About the CPEA Recertification Program

In 2020, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) jointly announced that their governing bodies had agreed to transition the Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA) and Certified Process Safety Auditor (CPSA) certifications from The IIA to BGC. In May of the same year, the BGC board voted on a resolution to maintain and promote the CPEA and CPSA credentials and practitioners globally to fulfill their role within BGC’s definition of EHS. CPEAs and CPSAs were given the title of “BGC Diplomate” along with all accompanying rights, privileges, and responsibilities of that status. Since then, efforts have been underway to align the CPEA and CPSA credentialing programs with BGC’s existing application, examination, and recertification practices. This document reflects several steps taken in those alignments:

• Transitioned CPEAs and CPSAs to a 5-year recertification cycles
• Applied requirements for BGC’s Code of Ethics to all BGC programs
• Aligned point values and activity categories across credentialing programs
• Aligned fee schedules and discounts
• Aligned the timelines for submission of recertification documents

Overview

The purpose of the BGC Certification Maintenance (CM) program, which began in 1979, is to ensure that Diplomates develop and enhance their professional-level knowledge and skills during the time period that they are certified by BGC. The CM program primarily emphasizes technical advancement but does make allowances for some professional development activities when there is an environmental, health, or safety aspect. Generic career skills development or career advancement may occur as a result of being a Diplomate, but it is not a focus area for the BGC CM program.

This includes the yearly fee to maintain your credential after it is awarded. Normally, your annual fee is paid by the beginning of each year. Your first annual fee may be prorated depending on the month or window in which you sit for the exam.

Diplomates are required to recertify every five years in order to maintain their BGC certification. BGC believes that the five-year cycle allows ample time for the Diplomate to develop new knowledge/skills as well as enhance or refresh on previously acquired knowledge/skills. This can encompass maintaining technical knowledge and skills in regulations and standards and updating their knowledge and skills related to improvements and current developments in practice, procedures, and techniques.

The CM cycle length of five years is also consistent with the BGC exam updates which start with a job analysis which is done every five to seven years and used to identify the current knowledge and skills possessed by practitioners with three to four years of broad scope professional-level practice. If the job analysis indicates a fundamental change in the work domains or tasks, the CM program would be evaluated for both the recertification frequency and methodologies (i.e., CM Categories and approved activities).

Steps to Recertify Your CPEA

There are two steps to maintain your certification and recertify your BGC credential. More detailed information about recertifying are available by clicking the appropriate link on the menu on the right-hand side of this page.

Step 1:  Meet annual certification maintenance requirements:

• Abide by the BGC Code of Ethics.
• Maintain up-to-date contact information.
• Maintain recertification documents.
• Pay annual fees.

Step 2:  Meet 5-year cycle requirements by re-examination or by recertification points:

• Recertification by re-examination.
  • Complete a minimum of 2 hours of ethics coursework.
  • Retake and pass a certification examination.
• Recertification by re-certification points.
  • Participate in recertification activities to meet BGC point requirements including 2 hours of ethics coursework.
  • Save documents of participation.
  • Submit a summary of activity points and required attestations to BGC.
  • Provide documentation of activities if requested for a BGC audit.

If you successfully meet the requirements of both steps, you will be sent a new certificate and allowed to continue to identify yourself as a BGC diplomate.

Diplomate Identification

A BGC Diplomate is a person who has met the qualifications for education, experience, and examination and has continued to meet the obligations for CM which include practicing ethically, paying annual fees, submitting an acceptable CM Submission or passing the Exam, and passing a CM audit (if audited).

It is BGC policy that the names and certification types of all Diplomates in good standing will be listed in the CPEA Public Roster. The term in good standing means that the Diplomate is paid up on all fees and is not involved in an ethics dispute. Diplomates in good standing and former Diplomates who voluntarily surrendered or retired their certification have access to the BGC Private Roster, a location where additional contact information can be privately shared amongst other professional colleagues. As a new credential under the BGC umbrella, the Private Roster for CPPSs is under development. When the Private Roster becomes available, contact information will be managed by you, the Diplomate.

A practitioner with an EHS auditing certification from the BGC in Environmental Compliance, Health and Safety, Management Systems, Responsible Care®, or EMS 14000+ is allowed to use the BGC-awarded certification term:

Certified Professional Environmental Auditor^® (CPEA^®)

The above terms are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as is the BGC logo and the terms Board for Global EHS Credentialing^® and BGC^®.

CPEA Annual Recertification Requirements

Code of Ethics

During the applications process, each Diplomate agreed to adhere to the BGC Code of Ethics. Diplomates are asked to sign a similar commitment each time that a CM cycle is completed. It is a condition of CM that all Diplomates practice ethical behavior to the best of their abilities.

Any individual may file an ethics complaint by completing the Ethics Charge Statement Form located in the Ethics section. All complaints are treated seriously and, where warranted, further investigated by the BGC Ethics Review Committee, which may include the use of legal counsel. The Committee is appointed by the BGC CEO. A Diplomate found to be in violation of the BGC Code of Ethics will be subject to a range of sanctions up to and including decertification.

Notice of Felony Convictions

Please note that any practitioner who has been convicted of a felony must report it to the BGC within 90 days of the conviction.

Contact Information & Communications

Diplomates are responsible for maintaining up-to-date contact information with BGC to ensure that communications are sent to a current address. Once a year, BGC asks that all Diplomates verify their contact information on record. Diplomates should do this as often as needed (e.g., if you have moved, if you have changed jobs, etc.), not necessarily waiting for the annual prompt.

BGC communicates with Diplomates on a regular basis, primarily using email. If the Diplomate does not have an email address on file, some (but not all) communications may be sent via postal mail. For email, the Diplomate must use an email address that is not blocked or filtered (which can sometimes occur with company, military, or academic IT systems). When this occurs, a personal email address may be more effective for ensuring that electronic communications are received by the Diplomate.

Changes to CM program requirements are announced on this website. In addition, as the change warrants, email or postal communication may also be sent directly to the Diplomates.

It is the responsibility of the Diplomate to read the communications and ensure understanding.

Annual Fees

Payment of annual fees is a condition of maintaining certification. Fees are paid in advance of the upcoming year. Annual fees are non-refundable.

Diplomates are sent several email notices of payment beginning in September. During this time period, it is important to have up-to-date contact information for the Diplomate.

Fees must be postmarked or paid online by the due date. If not paid on time, the Diplomate will owe an additional late fee and will be classified as “not in good standing” with BGC. The Diplomate will be listed as such on BGC public rosters and will also have reduced functionality on any BGC private rosters.

If fees are unpaid for two successive years, the Diplomate will be decertified in the third year.

Each year, BGC evaluates the need for a fee increase. Annual fee increases are set primarily based on an annual cost of living adjustment, but additional costs may be factored in each year.

Staying Current

BGC certified practitioners are expected to stay current in their practice area and document the methods by which they do so if those methods will be used to claim points for recertification.

CPEA Recertification by Examination

Every five years, BGC Diplomates are required to recertify in order to maintain their certification. This can be accomplished by submitting a CM Points (CMP) Submission (see next section) or by retaking their certification exam.  The following table shows which credentials or designations are eligible for recertification by exam:

¹Because the CIH Aspects and CAIH examinations have been discontinued, maintaining certification by exams is no longer an option. Current Diplomates may apply for the CIH Comprehensive exam if their current work experience qualifies them.

Eligible practitioners may take the exam within the 18 months (three exam windows) immediately preceding their certification expiration date.

To be eligible to sit for the Exam, diplomates must:

• Be in good standing with BGC (i.e., current on fees and no ethics complaints).
• Have evidence of completing at least two hours of ethics during their CM cycle.
• Pay the examination fee.
• Apply for Recertification by Exam.

Successful examination and evidence of two hours of ethics training will result in the credential being recertified without the need to complete a CM point submission form.

CPEA Recertification by Point Submission

Minimum Point Requirements (for Recertification by CM Point/Hour Submission)

During a CM cycle, Diplomates must accrue the minimum amount of CM credit in order to be recertified. There is no maximum number of overall recertification hours that can be earned during a CM cycle. There are a few maximums in some of the individual categories (see “Point Categories” under “Recertifying by Points”). Diplomates can check their CM cycle on the BGC website.

¹Category 4 hours count toward the Overall points.

Activities claimed on the submission (attestation) must be supported through a written impartial record. If a written, objective record is not available, the Diplomate should not list the item on the worksheet. Examples of satisfactory records are listed in each of the category sections (see “Point Categories” under “Recertifying by Points”). CM Point Submissions are initially submitted without proof-of-participation records.

Submissions (attestations) are reviewed in the order in which they are received. The review process can take 4 weeks. Allow ample time if you need to align your BGC re-certification with other certifications. There is no charge for reviewing submissions; however, if a Diplomate is in fees arrears, the submission will not be processed until the fees are paid.

BGC reviews each submission to assure that the minimum requirements are achieved. BGC will contact the Diplomate if the minimums are not achieved or if there is anything unclear or missing on the submission. CM credit earned in excess of the minimum requirements does not earn extra credit nor does it carry over to a future CM cycle.

Being re-certified does not mean that everything listed on the submission was acceptable for CM points. If a Diplomate has questions about what was or was not acceptable (for purposes of future submissions), the Diplomate should contact BGC.

CPEA Recertification Point Categories

A Diplomate recertifies using CM Point/Hours submission by meeting the minimum requirements as listed in the next section. CPEAs must complete 100 hours of CM activities over a 5-year cycle in order to meet BGC requirements. CM credit in ethics is required in Category 4, but all the other Categories are optional, providing a flexible, customizable way for the Diplomate to accrue the required overall CM Point/Hours. Each category is further explained in “Point Categories” under “Recertifying by Points,” by clicking on the menu on the right-hand side of this page.

• CPEA Category 1 – Active EHS Auditing Practice
• CPEA Category 2 – EHS Auditing Technical or Professional Committee Service
• CPEA Category 3 – Publication of EHS Auditing Papers or Books
• CPEA Category 4 – Attendance at Educational Programs
• CPEA Category 5 – Teaching/Presenting EHS Auditing
• CPEA Category 7 – Other Approved EHS Auditing Activities

CPEA Category 1 – Active Practice

Description:

BGC does not ask that Diplomates keep precise work history records, but CM credit claimed in Category 1 should be consistent with the Diplomate’s work activities and job responsibilities.

One Credit hour for each hour spent on site will be awarded for participation in a quality assurance review (also known as a “peer” review).  No Credit hours will be awarded for activities such as preparation time and writing the report.

A maximum of 60 hours may be awarded in the audit category per 5-year recertification cycle (12 hours per year) for:

• Participation as an audit team member.
• Management of an EHS auditing function.

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to:

• Any documentation showing company logo or letterhead, bearing the Diplomate’s name and organizational title.
• Correspondence from the employer (past or current) attesting the Diplomate’s work history dates and job responsibilities in a company.

CPEA Category 2 – Technical or Professional Committee Service

Description:

Recertification hours are awarded for technical or professional committee service outside of the Diplomate’s organization. BGC places no restrictions on how often the committee meets, how much time is invested, or how much progress is made. In general, if the work aligns with the CPEA Exam Blueprint/Body of Knowledge, it can be counted for credit.

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to:

• Documents published by the Committee Sponsor or Society, showing the Committee roster for each year of claimed service
• Pertinent documents or correspondence which identifies you as a committee member, e.g., meeting agendas or minutes

If the Diplomate served on a committee but their name was not well documented, additional information will be needed, e.g., a letter from the committee chair or the member organization staff.

CPEA Category 3 – Publications

Description:

A maximum of 60 hours may be awarded in the publication’s category per 5-year recertification cycle (12 hours per year). Generally, one full journal page of single-spaced print is equal to 2 hours of recertification credit.

The information must be related to EHS Auditing. In general, if the publication aligns with the CPEA Exam Blueprint, it can be counted as EHS Auditing. Published articles or books not related directly to EHS auditing are acceptable if you are able to demonstrate that these activities contribute to your professional audit proficiency. Diplomates are advised to consult with BGC if there any questions about their content.

Conference Proceedings do not receive Category 3 recertification hours due to their limited distribution.

EHS Auditing related chapters in books or similar publications as well as patents are treated as peer-reviewed articles.

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to copies or links to the published material showing the publication, date, article title, and Diplomate’s name.

CPEA Category 4 – Attendance at Educational Programs

Education Content Areas:

BGC does not prescribe or approve education courses. It allows practitioners to select the courses that best meet their needs. The overriding consideration in determining whether a specific program is acceptable is that it be a formal program of learning with the following characteristics:

• Contributes to the professional competence of participants
• States program objectives, which specify the level of knowledge the participants should have attained or the level of competence to be demonstrated upon completing the program
• Is developed by individuals qualified in the subject matter and instructional design
• Provides current, professional-level content that is relevant to the expected audience

EHS Auditing: The subject matter aligns with the CPEA Exam. Activities other than those listed in these guidelines may be deemed acceptable if the CPEA can demonstrate that they contribute to professional competence. Substantiating that a particular activity qualifies as acceptable and meets the requirements is the responsibility of the CPEA.

Examples of Acceptable General Topics (Provided that They Meet Recertification Criteria):

• Audit Program Design and Management
• Audit Procedures, Processes, and Techniques
• Internal Controls
• Regulatory Aspects
• Process Operations, EHS Impacts, and Related Pollution Control
• EHS Specific Regulatory Knowledge
• EHS Auditing Standards and Practices
• EHS Science and Technology
• Technical and Environmental Aspects of Facility Operations
• Relevant Requirements of EHS Laws, Regulations, Related Documents
• EHS Management Systems Standards and Guidelines

General Management/Leadership: General management training, including Leadership, addresses skill development, which is generically applicable to many professionals, not just EHS auditing professionals, e.g., communication techniques, technical writing, presentation techniques, organizational effectiveness, media training, computer skills, supervisory skills, quality training, financial or accounting training, expert witness training, project management. (If the general management training has significant EHS aspects in the content, it can still be claimed in the EHS auditing area of Category 4.)

Ethics (Required): The subject matter aligns with the BGC Code of Ethics. A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 hours may be awarded in the education category per 5-year recertification cycle. There is flexibility in fulfilling this requirement. Ethics courses can cover a variety of topics within the broader concept of ethics, such as conflicts of interest, transparency, ethical leadership, fairness, honesty, truthfulness, integrity, accuracy, objectivity, confidentiality, compliance, legality, conflict management, undue influence, equal opportunity, diversity, intellectual property rights/plagiarism, use of certification marks, and professional competency/limitations (i.e., when to refer a client). Acceptable courses also may include topics not listed as long as they directly relate to the BGC’s Code of Ethics.

Examples of Acceptable Ethics Courses:

• The BGC Code of Ethics (or any component of the BGC Code of Ethics)
• Developing codes of ethics for the organization (not in the internal audit activity)
• How to resolve ethical dilemmas
• Ethical cultures
• Ethics helplines or hotlines
• The role of ethics in corporate governance
• Organizational ethics programs
• Organizational ethics maturity models
• How to audit organizational ethics programs
• Collaborating with ethics officers
• Personal Ethical Choices, Behaviors, and Decision Making
• Ethical Choices as required by Organizational Codes of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Ethics focused on Enhancing Stakeholder Confidence and Value
• Ethical Practice improving the organization’s contributions to the public at large
• Ethics and Standards of Conduct for Auditors
• Ethical behaviors resulting from professional interactions in the audit process

Examples of Courses Not Fulfilling the Ethics Requirement:

• Classes focused on specific compliance obligations
• Security laws and insider trading regulations
• Medical claims submission requirements

Credit-Hour Calculations:

Recertification Areas & Point Values: A Technical Contact Hour is the time spent in technical sessions. Technical contact hours include technical presentations, lectures, breakouts, Q&A, exams, event overview, event recaps, and discussions. It does not include the non-technical activities, e.g., meals, breaks, exhibitor time, networking, participant introductions, social tours, generic welcome speeches, and award presentations.

Diplomates can claim CM credit for an EHS auditing, ethics, or management educational event that is targeted to the professional (not technician) level and advances the person’s technical knowledge and skills. EHS auditing and management training must be at least one hour; ethics training can be any length. An in-person education session from 50 to 60 minutes in length can be claimed for 1 hour of technical content.

1. Courses: The same course may be claimed only one time per CM cycle because the technical content typically does not change significantly. An initial training course and a refresher training course are counted as two different courses. The same course can be repeated and claimed in a later CM cycle. Use the technical contact hours as provided by the Sponsor. Note that 1 CEU = 10 technical contact hours.
2. Conferences: Conferences can be claimed for each attendance because it is assumed that the technical content changes for each conference. You may claim 3 hours for each half-day of attendance OR track and report the hours based on actual attendance in the technical sessions.  Note that claiming the maximum time usually means that you attended every possible technical session and did not participate in any non-technical activity, e.g., breaks, meals, networking, Vendor visits, awards, social, etc.
3. Internal Company Training: Internal Company training qualifies for CM credit if it is a designated topic on the meeting agenda and meets the specifications of item #1 above. Many internal company training topics do not qualify for CM credit in Category 4 because the Diplomate already receives CM credit in Category 1 Active Practice, e.g., leadership messages, goal reviews, strategy sessions, problem-solving sessions, area updates. These must be designated activities with proof of participation meeting the same records requirements as other items in Category 4 (date, time, length, subject, or title clearly defined, proof of attendance, the signature of person in responsible charge, etc.).
4. Academic Coursework: CM hours can be awarded for credit and non-credit college or university courses. Fifteen (15) CM hours of recertification credit are awarded for each semester hour of college/university credit earned; ten (10) CM hours of Recertification credit are awarded for each quarter-hour of college/university credit earned.
5. Graduate Degrees: CM credit for a doctoral degree in IH or an IH-related field can be claimed in one of two ways: 1) you can claim credit for individual courses if they meet the specifications of item #1, above, or 2) you can make a one-time claim of 10 CM points (60 hours) when your degree is confirmed. You must choose only one method; you cannot use both.  Academic courses in a master’s degree program can be claimed if they meet the specifications of item #1 above. However, a one-time CM credit option is not available for conferral of the degree or master’s thesis.
6. Distance Learning: Distance learning events (e.g., virtual seminars/courses/conferences, correspondence courses, home study, etc.) and physical presence events are treated the same for purposes of CM credit calculations.

If the education provider does not provide the contact hours, the Diplomate will need to calculate the time from an agenda or schedule. Contact time can be:

• Exact, e.g., 75 minutes = 1.25 hours
• Estimated, using the average hours per half-day, e.g., 2.5 hrs./half day X 6 half days = 15 hrs.
• Rounded down but not up, e.g., 95 minutes = 1.5 hours

If an event has technical content in more than one CM Area, the Diplomate may:

• Use the one CM Area that is >50% of the technical content, or
• Use each of the CM Areas, assigning the time accordingly

EX: An 8-hour Professional Development Conference (PDC) is 75% EHS Auditing and 25% ethics. This could be claimed as either:

• 8 EHS Auditing hours, or
• 6 EHS Auditing hours and 2 Ethics hours

Records:

An acceptable record is one that shows the following:

• Diplomate’s name
• Event title
• Date of completion
• Event Sponsor/Provider
• Duration (e.g., hours or CEUs)

If any of this information is missing or if the subject matter is not clear from the title, then additional records will be needed, e.g., event description, agenda, or schedule.

If the event Sponsor or Provider does generate a participation record, then any one of the following will be acceptable:

• Certificate, letter/email, transcript, roster, or other Sponsor-generated record showing completion
• Registration receipt if purchased on-site, at a single-day event
• Event badge only if issued on-site, at a single-day event

If the event Sponsor or Provider does not generate a participation record and there are no other restrictions for use, participation, or viewing from the Sponsor, Provider, or Content Owner then the Diplomate may use one of the following:

• Registration record and evidence of physical presence in the city on the day(s) of the event, e.g., approved expense report, purchase receipts
• Attendance Roster
• BGC Attendance Verification Form 
• CPEA vouching (allowed once per CM cycle)

Academic Transcripts are required as evidence of graduate education. The education must take place within an accredited college or university. Applicants with international degrees may be required to submit their transcript(s) for a credential evaluation unless the academic program is authorized by BGC or through a BGC-recognized accreditation agency to issue BGC verification statements. (Note: BGC verification statements streamline and shorten the review for applicants. Please contact your program director to find out if verification statements are available for you.)

Unacceptable Records:

• Advance Travel Purchases
• Event Agenda, Programs, Conference Schedule, or presentation slides
• BGC Letter of Award (for CM points)
• Event badges if distributed prior to the event
• Airline boarding passes are acceptable for the days of travel but are not sufficient for a multi-day conference

CPEA Category 5 – Teaching or Presenting

Description:

The subject matter must be EHS Auditing or related content, which means that it aligns to the CPEA Exam Teaching or presenting must be outside of the Diplomate’s organization and primary job responsibilities. For example, an Academic Teacher could not claim Category 5 CM credit when teaching at their university, but they could claim credit when teaching an external professional development session at a National Conference (because it is outside their primary organization and job description).

Diplomates whose primary job is as a Consultant is bound to the same rules. In general, Consultants usually may claim CM credit for any Conference presentation; however, teaching can typically only be claimed if it:

• Is not part of the range of services offered by the consultancy, or
• Is part of the range of offered services but was offered without compensation.

Sales, advertising, and marketing presentations soliciting the audience to purchase the Consultant’s products or services are not eligible for Category 5 CM credit.

Diplomates should also avoid double-dipping, i.e., claiming recertification hours when both presenting (Category 5) and participating (Category 4) at the same event. As a rule of thumb, the Diplomate may claim both Category 4 and 5 recertification hours if the teaching/presenting time is < 15% of the total participation time (e.g., 1-hour teaching during a 6-hour class).

• The hours reported for the first presentation will be based on the presentation time, plus credit for preparation time equivalent to three times the presentation time.
• Subsequent presentations of the same material may be reported as presentation time only, up to a maximum of 6 credit hours per year.

Records:

Acceptable records include but are not limited to:

• Evidence in the form of an agenda, schedule, or proceedings showing name, topics, dates, and times
• Sponsor acknowledgment indicating length and topic of the presentation

CPEA Category 7 – Other Approved Activities

Hardship Options

BGC offers two options to help with hardship case situations. Only one hardship help option will be granted per CM cycle with the exception that a 1-year Leave of Absence may be extended to 2 years upon written request to certifications@GoBGC.org.

Diplomates should notify BGC as soon as the need exists. Requests can be sent via email, fax, or postal mail. To be eligible, the Diplomate must be in good standing (i.e., current on fees and no ethics charges).

Cycle Extension

The CM cycle extension provides an additional six months to earn CM credit. The Diplomate will be assigned a new CM cycle end date and will follow the CM submission schedule for their new CM cycle. Request via email at certifications@GoBGC.org.

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is available in 1-year increments for up to two years (maximum) for those who are unable to practice industrial hygiene due to circumstances such as:

• Medical or health-related (personal or family)
• Military assignment
• Educational pursuit
• Family care

Note: Unemployment is a circumstance that is excluded from the LOA program because there are many no-cost or low-cost ways to achieve the CM requirements.

During the LOA period, the Diplomate’s minimum requirements are proportionately reduced for the total CM points and the IH CM Credit in Category 4. For example, for Diplomates on a 60-month CM cycle, a 12-month LOA will reduce the minimum requirements by 20% (12/60). This means a proportionate reduction in the minimum requirements for the Overall CM points (from 40 points to 32) and in the IH CM Credit in Category 4 (from 10 points to 8 points). The Ethics requirement of 2 hours (0.33 points) in Category 4 per CM cycle is not affected.

Up to two LOAs will be granted during a CM cycle as long as the sum of the two LOA periods is less than the 2-year maximum. An LOA of one year can be extended (during the same CM cycle) upon written request to BGC. Additional supporting documentation may be required.

CPEA Recertification Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

1. There are four Key Dates that each Diplomate should know:
2. CM Cycle Start Date: The first day to earn CM credit during the cycle. Must be manually calculated from the CM Cycle End Date.
3. CM Cycle End Date: The last day to earn CM credit. It is 60 months after the CM Cycle Start Date unless the person is on a cycle extension.
4. CM Point Submission Due Date: The CM Point Submission is submitted before this date without penalty. It is always 1 month after the Cycle End Date.
5. Certificate Expiration Date: Diplomate is decertified unless recertified (by CM Point Submission or Exam), granted a cycle extension, or voluntarily surrenders the certification. It is 5 months after the Cycle End Date. Can be found on the Diplomate’s paper certificate.

Timeline of Key Dates in Spring Recertification Cycle

Timeline of Key Dates in Fall Recertification Cycle

All submissions must be reviewed and approved by BGC no later than 5 months after the CM Cycle End Date or the Diplomate is subject to decertification.

CM Point/Attestation Submission Reporting Calendar

Diplomates can check their CM Cycle End Date and CM Point/Attestations Submission Due Date on the BGC website public rosters.

¹Diplomates are assigned to a 60-month reporting period that starts with the first CM cycle immediately after passing the exam or completing their previous cycle.
²CM credit can only be accrued between the Cycle Start and End Dates.
³The CMP submission must be completed by Midnight EST on the final day in order to avoid the next penalty phase.
⁴The CMP submissions after this day likely will not be processed due to limited time before certificate expiration.

Giving Up Your CPEA Certification

BGC offers two methods for individuals who wish to intentionally give up their certification before it expires unless involved in a BGC ethics case:

• Voluntary surrender
• Retirement Status

Voluntarily Surrendering the Certification

Diplomates (anyone who holds a BGC credential or designation) may voluntarily surrender their certification before their certification expires (unless involved in a BGC ethics case). If voluntary surrender is chosen, the individual is no longer referred to as a “Diplomate.”  For CIH holders, the request for Voluntary Surrender is completed only via your CAPS portal.  For all other certifications, the request is completed via the Retire / Voluntary Surrender Request form. BGC publishes the names of persons who have elected to voluntarily surrender their certification.

Diplomates who surrender their certification:

• Can continue to practice in their area (e.g., Industrial Hygiene, Environmental, EHS Auditing, Product Stewardship)
• Can use the BGC certification designations only when referencing the years of active certification, e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist, 1990-2009
• Cannot use the BGC embossing seal, stamp, or their digial badge
• Are removed from the BGC email distribution list
• Are relieved of CM requirements and fees
• Can reactivate at any time (See “Reactivating Your Certification” on the menu on the right side of this page)
• Are subject to BGC ethics case procedure provisions if found to be in violation of the voluntary surrender terms

Former Diplomates can continue to be listed in the BGC online rosters depending upon their status.

1. No unresolved ethics issues and current on all fees (due before the end of a CM cycle).
2. Current fee is posted on the BGC website.

Retirement Status

Retirement status (either Annual or Lifetime) is available after completing one, 5-year recertification/credential maintenance cycle in good standing. Designed for diplomates at the end of their careers, a retirement designation cannot be used in place of an active BGC credential for work. However, retirement status will provide an opportunity for ongoing engagement with the professional community and will publicly acknowledge the important contribution of a practitioner in the protection of people and the environment.

Diplomates may elect retirement status before their certification expires unless involved in a BGC ethics case. If retirement status is chosen, the individual is referred to as a “certificant”, not a “Diplomate.”  For CIH holders, the Retirement request is completed only via your CAPS portal. For all other certifications, the request is completed via the Retire / Voluntary Surrender Request form.

Diplomates who choose retirement status :

• Can continue to practice in their area (e.g., Industrial Hygiene, Environmental, EHS Auditing, Product Stewardship)
• May use the designation identifying their BGC retirement status (e.g., CIH-Retired, CAIH-Retired, QEP-Retired, CPPS-Retired, CPEA-Retired, or CPSA-Retired) outside of work and professional practice situations
• Are only permitted to use the BGC certification designations, (CIH, CAIH, QEP, CPPS, CPEA, or CPSA), in work situations when referencing the years of active certification, (e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist, 1987-2015; Qualified Environmental Professional, 2000-2020, etc.).
• Will be assigned a CIH-Retired, CAIH-Retired, QEP-Retired, CPPS-Retired, CPEA-Retired, or CPSA-Retired badge as appropriate to their BGC status
• Remain on the BGC email distribution list
• Are relieved of CM requirements and fees
• Can reactivate at any time with on-time fee discounts (See “Reactivating Your Certification” on the menu on the right side of this page)
• Are subject to BGC ethics case procedure provisions if found to be in violation of the retirement status terms

Former Diplomates can continue to be listed in the BGC online rosters depending upon their status.

¹No unresolved ethics issues and current on all fees (due before the end of a CM cycle).
²Current fee is posted on the BGC website.

Voluntary Surrender Compared to Retirement Status

The table, below, compares the benefits of Voluntary Surrender versus Retirement Status:

¹Individuals who no longer hold an active BGC credential are only permitted to use the title for paid or volunteer work when it is used in conjunction with their years of service, (e.g., Certified Industrial Hygienist, 1987-2015; Qualified Environmental Professional, 2000-2020, etc.).

Voluntary Surrender or Retirement Request Form

THIS FORM IS NOT FOR THE CIH. 

Relinquishing your CIH is done through your CAPS account. 

When you log in to your CAPS portal, the Retire/Voluntary Surrender link is at the bottom-right of the main page. 

OTHER THAN FOR A CIH CREDENTIAL, those who wish to relinquish their certifications, please complete the fields below and click Submit. 

Name(Required)

First Last

Certification Selection(Required)

Choose QEP, CPEA, CPSA, or EPIQEPCPEACPSAEPI

After reading the above descriptions, I choose to relinquish my BGC credential or designation by:

After reading the above descriptions, I choose to relinquish my BGC credential or designation by

Choose OneVoluntary SurrenderRetirement - AnnualRetirement - Lifetime

Email(Required)

Email Confirm Email

I agree to use electronic records and signatures.(Required)

I agree to use electronic records and signatures.

Date/Time(Required)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

After this form is received and reviewed, BGC staff will acknowledge and will send a payment link if Retirement is chosen.

Save and Continue Later

Involuntary Decertification

Diplomates fail to maintain their certification when any of the following conditions occur:

• CM Point submission is not approved prior to the 5th month after the end of the CM cycle, or the
  examination is not passed (in the re-certification time periods)
• Annual fees (renewal & late) have not been paid for more than 2 years
• A CM audit verifies that the minimum CM point requirements have not been achieved
• An ethics review results in a decertification sanction

BGC may revoke a person’s certification at any time for cause related to an ethics sanction.

When a Diplomate fails to renew the certification, BGC sends a written notice of expiration to the person’s current postal mailing address. BGC will publish the names of persons whose certification has expired.

Decertification decisions can be appealed following the Certification Appeals Procedure.

Except for an ethics-related decertification, a person formerly certified may pursue reactivation (next section).

It is considered unethical conduct for a person to advertise himself/herself as a BGC Diplomate or Certificant (e.g., CIH, CAIH, QEP, CPPS, CPEA, CPSA, or EPI)  if the person:

• Is not currently certified by BGC
• Has allowed the certification to expire
• Has voluntarily surrendered the certification
• Has chosen retired status
• Has been de-certified for cause

BGC reserves the right and does take legal action when a non-credentialed person is found to be advertising himself/herself as a BGC Diplomate.

Reactivating Your CPEA Certification

Practitioners who gave up a BGC certification are able to recertify depending on how they were decertified.

When a former Diplomate is reactivated, BGC will issue a new certificate, certification letter, digital badge, and will publish the person’s name on the BGC Diplomate Public Rosters.

The Diplomate’s previous certification number will be reassigned only if the reactivation request is approved before the expiration date of the most recently issued (but now invalid) BGC certificate. The paper certificate expiration date is five months after the end of the previous CM cycle.

Volunteer Opportunities for CPEAs

BGC offers volunteer opportunities for certified practitioners in active practice and formerly certified practitioners.   All volunteers must be in good standing with BGC. BGC-certified individuals who serve on a BGC committee (including the BGC Board) may be eligible for recertification credit.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the BGC office.

Documents and Forms

Documents and forms contain tools and information for helping you with your BGC certification.  The types of resources available are indicated by several icons:

• Downloadable Static Document
• Downloadable Form
• Link to online Content
• Link to an online Form

CPEA-Specific Documents

	ITEM	DESCRIPTION
	CPEA / CPSA Attestation of Recertification Activities form

All-Credential Documents

	ITEM	DESCRIPTION
	Attendance Verification Form	For documenting participation at an educational event.
	BGC Bylaws
	BGC Governing Policies
	Confidentiality Agreement
	Privacy Policy
	Certification Appeals Procedure	Procedures for appealing adverse application, examination, recertification, or reactivation decisions.
	Trademark and Certification Mark Use Policy	Rules and requirements for using BGC trademarks, service marks, and certification marks.
	Practitioner Public Rosters
	BGC Newsletters

CPEA Practitioner Payments

Note – if you are using your company’s network to submit a payment from this page, you may get an error because of your company’s security settings. If so, please try again from your mobile or your home (or another) network (not your company’s WIFI). We do not take payment over the phone. Alternatively, you can mail a check to:

BGC
Attn: CPEA Payments
6005 W St. Joe Hwy Ste 300
Lansing, MI USA 48917

(CPEA Applicants please refer to the CPEA Applicants Payments page.)

Please verify that you have an outstanding annual renewal payment that is due by calling 517-853-6402. If you proceed with making a payment, without verifying and you need to have the payment refunded, you will incur a processing fee. The processing fee is based on the amount paid. Thank you. BGC Staff

Please use the buttons below to pay for your CPEA annual dues:

CPEA and CPSA