Environmental Professional Certification

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

When working on complex property transactions, clients often face uncertainty and risk. They need professionals who can identify potential environmental liabilities and deliver accurate, actionable insights. By earning the CEP certification, you position yourself as the solution to these challenges. The 90-minute written examination is closed-book and consists of approximately 90 questions. To pass the written examination, it is required to score a minimum of 76% overall.

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

Many organizations struggle with inconsistencies with Environmental Site Assessment reporting, leading to potential legal and financial liabilities. With ASTM’s CEP certification, you can solve these challenges by equipping your team with a standardized, globally recognized credential. Our program helps bridge knowledge gaps and aligns your operations with industry benchmarks, including compliance with the EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) rule under 40 CFR 312.10.

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

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) – Basics

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

Physical Setting

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.

Take the first step to elevate your organization’s capabilities and reputation by learning more about how ASTM how can help you create a customized training program.

Frequently Asked Questions About ASTM's Environmental Professional Certification

How Can I Pay For ASTM’s Certification Course?

Payment for the ASTM-CEP examination is made online by credit card at the time of application. Visa, Mastercard or American Express are accepted. Questions regarding group payment or other questions regarding the payment processes can be directed to credentialing@astm.org(opens in a new tab).

Can I access ASTM’s Environmental standards in Spanish with this course?

No, a separate license is required to access ASTM standards in Spanish. Please contact ventas@astm.org for a license.

How Do I Schedule My ASTM Certification Examination?

Approximately 14 days before the start of the testing window, we will send a notice of scheduling via our testing vendor, Questionmark, to the primary email address listed on approved exam applications for that testing window. Candidates must ensure in advance that their email address will accept emails from Questionmark.

The subject line of the email will be “An administrator created an account for you at 405560”, sent from 405560 . Check your inbox, spam box, and junk box for this email. If you cannot locate, promptly contact credentialing@astm.org(opens in a new tab).

The “administrator created an account” email will provide a URL address and a username/password for you to access Questionmark’s online scheduling system. Once you log on, you will be asked to update your password. This will then be used to log into the platform in the future.

What Happens If I Have to Cancel My ASTM Certification Test?

In the event a candidate cancels the scheduled examination or fails to report at the scheduled time, no fees will be refunded. Candidates whose application is still in active status will have the ability to test during the following testing window (if at least 24 hours’ notice is not provided, a rescheduling fee may apply, unless the cancellation is due to a documented medical emergency). ASTM may require documentation of the candidate’s reason for cancellation.

To reschedule an exam, please contact credentialing@(opens in a new tab)astm.org(opens in a new tab) as soon as possible before the close of the testing window.

What Happens If I Am Unsuccessful With My ASTM Certification Test?

Candidates not successful during their initial examination attempt will receive information about retesting. Currently, there is one free retest included.

Testing eligibility is valid for 12 months from the application submission date. Candidates who fail the examination may retest during the next testing window (if it is within the 12-month eligibility period). The retest may be scheduled after a minimum 30-day period has elapsed from the failed attempt. There is a limit of three retakes (4 attempts total) in a 12-month span.

Retests beyond the first included can be scheduled by paying a retest fee of 250 USD. Once the 12-month eligibility period ends, a new application must be submitted with full payment. Testing attempts are limited to one attempt per testing window.

What Happens If I Have to Reschedule My ASTM Certification Test?

If for a reason beyond the candidate’s control, the candidate cannot test during the scheduled examination time, the examination may be rescheduled for another upcoming testing window, if at least 24 hours’ notice is provided and availability exists.

What Should I Do to Prepare for an ASTM Certification Test

Be sure that the computer and the location where you intend to take the examination meet the requirements specified in your confirmation email BEFORE examination day. If they do not meet the requirements, you will not be able to complete the test and you will not receive a refund.

Prior to examination day complete the following steps. Additional instructions will be provided to applicants in their confirmation email.

Install Google Chrome, the recommended browser for record and review remote proctored examinations
Disable the pop-up blocker in the Chrome browser
Ensure that you have the ability to download and install programs (Administrator Rights) on the computer you intend to take the examination on. You will be required to install a program upon connecting to a proctor — it is not available prior to Examination Day. Please note, most work-issued devices do not allow full administrative privileges for employees. Confirm your computer’s administrative privileges with your IT department or use a non-work-issued device to take the exam.
Confirm you have a hard surface (i.e., desk or table) available for testing.
Ensure you have a functioning free standing or integrated webcam with microphone or independent microphone before the examination date. You will use this for the entire examination.

Using the links provided in the examination confirmation email, you should: confirm your computer meets the minimum requirements, perform a system readiness check, and test your internet connection speed.

If you do not successfully complete the testing and you experience technical difficulties during your examination, you may have to pay a rescheduling fee or you may not have the opportunity to test and your exam fee will not be refunded.

You are only allowed to have one (1) monitor running during the examination. If you have more than one monitor being used, please disconnect the other monitor, and ensure it is turned around or completely covered so that the screen is not facing you upon connection to the proctor.

Confirm your username and password prior to your scheduled testing time.

ASTM Environmental Professional Certification Course