2. What’s Happening with DCS?
DCS Credentialing Program Ends August 2018
No New Applicants Accepted Since August 2016
Last Candidates Graduate PWX 2018
15 Candidates Continuing Toward Graduation
PWS, PWM, and PWE Graduates Will Continue to be Recognized by APWA
Subcommittee of the Professional Development Committee Developing Framework for Potential New Mentoring Program

3. Credentialing Focus group
First Call March 2017
11 Members
Comprised of Public Works Executives (PWEs), Public Works Leadership Fellows (PWLFs), DCS Council members, DCS evaluators, Leadership & Management Committee members, Professional Development Committee members, Public Works Institute representatives, Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) graduates, Public Works Human Resource representative and Canadian representation.

4. Credentialing Focus group
Task 1
Review the PSI report, CPWO background materials and 2017 survey results to determine if APWA should replace the current DCS credentialing program with a professional certification program.
Focus Group unanimously recommended that APWA proceed with a professional certification program.
Board of Directors approved proceeding with a professional certification program in June 2017.

5. Credentialing Focus group
Task 2
Determine if one or more certification designations will be awarded. Define and outline specific requirements for entry, completion and renewal for each program.
One certification: Certified Public Works Professional (CPWP).
Two levels: Supervision (CPWP-S) and Management (CPWP-M).
Requirements are drafted and will be finalized in February 2018 for release.

6. New certification program
Certified Public Works Professional (CPWP)
Two Levels
Certified Public Works Professional -Supervision (CPWP-S)
Certified Public Works Professional -Management (CPWP-M)
Launching August 2018
Future Level: Executive

7. CPWP-S
The Public Works Professional - Supervision certification is targeted to front line employees, first-line supervisors, and crew leaders or those who wish to advance.

8. CPWP-M
The Public Works Professional-Management certification is targeted to current supervisors who desire to move to management positions, mid-level managers, and superintendents.

9. Requirements To Be Released February 2018
CPWP
program requirements
Eligibility Application
Multiple-Choice Exam
Recertification
Requirements To Be Released February 2018

10. CPWP program costs CPWP-S Eligibility = $95 member/$145 nonmember
Exam = $300
Recertification = $95 member/$145 nonmember
CPWP-M
Eligibility = $195 member/$245 nonmember
Exam = $500
Recertification = $195 member/$245 nonmember
Pricing is still being finalized. Tentative pricing listed based on current certification program pricing.

11. CPWP
eligibility
Combination of number of years work experience and education
Complete resume
Letter explaining why the individual is seeking the certification
Agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct

12. CPWP exam CPWP-S 100 Question Multiple-Choice Exam
CPWP-M 150 Question Multiple-Choice Exam
First Exams Administered August 2018

13. CPWP Job analysis 1st Step in Exam Development.
A job analysis is the formal process for determining what supervisors and managers need to know and be able to do.
Validated through survey.
Produces Exam Content Outline.
Completed December 2017

14. CPWP Content outline Budget & Finance Communication
Human Resource Management
Procurement & Contract Administration
Administrative
Project Management
Emergency Management
Asset Management
Understanding of Public Works Operations
9 Domains

15. CPWP Sample domain Tasks
Inventory existing assets
Determine condition of public assets
Develop schedule for replacement of assets and asset components
Direct activities related to maintenance of public assets (e.g., scheduling, repairing)
Utilize inventory of existing assets to project future levels of service
Determine operational impacts of proposed improvement projects
Asset Management

16. Sample task knowledge statements
CPWP
Sample task knowledge statements
Asset classes within public works (water, waste water, storm sewer, facilities, fleet, etc.)
Methods to collect data
Global Positioning System (GPS), web-based systems, telemetry, automated data collection, etc.
Condition classification of different assets
Project scheduling
Asset components
Maintenance activities related to various asset classes
Level of service needed and relationship between asset condition and service level impacts
Potential impacts of improvements to public works operations
Asset Management

17. Exam Development next steps
CPWP
Exam Development next steps
April/May 2018 – Item Writing
May 2018 – Applications Available
June 2018 – Item Review Meeting
August 2018 – First Exam Administered
September 2018 – Pass Score Set

18. CPWP Recertification Required every 5 years
50 credits required through a combination of continuing education hours and contributions to the profession

19. What happens to dcs graduates?
Public Works Supervisor (PWS), Public Works Manager (PWM), and Public Works Executive (PWE) graduates will continue to be recognized by APWA.
PWS and PWM graduates will have the option to automatically become a CPWP-S or CPWP-M.
All PWS, PWM, and PWE graduates will follow the same five-year recertification requirements as the CPWP programs.

20. What happens to DCS Candidates transitioning?
Those candidates deciding to transition to the new program will automatically be eligible for the corresponding program (PWS=CPWP-S and PWM=CPWP-M).
Transitioning candidates will have first option to test in August 2018 by completing exam application.
Transitioning candidates will be charged no additional fees for CPWP.

21. What happens to PWLFs? The CPWP will not have a mentoring component.
The Professional Development Committee is working on a national mentoring program proposal.
The proposal will include recommendation on the future of PWLFs.
The proposal will be presented to the Board of Directors in June 2018.

22. What is the role of Public Works Institutes?
Public Works Institutes (PWIs) will continue to deliver the same curriculum based on the PWI 11 Core Units – no changes are necessary.
Completion of a PWI will not be a requirement for the CPWP program.
PWIs will provide optional training for those seeking certification.
Graduation from a PWI will provide an alternative pathway into certification eligibility.