oversight across its certification portfolio.
A key milestone in this alignment occurred following a comprehensive five-year program audit of the NGICP, after which ECI Chief Operating Officer Melissa McKinney and Vice President of Administration Logan Holland completed and submitted the accreditation application that was subsequently approved by ANAB (formerly ANSI). This approval reflects successful independent evaluation of ECI’s certification administration against rigorous accreditation criteria, including governance independence, psychometric validity, impartiality safeguards, examination security, and recertification controls.
The NGICP audit and ANAB approval serve as a foundational benchmark for ECI’s broader certification ecosystem. Lessons learned, audit findings, and validated processes from this accreditation cycle have been systematically integrated into the design, maintenance, and governance of ECI’s other professional certifications. As a result, ECI certifications are structured to be ANSI-aligned by design, even where formal accreditation is being pursued on a staged or program-specific basis.
Across its certifications, ECI applies:
- Documented job-task and practice analyses to ensure exam content reflects real-world professional responsibilities.
- Psychometrically sound examination development and maintenance to support defensibility and reliability.
- Independent governance and conflict-of-interest controls consistent with accreditation expectations.
- Defined recertification and continuing professional development requirements to ensure ongoing competence; and
- Continuous improvement protocols informed by audits, stakeholder input, and regulatory evolution.
ECI’s experience with ANAB approval following a multi-year independent audit provides assurance to public agencies, private employers, and academic institutions that ECI possesses the institutional capacity, governance maturity, and technical rigor required to administer ANSI-aligned professional certifications at scale. This alignment supports workforce consistency, regulatory confidence, and cross-sector recognition of certified professionals.
As ECI advances additional certifications toward formal accreditation, the organization continues to rely on the same validated frameworks, internal controls, and audit-tested processes established through its accredited programs. This approach ensures continuity, credibility, and long-term recognition of ECI certifications as trusted benchmarks of professional competence.
16. ECI RESUBMITTING AN UPDATED ANAB (ANSI) EXTENSION FOR CPESC, CESSWI, AND QSM
ECI will be resubmitting a scope extension application to ANAB this year to include theCertified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI), and Qualified Stormwater Manager (QSM)certifications.
This scope extension builds directly upon ECI’s existing ANSI/ANAB-aligned governance framework and its successful experience navigating comprehensive multi-year program audits. The resubmittal reflects ECI’s continued refinement of job-task analyses, exam development, impartiality safeguards, recertification requirements, and program oversight across its certification portfolio.
By advancing these certifications through the ANAB scope extension process, ECI reinforces its commitment to ensuring that its credentials meet nationally recognized accreditation standards, providing public agencies, private-sector employers, and academic institutions with confidence that ECI certifications represent independent, defensible measures of professional competence.
17. CORPORATE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM REVISION AND RE-ISSUANCE
In 2020, when EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) acquired the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP), the transaction included an associated Green Infrastructure (GI) Corporate Compliance component. Early implementation efforts—including collaboration with the City of New Orleans—identified structural and administrative challenges within the original corporate compliance framework that limited its consistency, defensibility, and alignment with internationally recognized accreditation principles.
As a result, ECI initiated a comprehensive restructuring of the corporate compliance program to ensure alignment with the intent and structure of ANSI and ISO/IEC 17024, which emphasize independence, impartiality, competence-based evaluation, and separation of training from certification decision-making.
Reorganized Corporate Certification Framework
ECI has restructured its organizational certification offerings into two clearly defined program areas:
- Green Infrastructure / Stormwater Quality
- Erosion and Sediment Control
These corporate certifications are designed to complement—rather than replace—individual professional certification and are structured to support ANSI / ISO 17024–compliant personnel certification systems.
Alignment with ANSI / ISO 17024 Principles
Under the revised framework, organizations applying for ECI Corporate Compliance Certification are evaluated against criteria that are explicitly aligned with ISO/IEC 17024 concepts, including:
- Support of independently certified personnel – Organizations must demonstrate policies that recognize, support, and maintain independently certified professionals rather than relying solely on internal or proprietary training.
- Impartiality and role separation – Corporate certification does not grant or imply individual certification authority, preserving the independence required under ANSI / ISO accreditation models.
- Competence-based training support – Organizational policies must align internal training and professional development with recognized job-task competencies validated through independent certification.
- Continuing professional development (CPD) – Companies must demonstrate structured support for ongoing education and recertification requirements consistent with accredited personnel certification programs.
- Documented procedures and accountability – Corporate applicants must maintain written policies and procedures that support quality control, ethical practice, and consistent technical application across projects.
Purpose and Industry Value
ECI Corporate Compliance Certification provides a programmatic assurance mechanism for agencies, owners, and regulators seeking confirmation that an organization has institutionalized support for accredited professional standards. While ISO/IEC 17024 applies to individual personnel certification, ECI’s corporate framework is intentionally designed to reinforce, not dilute, those principles at the organizational level.
This approach:
- Promotes industry-wide consistency in technical practice.
- Elevates the role and value of ECI Certified Professionals within organizations.
- Reduces reliance on non-independent or training-for-profit credentialing models; and
- Strengthens confidence among regulators, clients, and the public.
Commitment to Professional Standards
By explicitly aligning its corporate compliance programs with ANSI and ISO/IEC 17024 principles, ECI is reinforcing its commitment to independent certification, defensible professional qualifications, and internationally recognized standards of practice. This alignment ensures that both individuals and organizations contribute meaningfully to improved environmental performance, regulatory compliance, and professional accountability.
18. MARKETING OUTREACH: ANSI-ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS: PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND ACADEMIC OUTREACH BRIEF
EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) is advancing its portfolio of professional certifications and anticipates submitting select credentials to ANSI for accreditation progressively over the next few years. ANSI accreditation represents the highest level of third-party validation for professional certification programs in the United States and confirms that a credential meets nationally recognized requirements for governance, independence, psychometric validity, and ongoing program oversight.
Value of ANSI Accreditation for the Public Sector
For federal, state, and local agencies, ANSI accreditation provides confidence that ECI certifications:
- Are grounded in documented job-task and practice analyses reflective of real regulatory, compliance, and operational responsibilities.
- Use defensible, statistically validated examinations that reliably measure professional competence.
- Are administered under independent governance and conflict-of-interest controls appropriate for public institutions.
- Include recertification and continuing professional development requirements, supporting consistency, accountability, and workforce resilience.
ANSI-accredited certification enables agencies to reference a nationally validated credential when establishing minimum qualifications, procurement criteria, contractor prequalification standards, or internal professional development policies—reducing institutional risk and strengthening regulatory defensibility.
Value of ANSI Accreditation for the Private Sector
For private consulting firms, developers, utilities, industrial operators, and environmental service providers, ANSI accreditation ensures that ECI certifications:
- Validate professional competence rather than training attendance.
- Support risk management, quality assurance, and defensibility of technical decisions.
- Provide a credible, portable benchmark for staff qualifications across jurisdictions.
- Strengthen proposals, contracts, and regulatory engagement by demonstrating adherence to nationally recognized professional standards.
Private-sector organizations benefit from credentials that align workforce qualifications with evolving regulatory expectations while enhancing credibility with clients, agencies, and insurers.
Value of ANSI Accreditation for Universities and Academic Institutions
For colleges and universities, ANSI-aligned ECI certifications provide a structured bridge between academic instruction and applied professional practice. These certifications allow institutions to:
- Align curriculum outcomes with nationally validated workforce competencies.
- Support students and practitioners pursuing independent, third-party professional credentials.
- Integrate certification preparation into degree programs or continuing education offerings without compromising academic independence.
- Demonstrate applied relevance to employers, agencies, and accrediting bodies.
ECI is actively engaging academic partners to explore curriculum alignment, continuing education pathways, and cooperative program models consistent with ANSI accreditation principles.
Cross-Sector Applicability
ECI certifications are designed to support professionals working across public agencies, private industry, consulting, infrastructure operations, environmental compliance, and applied pollution control disciplines. ANSI accreditation reinforces the consistency and credibility of these certifications across jurisdictions and sectors.
Commitment to Independent Professional Standards
ECI’s pursuit of ANSI accreditation reflects a long-standing commitment to independent, transparent, and defensible professional certification. ECI certifications are designed to objectively validate professional competence—rather than training completion—providing public agencies, private employers, and academic institutions with a trusted, nationally recognized benchmark for professional qualification.