New Credentialing Strategy

APWA’s credentialing program supports its strategic goal of providing excellence in education and credentialing. Keeping APWA’s credentialing programs aligned with current industry trends and responsive to the evolving needs of public works professionals is critical. In 2024, APWA conducted a comprehensive Needs Analysis and Value of Certification study to evaluate how its credentialing offerings compare with best practices across the credentialing industry and could be enhanced to better meet the needs of the public works profession. Building on these findings, a third-party consultant conducted additional research in 2025 to inform and refine APWA’s Credentialing Strategy.

The new Credentialing Strategy introduces stackable credentials consisting of microcredentials—smaller, focused credentials that you can earn individually or combine toward certification.

Here’s what this means for you:

  • Career-Relevant Learning: Microcredentials are designed to reflect the evolving skills needed in today’s public works roles, helping you stay current and competitive.
  • Education-First Approach: A stackable credential combines education and measurable assessments to verify skill development and knowledge application for all learners.
  • Flexible and Accessible: Microcredentials offer a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional education and certification, with easier ways to earn, share, and verify your achievements.
  • Real-World Relevance: Expect more case studies and simulations that mirror the diverse environments public works professionals work in, helping you immediately apply your new skills and knowledge.
  • Stronger Connections: Educational experiences will include networking opportunities to help you build lasting professional relationships.
  • Employer-Aligned: Employers increasingly value demonstrable, job-relevant competencies. This new structure makes it easier for them to support your learning—financially and professionally.

This new approach is designed to meet you where you are in your career and help you move forward with confidence.

Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) Update

The Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) is being updated as part of APWA’s new credentialing strategy. It will be the first stackable credential to launch under this new model. The updated CSM program is set to debut in 2027 and will feature four microcredentials, each designed to build your knowledge while offering flexibility and recognition along the way. Each microcredential will be based on the results of the 2025 Stormwater Job Task Analysis and Content Outline. These four microcredentials will include:

  • Microcredential 1: Stormwater Programs and Practices
  • Microcredential 2: Stormwater Operations and Maintenance
  • Microcredential 3: Stormwater Applied Concepts
  • Microcredential 4: Stormwater Administrative Concepts

Microcredential 1 is a required prerequisite for the other three microcredentials. Microcredentials 2–4 may be taken in any order.

An illustration comparing the current APWA Certified Stormwater Manager certification model and the new stackable model.

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Call for Volunteers

If you are a stormwater subject matter expert, APWA needs you. Volunteers are needed to help develop educational materials and exam writing items for each microcredential. Work will occur throughout 2026 and 2027. As we prepare to begin work on each microcredential, we will contact those interested with details on volunteer expectations and anticipated time commitment to confirm continued interest in participating.

The ideal volunteer for this project includes stormwater professionals in the public and private sectors who coordinate, install, operate, and maintain stormwater infrastructure for or in partnership with city, county, state, tribal, or federal agencies, or other institutions or organizations with stormwater management programs.

To volunteer, use this form.

Important Information About the Current CSM Program

For Current CSM Credential Holders

If you’ve already earned the Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) credential and maintain it through regular recertification, your credential will remain valid and recognized under the new model. There will be no change to your certification status; you will continue to be a Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM).

Eligibility Applications for the Current Program

If you’re planning to apply under the current CSM certification model, please note:

  • Eligibility applications will be accepted through June 30, 2026.
  • After this date, applications will pause until the new stackable CSM program launches in 2027.
  • This transition period ensures that all eligible applicants have time to complete the current exam process.

Water flowing into a storm drain.

Important Information About Stormwater Education

Introduction to Basic Stormwater Concepts

The Introduction to Basic Stormwater Concepts program is currently being updated and will become part of Microcredential 1: Stormwater Programs and Practices in the new credentialing model.

The Introduction to Basic Stormwater Concepts will not satisfy the prerequisite for Microcredentials 2–4. All participants will be required to complete Microcredential 1: Stormwater Programs and Practices. This is due to significant updates in both educational content and assessment methods.

The fee for Microcredential 1: Stormwater Programs and Practices will be waived for individuals who have completed Introduction to Basic Stormwater Concepts.

Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Certificate

The Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Certificate is currently being updated and will become part of Microcredential 2: Stormwater Operations and Maintenance in the new credentialing model.

If you previously completed the Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Certificate, you will retain your certificate for that program. However, due to significant updates in both educational content and assessment methods, this certificate will not qualify as completion of Microcredential 2: Stormwater Operations and Maintenance.

The fee for Microcredential 2: Stormwater Operations and Maintenance will be waived for individuals who earned the Stormwater Operations and Maintenance certificate.

Stormwater Management Manual

The Stormwater Management Manual is currently being updated based on the new CSM Content Outline. The manual will be used as a resource for the new microcredential programs and is expected to be released in 2027.