ASTM Certified Environmental Professional (ASTM-CEP)
ASTM International’s Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) certification is designed specifically for those performing Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). This certification verifies your mastery of ASTM’s Phase I Environmental Site Assessment standard (E1527), E1528, and E2247. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or looking to advance your career, this credential sets you apart as a trusted authority.
Environmental due diligence is critical for developers, lenders, and property owners. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations, having the CEP certification assures your clients and employers of your proficiency in applying this standard.
ASTM’s Certified Environmental Professional certification requirements align with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) regulation, ensuring compliance with 40 CFR 312.10—a crucial benchmark in environmental consulting.
ASTM Certification Requirements
ASTM will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both of the following requirements:
- Verification of education and experience
- A passing grade on the ASTM written certification examination.
ASTM Environmental Online Training
For those organizations looking for on-going training in Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Practices For Commercial Real Estate: Phase I Site Assessment & Transaction Screen — eLearning Course
- Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment eLearning Program
ASTM Program Outline for Certified Environmental Professional
- Describe meaning & significance of good commercial and customary practice
- Describe meaning of & significance of the All Appropriate Inquiries
- Describe the CERCLA liability scheme
- Identify and describe the landowner liability protections
- Identify defendant obligations (including continuing obligations)
- Identify purpose of environmental due diligence
- Identify the (10) criteria established by Congress for AAI
ASTM E1527 – Basics
- Describe E1527’s shelf-life scheme
- Describe how E1527 addresses/reconciles state vs national issues
- Describe significance of EP discretion & judgement and where it might apply
- Describe what level of certainty is provided by E1527
- Identify purpose and scope of an E1527 Phase I
- Identify some of the Phase I scoping issues (eg access/confidentiality, non-scope, etc)
- Identify the elements of an E1527 Phase I
Government Records
- Describe E1527’s provisions for reducing search distances
- Describe the significance of, and requirements for agency file review
- Describe what EP should do when sites are identified w/in specified search distance
- Identify standard federal, state and records
Historical Records
- Describe purpose of gathering & evaluating historical records
- Describe requirements for developing history of subject property/adjoining property/area
- Describe scope of required historical records research and level of detail required in report
- Identify standard historical sources (and big “four”)
Interviews
- Describe purpose & scope (content, medium, timing) for govt official interviews
- Describe purpose & scope (content, medium, timing) for owner/occupant interviews
- Identify government official interviewees
- Identify requirements for multi-tenant interviews
Non-Scope Items
- Describe how/when non-scope item can become in-scope (e.g., when does asbestos become in-scope)
- Describe meaning and significance of Business Environmental Risk
- Describe what is meant by non-scope item, and provide examples
- Describe purpose for, and significance of reviewing physical setting information
- Identify standard physical setting resources
Records Review
- Define reasonably ascertainable
- Identify the E1527 provisions for reliance and records verification
Report Preparation
- Describe process of identifying and addressing data gaps
- Describe requirement for and significance of the concluding statement in report
- Describe requirements for recommendations
- Identify meaning of and differences between limitations, deviations, and data gaps
- Identify requirements for maps & photos in reports
- Identify the required report elements
- Summarize data gap vs significant data gap
Site Reconnaissance
- Describe ground rules (e.g., building interior, exterior, roads/paths, etc)
- Describe requirements for reconnaissance of adjoining properties
- Establish & document methodology for site reconnaissance
- Identify exceptions to site reconnaissance
- Identify requirements for multi-tenant site reconnaissance
- Identify requirements for site photos
- Identify the required features, activities, uses, and conditions
Terminology
- Analyze fact pattern and determine if scenario represents a REC/CREC/HREC/de minimin/finding (5-10 different scenarios)
- Define “adjoining property”
- Define “Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition” and explain meaning
- Define “de minimis condition” and explain meaning
- Define “Environmental Professional” and describe role and responsibilities
- Define “material threat” and explain meaning
- Define “Recognized Environmental Condition” and explain meaning
- Define “release” and explain meaning
- Define “significant data gap” and explain meaning
- Define Historical “Recognized Environmental Condition” and explain meaning
- Discuss meaning of “likely” (likely presence)
User Responsibilities
- Describe user vs client
- Describe title search obligations
- Identify User responsibilities and the user questionnaire”
Create a Customized Training or Certification Program With ASTM
Recognizing that every organization has unique needs, ASTM offers customizable training packages for whether you’re certifying one team member or an entire department, our training can be tailored to focus on the specific challenges your business faces.
From foundational principles to advanced applications of ASTM standards, we provide the flexibility to ensure your team gets the most relevant and effective training possible directly from those who write the standards.
Investing in a certification or customized online training program is not just about meeting industry standards—it’s about building credibility, reducing risk, and creating value.
With ASTM International as your training partner, you’re equipping your team with the skills needed to excel in a complex and dynamic field.