EPt MEMBER HANDBOOK

INSIDE YOUR HANDBOOK

Congratulations – You Are An EPt 4

What it Means​ to Be Certified 5
• Membership Profile 8
• Code of Ethics 9

How To Represent Your New Status 10

• General Requirements​ 11
• Member Accountability 12
• Using Your Letters​ 13
• Tips to Market Yourself​ 14

Making The Most of Your Membership​ 15

• Overview of Benefits​ 16
• Free Learning and Recruiting Resources​
• Discounts on Training & Lifestyle Products​
• CHUBB AD&D Insurance​
• Discounts On Training And Lifestyle Products
• Connect With Your Peers From Coast-to-coast!
• ECO Impact Awards​
• EP Mentorship Program​ 21
• Professional Development (PD) Credits​ 22
• EPt PD Training Framework 23

2
INSIDE YOUR HANDBOOK

Maintaining Your Membership​ 24

• Annual Renewal​ 25
• Maintaining PD Requirements​
• Membership Fees​
• Updating Your Status​ 26
• Upgrading Your Status 27
• Adding Specializations​ 28

​Accessing Your Account and Next Steps​ 29

• Login ​ 30
• Member Checklist 31

​Supporting Resources​ 32

3
 Welcome to the EPt Designation!

You are now EPt Certified joining the over 6,500 practitioners
in Canada who have been certified.

Inside this handbook you will find valuable information to help

you get the most from your designation.

CONGRATULATIONS!

4
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CERTIFIED

Our evolving environmental sector calls for

practitioners to be knowledgeable and ethical
ambassadors that possess essential
professional and technical skills necessary to
thrive in today’s workforce.

We uphold high standards of our members

and ensure:
• The standards of admission and practice
are met
• Activities of members are regulated, in
terms of skilled practice and ethical conduct
• The promotion of knowledge building

The following characteristics describe what it

means to be an Environmental Professional
(EP).

You set a high standard and demonstrate

dedication to the environmental sector.

You aim to protect the environment

through engagement and involvement, the
pursuit of education, and work experience.

You conduct your work ethically,

responsibly and understand your role in
representing the environmental sector.

Your goal is to become a leader by

promoting sustainability, communicating
effectively with the public, and influencing
change on a larger scale.

5
 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CERTIFIED

You gain the trust of the public, industry,

government officials, and other
stakeholders; this is achieved through
collaboration, critical thinking, project
management, and continuous learning.

You render services based upon advanced

knowledge, skill, and judgement, which
encourages trust and rapport between an
EP and the public.

You act as a substantive public obligation

and performs services (to a greater or
lesser degree) in the public interest.

You are bound by a distinctive ethical code

regarding relationships with the
environment, public, clients, employees,
and colleagues.

You accept responsibility to mentor and

educate other EPs, contributing to the
quality and integrity of professional services
provided to clients, the public, and the
environment.

You gain the trust of the public, industry,

government officials, and other
stakeholders; this is achieved through
collaboration, critical thinking, project
management, and continuous learning.

6
 AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Because the environmental sector is so vast
and influences many industries, it can get
complex when it comes to finding an area
where your skills fit the best. We call these
specializations because each one has a distinct
profile and set of skills required to be proficient
at it.
What Are the National
Occupational Standards?
The National Occupation Standards (NOS)
defines over 300 competencies required for
an individual to carry out their job duties.

Members who have their EPt designation can
choose up to two areas of specialization that
highlight how their expertise fits within a set of
core competencies as defined in the National
Occupational Standards.
Currently there are three main sector
categories that outline the type of work of
an environmental practitioner conducts.
This is further broken down into 14 areas of
specialization.

SECTOR A — ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

This planet is our home; protecting the
environment means you work makes a 1. Air Quality
difference to lessening the disturbance of the 2. Water Quality
land, air, water and ecosystems that we
inhabit. 3. Site Assessment &
This could mean working on projects that Reclamation
contribute to healthy living, the overall
temperature of our atmosphere and support 4. Waste Management
biodiversity.
5. Health & Safety
SECTOR B — RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Water, Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Phosphorus,
Forests, Soil, Iron, Renewables, Biological and
other natural resources are all hugely 1. Energy
important to the future of our communities. 2. Fisheries & Wildlife
Finding a way to conserve these valuable
assets and respect the gifts that nature 3. Natural Resource
provides for our survival is what you do. The Management
end goal? Sustainable resource management.

SECTOR C — ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

You are dedicated to educating and shedding 1. Sustainability
light on the best ways to preserve the best of
2. Education & Training
nature for generations to come and shifting
away from a culture of waste. 3. Research & Development
These activities center on developing,
disseminating and applying knowledge in 4. Policy & Legislation
support of Environmental Protection and 5. Communications &
Resource Management. Public Awareness

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
At the centre of each sector is the role of Environmental Manager. While not technically
a ‘subsector’, the role is a unique specialization for certification and has a unique profile.
7
 MEMBERSHIP PROFILE

NEW MEMBERS IN 2019 BY PROVINCE

We added 484 new members in 2019. The largest share of the
growth originated in 3 key provinces: Ontario, Alberta, and
British Columbia. This is a consistent trend with previous years,
and overall membership.

AB — 97 MB — 22 NB — 3 YK — 2
BC — 87 ON — 226 NS — 13 NT — 2
SK — 17 QC — 7 NL — 8

MEMBER DISTRIBUTION ACROSS CANADA

In the graphic below, you’ll see in which areas of Canada the
most Environmental Professionals currently reside.

MORE EP STATS
SEX AGE SALARY EDUCATION INDIGENOUS

44% 54% 26-45: 66.6% Up to 50K: 1.7% 3%

Bachelors: 44.4%
46-55: 22.2% 50K - 100K: 67.2%
Masters+: 42.2%
56-65: 8.9% 100K+: 35%
Diploma: 8.9%
Not Avail: 8.3%

8
 EP CODE OF ETHICS
The Environmental Professional (EP) Code of Ethics includes several tenets which all certified
and in-training members must adhere to in order to remain a member in good standing.

In addition, EP staff, volunteers, and board and committee members must also agree to
abide by the same EP Code of Ethics, which is expanded upon in the EP Guidelines for Ethical
Practice.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY

Hold paramount the protection of the Obtain and maintain a level of competence
public, the safety and welfare of all suitable for the required work and ensure
persons, and the responsibility for that no misrepresentation of qualifications
environmental stewardship. or competence occurs.

ETHICAL AND MORAL STANDARDS CONFIDENTIALITY

Hold in strict confidence, except as
required by law, all information
concerning the business and affairs of
the employer / client / stakeholder
acquired in the course of the
professional relationship, and do not use
this information for personal gain.
Remain aware of any real, perceived, or
potential situations in conflict of interest
with the employer / client / stakeholder.
Disclose any influence, interest, or
relationship that impairs professional
judgment or objectivity.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Conduct all professional practices
honestly, fairly, in good faith, with
integrity, and with due care – do not
consciously associate with any material
report, statement, or representation
known to be false or misleading. Report
any conduct not consistent with the EP
Code of Ethics.
Adherence to this Code of Ethics is required
of all certified members to maintain
certification.
These standards will continue to evolve to
increase transparency and rigor, ensuring a
high standard of professional conduct of all
members.

9
HOW TO REPRESENT
YOUR NEW STATUS
10
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The philosophy of EP is to encourage sustainable
EXAMPLES OF LAWS THAT
environmental plans that are anticipatory and
COULD IMPACT YOUR WORK
preventative, rather than reactive.
1. Municipal – waste by-laws
Informing, advising, and counselling an employer,
client, or owner on the implications of possible 2. Provincial – the Alberta
changes in standards, regulations, and expectations is Environmental Protection and
advised. Enhancement Act, the Alberta Water
Act, and associated regulations
The provincial and federal governments have
overlapping jurisdiction as it relates to the 3. Federal – the Canadian
environment. Environmental Protection Act 1999,
the Canadian Environmental
Consequently, it is possible that municipal, provincial,
Assessment Act, and associated
and federal laws may regulate the environment
regulations
concurrently.

Two obligations to observe in the pursuit of your work:

1. The personal confidence of the client or employer in their technical competence.
2. The confidence of the public at large in their integrity in serving society and the environment.
These obligations reinforce the accountability and duty placed upon the profession and yourself
to justify the rapport built with the public, clients or employers. Whether you are an employer,
supervisor, client or employee, be aware of competing or contradictory demands.
Consider consulting the Guidelines for Ethical Practice on page 33 when working with various
constituents and their demands.

BENEFITS OF BEING A PART OF THE EP COMMUNITY

Participate in activities that promote peer interaction and provide
exposure to new ideas and environmental updates that enhance the
profession and serve the public interest. Below are some examples of
engagement activities for you to consider:
• Become a protégé and be mentored but an experienced EP member.
• Develop valuable skills that will create new career opportunities.
• Gain resources to help you create and update your EPt Professional
Development Plan available through your EPt PD Training Framework.
• Participate in activities that contribute to the community, which require
professional and ethical behaviour but not necessarily the application
of environmental knowledge. For example, join the 'EP Community
Connections' LinkedIn Group (members only) or contact us to host an
EP meet-up in your area.

11
 MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY

ACCOUNTABILITY
You are expected to exercise due diligence in the execution
of your work to the extent that you understand and are
responsible for the management of the environmental
aspects of assigned projects. That expectation includes
practicing in accordance with the EP Code of Ethics and
provincial and federal law, restricting practice to the areas of
personal expertise, and practicing in accordance with
established standards.
You should expect to be supported in environmentally
responsible decisions by your management and team
members, as they too have a responsibility for stewardship
of the environment. You may be accountable to many
different constituents or stakeholders. There are many levels
of accountability such as:
• Self and the profession through the EP Code of Ethics
• The employer/client/supervisor through the
employment contract
• The shareholders through the marketplace

MAINTENANCE OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Significant knowledge is acquired through years of experience.
Practice of this profession requires the exercise of reasonable
judgement in the application of this knowledge. You will:
• Assume the sustained study of ethics and environmental
issues by reading journals or attending technical courses,
webinars, and conferences.
• Remain current and keep abreast of information and
activities related to your discipline.
• Leverage peer reviews or approvals of demonstrated
expertise as a significant source of satisfaction and pride.
Further, the demonstration of continuing competency fulfills
the increasing demands from the public for greater
accountability. The standard established for continued
competence for each discipline is dynamic and changes over
time as new techniques, practices, and materials are accepted.

12
 USING YOUR LETTERS
Highlight your EPt status by adding your letters in your email signature, business cards,
event registration, and on your LinkedIn Profile.

WAYS TO INCLUDE STATUS IN YOUR TITLE

Grant Smith, EPt
Grant Smith, EPt – Site Assessment & Reclamation (one specialization)
Grant Smith, EPt – Site Assessment & Reclamation, Water Quality (more than one specialization)

ADDING EP ON YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE

1. In your 'Accomplishments' section - choose 5. License Number = Member number (from

'Certification’ certificate)
2. Include EPt Certification URL: 6. Certification URL = www.eco.ca/certification
www.eco.ca/certification
3. Certification Name: Enter your designation
4. Certification Authority: ECO Canada

DO NOT LIST EP AS YOUR JOB TITLE OR LIST ECO CANADA AS YOUR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT.

13
 TIPS TO MARKET YOURSELF
Now that you have a new credential to add to your title, here are some best practices to
help you market yourself and new status.

4 POINTS TO CONSIDER
Show Your Passion
This demonstrates your enthusiasm and
motivation to your employer, dedication to
your area(s) of expertise and commitment to
the profession. Show how your unique blend of
expertise and work practice differentiates you
from others in your industry.
Describe What Makes EPt Valuable
There are lots of perks and benefits that make
this designation valuable. At its core, EPt
provides:
• Documentation of your knowledge
according to a set of skills and competencies
• Environmentally-focused recognition that
spans all provinces
• Public trust that you operate with high
professional standards which are integral to
the EP Code of Ethics
Emphasize Skill Development
Both technical and soft skills are equally
important these days to employers and the
value of their people. This is an important
component to the success of business; EPt
gives you access to tools and resources that
will enhance skill development.
Promote Your Status and the Membership
Give credit to the recognition you have as an
EPt. We love connecting with our members in
person but Canada is a big country so it can
be hard to get to every region on a regular
basis! Be an EPt champion and help us
promote the membership. Host a Meet-Up
event, request a Lunch n’ Learn for your
employer, give a student presentation at your
local post-secondary, or just show your
support at one of our events.

WHEN SOMEONE ASKS YOU – WHAT IS AN EP?

We are a group of diverse environmental and sustainability professionals.
Among us are scientists, technicians, engineers, biologists, auditors, managers,
consultants, and executives. All of us hold specialized expertise pertaining to
environmental practice in both a competent and ethical manner. This expertise
offers a reliable resource to industry and the public.
With increasing advancements in the environmental world, the public can look
to EPs to provide societal and environmental leadership. The professional
relationship of trust is fundamental as we do our part in guiding society to
adopt environmental responsibilities for the advancement of ecological and
human welfare.

Hint
Our website and other digital channels generate over 850,000 visits, 75,000
subscribers and 40,000 fans and followers. Share your success, a case
study or other insights through ECO and you are sure to build visibility for
your personal brand or project work.

14
MAKING THE MOST OF
YOUR MEMBERSHIP

15
 OVERVIEW OF BENEFITS

There are lots of great perks included in your

membership. We aim to provide maximum value for
your investment, while ensuring that all benefits
align with the goal of enhancing career development
and lifelong learning.
To that end, every year an annual survey is sent out
to the member community to gauge satisfaction as
well as input for new benefits or resources. This gives
you a chance to have a say on how we can add
meaningful value.

FREE LEARNING & RECRUITING RESOURCES

We’ve got a range of complimentary tools and resources for you to use. Here is a list of what
you can access at no cost, anytime:

Essential Skills for Job Seekers

Access this interactive, online course where you will learn how to master your environmental
job search with tips from employers and HR managers.

Local Meet Up Events

Our ECO staff or local EP members host Meet Up events in locations all-across Canada. This is
an informal community-building activity that you can attend – no entry fee for members! Enjoy
a beverage or two and meet other practitioners in the area to build your professional
connections. If you are interested in helping us plan a Meet Up in your area, reach out to
EP@eco.ca.

Online Webinars
There are currently over 45 webinars and the number continues to grow. We are always
adding these quick-hit learning resources to our resource library and you will always have free
access. From technical learning such as ‘Perspectives on the New Impact Assessment Act’ to
essential soft skill and employability development, there is something for everyone.

Speaker Series Eligibility

Have a technical topic or new insight that you want to share? As a member you have access to
our Environmental Expert Webinar Series as a presenter. Our networking events also typically
feature technical experts or thought leader presentations at which you may speak. Great for
exposure of your personal brand or business!

16
 OVERVIEW OF BENEFITS

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE

As a designated member, we’ve got you covered!
A plan that can help during the difficult times you and
your family could face is important. This coverage
provides all certified members with 24-hour protection
against accidents regardless of your health history.
In the event of a catastrophic accident, you are
automatically eligible for $100,000 of AD&D benefits
as part of your membership fee.

Plan Features
• Enhanced Loss Schedule How It Works
• In-Hospital Confinement Monthly Income 1. Pay your certification fee.
• Cosmetic Disfigurement 2. Be automatically enrolled
• Home Alteration and Vehicle Modification as an active member – no
additional premium
• Rehabilitation Benefit charged.
• Loss of Life Benefit 3. A welcome email will be
• Day Care Benefit sent to you with claim
information and the full
• Spousal Occupational Training benefits guide.
• Bereavement Benefit 4. Remain eligible as long as
• Special Education Benefit your membership is active
and up to date.
• Family Transportation
• Repatriation Benefit
Visit: https://bit.ly/2KpHT4F
• Identification Benefit
for more information.

LIABILTY AND ERRORS & OMMISSIONS INSURANCE

Protect yourself or your small business from potential loss! All EP-Certified members are
eligible to receiver up to 60% off liability and errors & omissions insurance through BFL
CANADA.
For more information, access the Member Discounts section of your account or e-mail
ecopro@bflcanada.ca.

TIP: Talk to your employer about how certifying your team can save on your
organization in costly insurance expenses.

17
 DISCOUNTS ON TRAINING &
LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS
In addition to the freebies, your membership LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
also unlocks discounts to professional
development training and lifestyle products. Enjoy these exclusive EP member discounts:

25% Off Online Training, Workshops and 15% off your first translation
Networking Events service with ECO Lead
Communications
Currently we offer 5 online courses geared
toward professionals with 0 to 2 years of work Corporate car rental rates
experience in subjects including: through Enterprise
• Professional Communications
10% off select merchandise
• Environmental Consulting Fundamentals at Mark’s Work Wearhouse
• Technical Writing Basics
• Project Management Basics 15% off regulatory
updates through Nimonik
• Navigating Environmental Law

15% off Park’N Fly service

We also host in-person training workshops on
a regular basis across the country on technical
topics such as:
• Impact Assessment For more information, helpful links, and
discount codes required to access the benefits
• Leadership Training above, sign-in to your ECO Canada account and
• Project Management head to: https://bit.ly/2OjZkF3
• Regulatory Updates

18
 CONNECT WITH YOUR PEERS
FROM COAST-TO-COAST
Share your opportunities and forge new partnerships with EP
Community Connections! In the spirit of strengthening the EP
Community network, we launched a member-exclusive online
meeting room to help you build your network of environmental
professionals and increase your impact.

EP Community Connections is a valuable resource focused on

COMMUNITY UPDATES building and maintaining a strong environmental community.
Take advantage of the networking and professional development
 Local meet-ups opportunities taking place near you and keep track of the latest
trends in your industry with EP Community.
 Conferences
EP MEET-UPS
 Networking events
EP Meet-Ups was developed to help foster local member networking
 Published Articles opportunities and create more opportunities for relationship
development. Typically hosted in restaurant or lounge settings, this
 ECO Canada News is a casual format meant to help break the ice and encourage
dialogue between members. Our staff and EP members host local
 Success stories meet-ups around the country – in 2019 there were 10 Meet Ups in 8
locations: Victoria, Calgary, Barrie, Kelowna, Peterborough, Halifax,
 Industry Insights Kitchener, and Montreal.

Contact us at ep@eco.ca to volunteer to host one in your area or

check out our website for a list of events planned.

19
 ECO IMPACT AWARDS
CONNECTING CANADA’S ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS

LEARN.
NETWORK.
CELEBRATE.
Enjoy a day of learning, networking with
peers, talks by influential speakers and
celebrating the success of our members!

The ECO Impact Awards aim to highlight

the work of our EPs (Environmental
Professionals), EP Auditors, EPts and
Employers who demonstrate leadership,
commitment to the field and dedication to
continuous improvement in the
environmental sector.

The awards were developed to create

visibility and recognition for the people
who are leading the environmental sector
in Canada – those with an EP, EP Auditor,
or EPt designation, and the organizations
that employ them. ECO Canada
designates professionals that contribute
to the innovation, sustainability and
growth of the environmental sector.

Our definition of an environmental

professional is a progress-focused
practitioner who works within a range of
industries in Canada and ensures that the
projects and work conducted minimize
environmental impact.

FOUR AWARD CATEGORIES:

1. EP MEMBER

2. EP AUDITOR

3. EPt MEMBER

Go4. toTOP
ecoimpact.ca
EMPLOYER for more
information.

20
 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
MENTORSHIP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
STEPS TO PARTICIPATE :
1. Sign up and let us know you’re interested.
2. Based on which position you are interested in
(protégé: you’re looking for a mentor, and
mentor: you are interested in volunteering
your time), you will be invited to complete an
introductory tutorial to introduce you to the
program and its requirements
3. We will begin the matching process based on
your experience to ensure a great fit for
mentor and protégé.
4. Once matched, you will be provided with the
mentorship curriculum outlining 8 guided
mentorship sessions.
The protégé is responsible for initial contact with
their matched mentor.
Download MentorCity:
https://www.mentorcity.com/
21
INDEPTH CAREER
GUIDANCE, EXCLUSIVE
TO MEMBERS
All great leaders at one point had mentors,
and in turn, mentored others. Trying to make
great strides in your career is much easier
when you work with someone who has
experience travelling on that same path.
Whether you are just starting out and need
guidance, or you are a seasoned professional,
and wish to help others follow in your
footsteps, this mentoring program is worth
your time.
Our senior EP leaders act as mentors to our
Environmental Professional in-training (EPt)
members that qualify as proteges.
• Push yourself outside your comfort zone
• Learn how to accept and give constructive
feedback
• Share challenges and concerns with a
confidant
• Gain respect and recognition in your field
• Develop valuable skills that will create new
career opportunities
• Open yourself up to new ideas and new
ways of doing things
• All program participants will receive 5 PDC
(professional development credits) towards
their annual requirement
• EPt members – gain a resource to help
create and update your Professional
Development Plan available through your
Training Framework
• Access the program easily via the
MentorCity App!
 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CREDITS (PD)
All EP members are required to submit an annual record of their professional development
activities before the deadline of March 31. Failure to submit the required information prior to
the annual deadline will result in the member losing eligibility for annual renewal on April 1.
Credit requirements are summarized as follows:

EPt EP EP(EMSLA), EP(CEA)

20 professional
development credits
required
Minimum of 3 categories
15 professional
development credits
required
Minimum of 3 categories
6 Employment Credits
15 professional development
credits required
No minimum category
requirement
5 professional practice/audit
logs

Professional development activities are assigned credit value based on the type of activity. For a
detailed breakdown of activities and credit values, consult your Member Guide
(https://bit.ly/2Oiy5dM).

22
EPt PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(PD) TRAINING FRAMEWORK
Take advantage of our personalized resources and gain a high-level understanding and
commitment to the environmental profession!
Our training framework is uniquely designed to help emerging and junior environmental
professionals navigate the beginning stages of their careers and set them up for success.
Benefits of the Professional Development Framework:
 The opportunity to close the essential skills gap and the soft-skills that environmental
employers need
 Year-by-year training that gets you on the right foot
 Guided focus on required and recommended training
 A clear path to shed the in-training title and obtain the EP designation

PD FRAMEWORK: YEAR 1 - 3

The first 3 years of the framework focuses on the development of essential skills,
introducing the young professional to the environmental sector and ECO Canada by
offering:
 Free webinars
 Discounted online training courses
 Access to a member exclusive mentorship program
 A Professional Development Plan to assist the EPt in developing both short and long-
term career goals
 Essential skills projects, tasks and resources

PD FRAMEWORK: YEARS 4 & 5

This section of the framework is designed to guide the junior professional by introducing
access to additional technical training and a focus on the key ethical principles required to
become an EP.

Your “year”, or level of training, will

automatically be updated once you access
the EPt PD Training framework from your
member account.

If you feel that you are not properly categorized, contact us at EP@eco.ca.

23
MAINTAING YOUR
MEMBERSHIP

24
 ANNUAL
RENEWAL MAINTAINING PD REQUIREMENTS
In recognition of an EPs dedication to continuous
learning and development, all members are
required to record their professional development
activities on an annual basis. Credit requirements
are summarized as follows:
Professional development activities are assigned
credit value based on the type of activity. For a
detailed breakdown of activities and credit values,
consult your Member Guide.
EP/EPt Guide link: https://bit.ly/2Qp5kP9

MEMBERSHIP FEES
Annual membership fees are due on April 1.
• EPt:$130
• EP: $230
• EP Auditor: $230

Outstanding Fee Policy

If payment is not received within 30 days of its due
date, a penalty fee of $100 will be charged for EP
and EP Auditor members while a $50 fee will be
charged for EPt members.

The member will no longer be considered in good

standing and will be temporarily removed from
the membership roster until payment is received.

If it has been more than 90 days since payment

was due and said member still has outstanding
fees, their designation will no longer be active and
will be subject to reinstatement fees and process
or will have to apply as a new applicant if the
lapsed period exceeds 3 years.

25
 UPDATING YOUR STATUS
Voluntary Suspension of a Designation
Away from work for one year or more? No problem! Apply for a voluntary suspension of your
certification now and have your term renewal requirements amended to reflect the time you’re
not at work.

WHO CAN APPLY? HOW TO APPLY

• Members on unemployment
• Members on maternal and
paternal leave
• Members on disability leave
• Download the “Request for Suspension of
Certification” form from the EP Resources section of
your member account or email EP@eco.ca
• Fill out and submit your request form via fax or email

Change of Designation Status

Stepped away from their environmental careers or retired from the field? You may be
eligible for a change in your designation status. Complete the ‘Request for Change of Certification
Status’ form and submit to the Registrar (via fax or email) to find out if you qualify!

NON- EP Member No Longer Practicing in Might return to Wants to maintain

PRACTICING area of specialization practice title

EMERITUS EP Member No longer practicing in No intention of Wants to maintain

area of specialization returning to title
practice

26
 UPGRADING YOUR STATUS
Did You Know?
You can easily upgrade your EPt membership to EP designation. EPt members in good standing
with 5+ years of Canadian environmental work experience are eligible to upgrade their
designation to EP. Also, EPt’s who graduated from an ECO Canada Accredited Post-Secondary
Program (https://bit.ly/2OgPW4P) are eligible to upgrade with just 4 years of environmental work
experience.

EP UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS GETTING STARTED:

Required Applications to upgrade to EP are submitted via the

online member account:
• Ethics Module - introduces the EPt to the EP
Guidelines of Ethical Practice, also available 1. Sign in at www.eco.ca/signin.aspx
within the EPt PD Training Framework
• Upgrade Application Fee – A discounted fee of
2. From the ‘My Certification’ tab, click on
$200 that includes the upgrade application and
the link to access your member account
EP examination fee
where you will see a link to ‘UPGRADE TO EP’
• Self-assessment and Peer Validation –
members are required to achieve a minimum
3. You will then be prompted to process payment
passing score in accordance with the National
of your upgrade application fee and the system
Occupational Standards (NOS) for
will guide you through the self-assessment and
Environmental Employment in addition to the
peer validation steps from there!
EP Ethics Examination.

!
Recommended NOTE: If you have 5+ years of
• Completion of the Professional Development experience and do not see this link,
Plan (PDP) (https://bit.ly/356ORTU) available in please contact us at EP@eco.ca
Year 5 of the EPt PD Training Framework

27
 ADDING SPECIALIZATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL IN TRAINING

If a members’ area(s) of specialization has changed or expanded, and formal
recognition of that specialization is desired, members will be required to document
any experience as a first-time applicant via the self-assessment process.
If successful:
The new area(s) of specialization will be added to the members’ certification program.
Note that the maximum of two (2) specializations in total still applies and that EPt’s
are awarded the opportunity to complete this process once each year, if desired, free
of charge. If an EPt opts to add/change their specializations more than once in a
calendar year, a fee of $50 for each change will occur.

To get started, click on the ‘Add/Change Specialization’ link in your member account.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL
If a members’ area(s) of specialization has changed or expanded, and formal
recognition of that specialization is desired, members will be required to demonstrate
competence as a first-time applicant via the self-assessment and peer validation
process.
If successful:
The new specialization will be added to the members’ designation if ratified by the
Approvals Board. Note that the maximum of five (5) specializations in total still
applies. Applicants are not required to complete the EP Ethics Examination a second
time.
EP members wishing to add an area(s) of specialization are subject to a $100 fee.

Selecting A Specialization:
The environmental sector is broken down into three sectors containing
14 diverse sub-sectors that professionals specialize within to guide
their careers effectively.

Find out more about the Specializations Guide.

28
 ACCESSING
YOUR ACCOUNT

29
 STEPS TO LOG IN
To access your ECO Canada account and relevant certification information:
1. Sign in at www.eco.ca/signin.aspx
2. The details of your designation(s) can be found via the ‘My Certification’ tab

PLEASE NOTE: all relevant information regarding discounts and training opportunities can be
accessed via the My Certification tab. To update any information specific to your designation
(recording your annual activities, processing payment, updating employment and contact
information) click on the ‘Access your member account’ icon.

S T A Y I N T H E L O O P !
Ensure that any @eco.ca e-mails are on your safe-senders list and
subscribe to the EP Newsletter for important updates.

30
 YOUR MEMBERSHIP CHECKLIST
Now that you have officially joined the EP community, here are some things for you to do next to
activate your membership and start taking advantage of your status!

 Change your email signature

 Update your LinkedIn profile

 Join "EP Community Connections" on LinkedIn and introduce yourself!

 Share your approval e-mail to colleagues to let them know you have a new professional status

 Order new business cards

 Register to be a part of the Mentorship Program

 Stop by Mark’s Work Wearhouse and stock up on gear using your 10% discount card (included in
package)

 Explore ECO’s events page to find out where and when the next EP Meet Up will be.

31
SUPPORTING
RESOURCES

32
SUPPORTING RESOURCES

APPLICANT GUIDES

EP/EPt Member Guide https://bit.ly/2NvEAL3

EP Auditor Applicant Guide https://bit.ly/2NujnkH

ETHICS AND EXAM-RELATED MATERIALS

EP Guidelines for Ethical Practice

https://bit.ly/2NvDIpS

EP and EP Auditor Exam Guidelines

https://bit.ly/2Nw1t19

MEMBER GUIDES

EP/EPt Member Guide

https://bit.ly/2WUnZUv

EP Auditor Member Guide

https://bit.ly/2W8KNjj

NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS (NOS) AND

STANDARDS-RELATED RESOURCES

EP NOS
https://bit.ly/2X0NIe2

EP Auditor NOS
https://bit.ly/2WWyiXV

Specialization Guide
https://bit.ly/2YjoQ3x

MEMBER INSURANCE RESOURCES

CHUBB Insurance Policy Information https://bit.ly/2K3Jm0u

BFL CANADA General Liability Insurance Application Form

https://bit.ly/2YtttZh

BFL CANADA Errors & Omissions Insurance Application Form

https://bit.ly/3f66KIB

EP ANNUAL REPORT (2019)

https://bit.ly/3fdYFBI

33
 ECO Canada is the steward for the Canadian environmental industry.
From job creation and wage funding, to training and labour market
research, we champion the end-to-end career of an environmental
professional.

Our aim is to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic

growth within industry while also ensuring that environmental care and
best practice is a priority.

Discover how ECO Canada can support your environmental career by

visiting us online at www.eco.ca