About CPII

The purpose of the CPII credential is to promote quality infrastructure throughout the community by advancing the knowledge and practice of construction inspection to benefit the community and public agencies.

Who Might Be a Public Infrastructure Inspector?

The CPII certification program is for individuals who inspect the construction of public infrastructure (e.g., roadways, highways, utilities, bridges, dams) and facilities (e.g., pump stations, treatment plants, water storage facilities) and other types of construction work and materials to ensure compliance with plans and specifications. Duties may include observation, measurement, testing, and documentation.

Step 1: Eligibility and Preparation

Eligibility Requirements

To demonstrate eligibility, the candidate must document compliance with the following requirements:

  • Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum five years of infrastructure inspection field experience. Relevant work experience is that performed in the construction of public infrastructure (e.g., roadways, highways, utilities, bridges, dams), facilities (e.g., pump stations, treatment plants, water storage facilities), or other types of construction work and materials to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
  • Continued agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct and affirming no history of felony convictions related to the practice of public infrastructure inspection.
  • Payment of the current eligibility application fee.

Eligibility Application Process

  • Complete and save the CPII Eligibility Application.
  • Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
  • APWA will confirm receipt of the CPII Eligibility Application and notify the candidate of the status of their application via email within 20 business days.
  • If proven eligible, the candidate will have 24 months (two years) to sit for the exam before having to requalify.

Eligibility Application Fee

APWA Members: $95

Nonmembers: $145

Preparing for the Exam

The expectation for earning the CPII is a minimum level of competence across all these areas of public infrastructure inspection:

  • Testing, Measurement, and Inspection
    • Underground Construction
    • At-Grade Construction
    • Structural Construction
    • General Construction Fundamentals
  • Project Planning and Management
    • Planning
    • Management
  • Project Compliance and Documentation
    • Compliance
    • Documentation

The CPII Content Outline details the full list of tasks assessed on the exam. The candidate should use the CPII Examination Self-Assessment Form to determine the areas for which additional study may be warranted and develop a study plan focusing on those areas.

No preparatory materials are prerequisites to earning APWA certifications, nor does review of the suggested materials provide any guarantees that the candidate will pass the exam. However, reviewing materials can refresh and improve the candidate's understanding of the processes and functions.

Preparation Tools and Resources

CPII Reference List, a recommended reading list intended for use as a study aid

Step 2: Scheduling and Taking the Exam

Scheduling the Exam

  • The candidate must sit for the CPII exam prior to expiration of the eligibility period.
  • Review the Exam Administration FAQs.
  • Select the desired date from the available dates on the Certification Exam Schedule. The exam must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to the candidate's preferred exam date.
  • The candidate should determine and secure the preferred location and proctoring administration. The exam can be administered directly to the candidate's place of employment or a testing center of their choosing.
  • Complete and save the CPII Exam Application.
  • Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
  • APWA will confirm receipt of the CPII Exam Application and initiate discussions with the proctor to ensure they are trained, prepared, and software is loaded.
  • The candidate and the proctor will be notified of the specifics of the schedule within 14 days of the scheduled exam date.

Taking the Exam

  • The computer-based, proctored exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions based on the CPII Content Outline.
  • The candidate is given a maximum of 3.5 hours to complete the exam.

Exam Fee

Place of employment administration: $300

Testing center administration: $300 plus any testing center fees paid directly to the center

Step 3: Navigating Certification and Recertification

Congratulations! Earning the CPII is a significant achievement.

Share the Success

A newly certified individual is encouraged to:

  • Add their digital badge and certification to their LinkedIn profile.
  • Share their accomplishment on social media.
  • Add their credential to their name and signature on email, business cards, and social media profiles.
  • Send a press release to their local paper.
  • Write an article or record a testimonial.

Recertification

Certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, the individual must complete a minimum of 50 credits (10 credits per year) earned through a combination of continuing education and contributions to the profession.

Applying for Recertification

Recertification requests must be initiated prior to the end of the individual's certification term. To recertify, the individual should:

Recertification Application Fee

APWA Members: $95

Nonmembers: $145

CPII Certification Spotlight On:

Travis W. Hart, CPII, Public Works Superintendent, City of Malibu, California

“I wanted to obtain the CPII because it is a nationally recognized certification that covers a vast array of public works expertise and knowledge.”

Questions About the Certification Programs?

Reach out to the Certification team at certification@apwa.org or by phone at 800-848-2792.

Please note: APWA Education is independent of APWA Certification. APWA certification programs are governed by the Certification Commission, a semi-independent certifying body of APWA. In adherence to certification industry standards, the Commission volunteers are independent and not involved in the development of preparatory programs.

Certification Program Governance