About Certification

The PSAI’s certification program for Portable Sanitation Professionals sets the standard for skills and knowledge in our industry.

Program Overview

The PSAI’s certification program for portable sanitation professionals is the only credential in the world designed to recognize the specific competencies required for success in front line roles in our industry. The credential was first introduced in 1992 when the Association developed a set of best practices for portable sanitation operations, a training course to teach them, and an exam to measure understanding of the concepts. In 2019 the PSAI rolled out an updated program that includes credentials for both apprentices who lack 2,000 hours of front line job experience and professionals who have been on the job 2,000 hours or more.

Since the program’s inception, more than 2,000 individuals have successfully passed the certification exam. The exam consists of 50-60 questions relating to skills and general knowledge of domains required for competency as a portable sanitation worker. Certification is current for three years before it has to be renewed.

To assist candidates for certification in preparing for the exam, the PSAI today offers a Basic Service Technician training series designed to teach the basic competencies required for success in the role of a portable sanitation professional. These courses are not required by the PSAI for certification, though some states do require them for licensure.

 Learn about the
Basic Service Tech
Training Series

Competencies Required of Certified Portable Sanitation Professionals

There are five knowledge domains in which Certified Portable Sanitation Professionals must be competent to be certified. These are:

Knowledge Domain 1: Transportation and Logistics
  • Preparation for transporting equipment
  • Operation of tank vehicles
  • Site selection and equipment placement
  • Waste disposal
  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance protocols
Knowledge Domain 2: Servicing Portable Sanitation Equipment
  • Operation of pumping equipment
  • Maintenance and repairs of portable sanitation equipment in the field
  • Cleaning procedures
Knowledge Domain 3: Safety and Hazard Management
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Materials handling
  • Spill containment
  • Accident/incident management
  • Infectious diseases
Knowledge Domain 4: Record Keeping
Knowledge Domain 5: Professional Demeanor and Conduct
  • Effective, courteous communication
  • Conduct reflecting positively on the profession

For details on the competencies required of certification candidates in each of these knowledge domains,

Details on the
Competencies Requried of
Certified Individuals

How to become Certified

Certification is voluntary. While all credential seekers are welcome to attend the Basic Service Technician training series for a review of best practices, these  courses are not a PSAI prerequisite prior to sitting for the exam. In some states, however, both the Basic Service Technician training series AND the exam are required by for licensure. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing body for details. To be eligible for certification an applicant must:

  1. Meet the eligibility criteria for either the apprentice or professional credential (Attestation Form required)
  2. Complete the Authorization to Test
  3. Commit to following the CPSP Code of Ethics
  4. Pay the appropriate fees
  5. Successfully pass the examination

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More about the Program

Candidate Handbook

A resource for individuals interested in becoming certified.

Program Manual

Everything you ever wanted to know about how the certification program works.

Program Development

Background information on how the certification program was created.