RSP-ESC: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the RSP-ESC qualification and how does it differ from other qualifications?
   • The new RSP-ESC accreditation is designed for professionals who may be responsible for the development, implementation, and assessment of erosion and sediment control plans or compliance, training or provision of advice regarding the management of ESC across industry. The accreditation is designed to ensure relevant parties across both Australia and New Zealand have confidence that a Registered Soil Practitioner has been trained to develop and apply erosion and sediment control standards in line with contemporary best practice. The accreditation is part of Soil Science Australia’s Registered Soil Practitioner program.
     
     
2. What is the process for applying for RSP-ESC?
   • Information on how to apply for RSP-ESC can be found by clicking on the following link: Registered Soil Practitioner - Erosion and Sediment Control Accreditation - Soil Science Australia
     
     
3. How many years’ experience do I require to apply for RSP-ESC?

   • Education pathway: Hold formal undergraduate qualification in a suitable field such as Environment or Engineering, have at least 5 years relevant experience and pass the Core Competency Exam

   • Workforce pathway: May have no formal qualification but have considerable and current experience, at least 8 years, and pass the Core Competency Exam.

   • Recognition pathway: Hold another accreditation in Erosion and Sediment Control and have at least 5 years relevant experience.

4. RSP-ESC Online Exam

   • The RSP-ESC Online Exam has been developed in partnership with, and is hosted by, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).

   • The exam is offered every three months and registration to sit the exam will be via the SSSA website registration page. 

   • The exam will be proctored, contains 100 multiple choice questions, and takes up to 2 hours. It is completed online at a suitable time that you negotiate with SSSA and the proctor.

   • Questions are aligned with the RSP-ESC Standards, set by RSP-ESC Examinations Committee and are considered to be the minimum professional competencies required by those working in erosion and sediment control in Australia and New Zealand.

   • The cost of sitting the Exam is set on an annual basis and will be paid in $US.

5. Will existing qualifications or recognised prior learning be accepted and alter the assessment requirements for applying for RSP-ESC?
   • Yes - please refer to the following link: Registered Soil Practitioner - Erosion and Sediment Control Accreditation - Soil Science Australia.
     
     
6. What do I do if I hold CPESC accreditation?
   • IECA Australasia no longer administers the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) accreditation. All enquiries relating to CPESC should be directed to EnviroCert International.
     
     
7. Who is administering the RSP-ESC qualification?
   • The accreditation will be a part of Soil Science Australia’s (SSA) Registered Soil Practitioner program.
     
     
8. Do I need to be a member of IECA or SSA or both to apply for and hold RSP-ESC?
   • No, you do not need to be a member of IECA or SSA to gain RSP-ESC.
     
     
9. What is the application cost and annual renewal fee for the RSP-ESC?
   • For current pricing please follow the link: Accreditation fees from Oct 24 - Soil Science Australia.
     
     
10. Will it be a requirement to maintain and demonstrate CPD/PDU hours for renewal?
    • Yes, like any professional qualification/accreditation it is expected that ongoing professional development will be undertaken by all holders of RSP-ESC. For details please follow the link: Ongoing Professional Development (OPD) - Soil Science Australia
      
      
11. What is the benefit of obtaining RSP-ESC?
    • The accreditation will assist in demonstrating a high level of knowledge regarding erosion and sediment control standards in line with best practice.
      
      
12. Will RSP-ESC become required or referenced within future guidelines, specifications, approvals, etc?
    • It is suggested that a requirement for “suitably qualified professional/s” be referenced as opposed to specific qualifications. RSP-ESC (or similar) is considered to demonstrate one aspect of what should be considered a requirement for a person to demonstrate “suitably qualified”. A position statement regarding the requirements for a “suitably qualified professional” is provided here (https://www.austieca.com.au/rsp-esc/suitably-qualified-professional)

If you have further questions please email the IECA Aust office, admin@austieca.com.au, or send and enquiry to SSA, www.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/rsp/contact/