CEPSCI Statewide Initial Certification 2026

The Certified Erosion Prevention & Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI) Program’s Statewide Initial Certification will qualify participants to conduct compliance inspections, under the current NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (SCR100000), upon completion of the CEPSCI course and the passing of the certification exam. 

Effective August 2026, the program format will expand to include additional instructional time on the second day for all Statewide Certification classes (SCR100000). Participants will now complete:

• Day One: Full day of classroom instruction 
• Day Two (Morning): Simulated site inspection
• Day Two (Afternoon): Certification examination (Now Open Book)

Certification Process 

1.    Series of classroom or online trainings
2.    Qualifying exam (typically the afternoon following the class)
3.    Grading and SC DES notification
4.    Issuance of certification (generally takes 1-2 weeks)

The one-and-a-half-day initial certification class will:

• Cover regulatory requirements related to NPDES Construction General Permit compliance in South Carolina
• Address techniques for construction site erosion prevention and sediment control
• Introduce environmentally effective techniques for different terrain and topography
• Demonstrate how to review grading, drainage plans, and BMP details
• Provide an overview of techniques and practices for conducting a thorough field inspection
• Help prepare participants for the exam, which is part of the process for becoming a SC Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector

Individuals will be automatically registered for the corresponding examination date at no additional cost.

Qualifying exams will be offered the afternoon following the class. Exams will be offered either in-person or online with respect to instructional delivery. Additional testing dates are available.

Dates
July 15-16, 2026 (Online)
August 12-13, 2026 (Columbia)
September 9-10, 2026 (Columbia)
October 14-15, 2026 (Columbia)
December 3-4, 2026 (Online)

Classes begin at 8:30am and conclude by 5:00pm
Certification exams begin at 1:00pm 

In-Person Classes and Testing

Location:    River Center at Saluda Shoals Park
                   5605 Bush River Road
                   Columbia, SC 29212

Online Classes and Testing

Online Class (Zoom):
•    Internet connection – broadband or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
•    Speakers and microphone – built-in, USB plug-in, or wireless Bluetooth
•    Webcam – built-in, USB plug-in, or See list of supported devices
•    A full listing of system requirements can be found HERE

Equipment Requirements for Online Testing using Honorlock:
Operating System:

• Windows 10+
• macOS 13+
• Chrome OS

Browser:
•    Google Chrome version 120+

Internet Speed:

• 750 Kbps download, 1.5 Mbps upload

Note: Honorlock is currently incompatible with:

• Mobile devices/Smartphones
• Tablets (including iPads and Android tablets)
•  Walmart Branded Camera (Onn / Surf Onn)
• Amcrest Cameras
• Nexigo Cameras

Please visit the CEPSCI Statewide Initial Certification webpage for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us.