Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the benefits to me, an environmental professional, in achieving professional registration and/or certification?
Answer: There can be a myriad of benefits to achieving professional registration and certification with NREP. However, you are the key in determining the value and usefulness of these benefits, as well as the ultimate recognition of your credential. You will derive the greatest benefit from NREP certification when others see and hear about the quality of your work for which you have been credentialed.

Benefits of NREP Certification

      • Opportunities for career advancement, new jobs, and pay increases.
      • Recognition of your environmental knowledge and experience by your peers.
      • Many city, state, and federal government agencies, including the Resolution Trust Corporation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Air Force, State of Alabama, State of Texas, U.S. EPA, and the public are all able to see what you've accomplished.
      • Listing in NREP's
        1. Official Registry of Environmental Professionals, and
        2. Website of Credentialed Environmental Professionals.

      • Written verification of your qualifications by NREP to employers, governmental agencies, and clients.
      • Access to specially rated errors and omissions insurance and an affinity credit card.
      • Discounts on Airborne Express delivery services; Hertz, Avis and Alamo car rentals; and published educational and reference materials.
      • Committee participation dealing with exam and credential development, national conferences, environmental education programs, and local and regional affiliated organizations.

NREP adds further to the benefits of its credentials by way of extensive public education and outreach programs through trade show exhibits and conferences, testifying before governmental agencies, and presentations to civic, technical, and scientific organizations.

In addition, NREP provides professional benefits to your credential through its membership and activities with the Council on Licensure Enforcement and Regulation, the American Institute for Pollution Prevention, the National Association of Environmental Risk Auditors, the World Safety Organization, the European Society for Environment and Development, and the Environmental Training Institute of the Caribbean.

The public ultimately benefits from all of this activity—they are given the ability to easily identify professionals capable of protecting, preserving, and managing the environment. An NREP credential can readily distinguish you as qualified to perform those kinds of functions.

Question: Do I have to take a refresher course prior to exams?
Answer: Though not mandatory, many exam candidates have found refresher workshops to be beneficial.

Question: What does NREP do for me?
Answer: NREP provides independent validation and professional credentials recognizing your education, work experience, and level of environmental knowledge through examination where no other exists. At your request, NREP will provide that information to employers, agencies, or clients.

Question: Does EPA recognize NREP?
Answer: The EPA's Office of the Inspector General has credentialed NREP members on its staff. Many other EPA staff are also credentialed by NREP. The federal government's Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), as well as many states, cities, banks, and private companies also recognize environmental credentials in bid proposals and/or for occupational certification.

Question: How are the exams put together?
Answer: NREP has an Exam Committee of environmental professionals representing universities, government, and industry. Any NREP credentialed environmental professional may submit questions for review and consideration by the Exam Committee to be included on the exams. Special exam question forms are available from NREP headquarters. Exams are constantly in a state of revision to reflect the latest technology and regulation.

Question: Is this like a professional engineer's license?
Answer: Only state governments can license people to practice engineering professionally. NREP's programs are parallel in design to professional engineer programs, but are only meant for individuals practicing non-engineering environmental management, auditing, and assessment activities. NREP's exams are open book exams as are the PE exams.

Question: What kind of photo do I need on my application?
Answer: Attach any photo or photocopy that clearly identifies you (e.g., driver's license, passport photo, employee ID, etc.)

Question: Why is a REM the highest level, if an REP requires an advanced degree?
Answer: REMs must take an NREP exam to prove their environmental knowledge. REPs do not take an NREP exam, but must have passed an exam offered by a certifying organization or university. REMs must have proven environmental management and/or coordination work experience. REPs do not necessarily have an environmental work history, but only an advanced degree or specialized certification.

Question: Can exams be taken by mail?
Answer: Yes, under the administration of a local school or municipal library. Exams are sent directly to an NREP-approved exam administrator. You may not take the exam home or to your office.