CERTIFIED
What is the Environmental Professional In-training (EPI) designation?
The Environmental Professional In-Training (EPI) is for environmental professionals who have entered the field within the last five years or for students about to graduate. It is the only independent, international, and interdisciplinary entry-level designation that allows them to demonstrate knowledge of general environmental science by passing the General Environmental Science exam (GES), a rigorous test, which includes knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Basic Science
- Mathematics
- Treatment and disposal
- Monitoring
Passing the GES exam is also a prerequisite for obtaining the Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) credential. The EPI designation expires after seven years, so EPIs must become QEPs to remain BGC certified.
Benefits of EPI Certification
The benefits to holding the EPI Certification include:
- Marketability: Recognized by major environmental organizations and employers, EPIs stand out as dedicated and knowledgeable environmental professionals with initiative and strong ethical character who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of environmental science.
- Information and Networking: BGC enables EPIs to search our international roster of EPIs and QEPs to build their professional network.
- Mentor Program: The EPI mentoring program matches interested EPIs with Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs) in a related field, geographic area, or interest. A QEP mentor can provide them with professional guidance and an introduction to a network of senior, well-respected environmental professionals for up to seven years.
- Visibility and Access to Jobs: EPIs have access to a web-enabled designation that can be shared to increase their social media presence and to connect their skills to active job postings on 25,000 sites.
How Do I Become an EPI?
If you are interested in becoming an EPI, you must meet five requirements:
- You must have less than five years of qualifying environmental work experience. (Individuals with 5 or more years should apply for the QEP credential.)
- You must be a college senior working towards, or be a graduate with, a technical bachelor’s degree (or higher) in physical, earth, or natural science; engineering; or mathematics from a regionally accredited college or university or from one that is acceptable to BGC.
- You must pass the GES exam.
- You must agree to adhere to the BGC Code of Ethics and to be governed by the BGC Ethics Case Procedures.
- You must pay fees on or before the due date.
For more information on the specific details of becoming an EPI, read the EPI Candidate handbook pages.
Testimonials
What our CERTIFICANTS say
People who hold the EPI designation often say that they take pride in providing excellent and ethical environmentally-focused work.
The Environmental Professional In-Training (EPI) connects me to a long list of professionals in the field and will allow me to enhance my opportunities to grow in the field of environmental protection and sustainability.
I am the Water Quality Program Director for Pontchartrain Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) in southeast Louisiana (formerly Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation). Our organization undertakes a variety of innovative projects to protect and preserve our region for this and future generations.
I previously was an environmental consultant that worked in different states for various clients. Louisiana, in particular, does not require credentialing as a professional engineer to perform work as a water quality professional. What is important to me is the EPI and QEP credentials represent a community of environmental professionals that take pride in providing excellent and ethical environmentally focused work.
Any recommendation [for obtaining the EPI] would be for someone of like values – committed to delivering excellence in our field of work. I think the EPI credential demonstrates that I am serious and dedicated to my profession and that I take pride in going beyond the requirements to work as a water professional.
