About Certification
The PSAI’s certification program for Portable Sanitation Professionals sets the standard for skills and knowledge in our industry.
Program Overview
The PSAI’s certification program for portable sanitation professionals is the only credential in the world designed to recognize the specific competencies required for success in front-line roles in our industry. Since the program's inception in 1992, more than 2,000 individuals have successfully become certified.
The program consists of two parts: the Basic Service Technician Training series, which prepares candidates for certification by teaching basic competencies for portable sanitation operations, and a 50-60 question examination. The Basic Service Technician training series is not required by the PSAI for certification, though some states (such as Illinois and Georgia) do require the training series in additiona to the exam for licensure. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing body for details.
Certification is current for three (3) years before it must be renewed.
Levels of Certification
There are two levels of certification based on how many hours of job experience a candidate has. A Certified Portable Sanitation Professional (CPSP) has at least 2,000 hours of front-line experience, while a Certified Portable Sanitation Apprentice (CPSA) has been on the job for less than 2,000 hours. That’s one year of experience working full-time in a role such as service technician, driver, pick-up and delivery worker, or similar jobs.
How to Become Certified
To be eligible for certification, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to read, speak, and write the English language
- Physical strength and agility to perform the relevant tasks
- Commitment to following the CPSP Code of Ethics
The certification process is as follows:
- Submit the application and supporting documents
- Pay the appropriate fees
- Prepare for the exam
- Successfully pass the examination
Your certification credentials will stay current for three (3) years before they must be renewed.
Competencies Required of Certified Portable Sanitation Professionals
There are five knowledge domains in which Certified Portable Sanitation Professionals must be competent to be certified. These are:
Knowledge Domain 1: Transportation and Logistics
- Preparation for transporting equipment
- Operation of tank vehicles
- Site selection and equipment placement
- Waste disposal
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance protocols
Knowledge Domain 2: Servicing Portable Sanitation Equipment
- Operation of pumping equipment
- Maintenance and repairs of portable sanitation equipment in the field
- Cleaning procedures
Knowledge Domain 3: Safety and Hazard Management
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Materials handling
- Spill containment
- Accident/incident management
- Infectious diseases
Knowledge Domain 4: Record Keeping
Knowledge Domain 5: Professional Demeanor and Conduct
- Effective, courteous communication
- Conduct reflecting positively on the profession
More Details on the
Competencies Required of
Certified Individuals
More about the Program
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Candidate Handbook A resource for individuals interested in becoming certified. |
Program Manual Everything you ever wanted to know about how the certification program works. |
Program Development Background information on how the certification program was created. |
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