Professional Accreditation Course Info
ARCSA Rainwater Catchment Systems Accredited Professionals Course
What is ARCSA's accreditation course?
In the past few years, rainwater catchment has become a popular and sometimes necessary way to augment water supplies. Due to this, ARCSA believes the general public and other trades need a mechanism to evaluate consultants’, installers’, or vendors’ expertise; that is, a way to set a minimum standard of knowledge in the consultant they choose to design their system. To this end, ARCSA is now providing a training process to members to set a minimum level of demonstrated knowledge of rainwater catchment systems. ARCSA has decided to call this process, which is based on the US Green Building Council’s process, a Rainwater Catchment Systems Accredited Professional. The purpose of accreditation is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a competency of general knowledge and experience to provide advice and/or assistance in the use of rainwater capture.
How do I become accredited?
To become accredited, you must:
- Be a member of ARCSA;
- Submit an application detailing experience and background in the subject;
- Pass a written exam;
- Participate in an ARCSA workshop; and
- Pay a $120 fee, which covers the exam and workshop.
Your application will be reviewed by a committee of Accredited Professionals. Committee members may contact you via phone or e-mail for additional information about your background and experience in the field. Once a determination has been made, you will be informed via an official e-mail from info@arcsa.org. Be sure to set your spam filters to accept e-mails from this address.
What are the benefits of being accredited by ARCSA?
Accredited Professionals will receive a certificate and be recognized on the ARCSA website. ARCSA's accreditation course is not required by any state or municipality for designers or installers of rainwater catchment systems. Rather, it is a sign to your clients and the public that you are committed to excellence and continuing education in the field of rainwater harvesting.
View the current list of accredited members.
What is required of Accredited Professionals?
In order to maintain their status, Accredited Professionals must maintain their ARCSA membership and complete annual CEU requirements. Professionals who fail to maintain their status may not continue to promote themselves as ARCSA Rainwater Catchment Systems Accredited Professionals. Accredited status can be reinstated upon fulfillment of the requirements, as approved by the committee.
When/where is the next accreditation workshop being offered, and how do I sign up?
The following workshops are currently scheduled for 2008:
May 20, 2008 in Athens, Georgia
July 26 in San Marcos, Texas
September 15 in Santa Monica, California (in conjunction with ARCSA's 2008 Annual Conference)
Application forms and a tentative schedule are currently available for the May 20 workshop. Applicants can either print out and fax or mail in an application form, or apply securely online. Applications are also available for the San Marcos and Santa Monica workshops (online registration option coming soon).
Are there any reference materials/preparation needed?
No prep work is needed for the workshop; relevant handouts will be provided to attendees the day of the workshop. For the written exam, a list of suggested reference materatials has been developed. The workshop and the exam are separate; you will not be taking the exam on the day of the workshop. The exam will be sent to you once your application is accepted for the course.