QUALIFIED SWPPP
PRACTITIONER (QSP) EXAM
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
QSP Core Responsibilities & General Permit (1–20)
1. A likely precipitation event is any weather pattern that is forecasted to have
a ___% or greater probability of producing precipitation in the project area.
A. 10
B. 25
C. 50
D. 75
E. 99
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: A "likely precipitation event" is defined in the CGP as a forecast with a
50% or greater chance of precipitation, which triggers pre-storm planning
requirements.
2. A QSP is responsible for:
A. Day-to-day implementation, inspections, and observations
B. Amending the SWPPP as required
,C. Developing and certifying the SWPPP
D. Certifying reports in SMARTS
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: A
Rationale: The QSP is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, inspections,
and observations of the SWPPP. The QSD develops the SWPPP, and the LRP
certifies reports.
3. The Construction General Permit (CGP) applies to:
A. Any construction or demolition of less than 5 acres
B. Any construction or demolition of one acre or more
C. Any agricultural operation
D. Any federal land project
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: The CGP applies to any construction or demolition activity that
disturbs one or more acres of land, or smaller sites that are part of a larger common
plan of development.
4. Which of the following activities is covered under the CGP?
A. Routine maintenance to maintain original line and grade
B. Disturbances solely related to agricultural operations
C. Clearing and grading 2 acres of land
D. Discharges from tribal lands
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Clearing and grading two acres of land meets the threshold for
coverage under the CGP. Routine maintenance and agricultural operations are
typically exempt.
5. If construction of a Linear Underground/Overhead Project (LUP) will
occur across several properties, who is responsible for obtaining permit
coverage?
,A. Each individual property owner
B. The utility company, municipality, or other agency that owns/operates the LUP
project
C. The contractor performing the work
D. No coverage is required for LUPs
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: For LUPs that cross multiple properties, the utility company,
municipality, or public/private agency that owns or operates the LUP project is
responsible for obtaining permit coverage.
6. The Legally Responsible Person (LRP) is typically:
A. The QSP
B. The QSD
C. The person who possesses real property interest in the land
D. The construction foreman
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: The LRP is the person who possesses real property interest in the land
upon which construction activities will occur for the regulated site.
7. The SWPPP is considered a "living document."
A. True
B. False
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: A
Rationale: The SWPPP is a "living document" that is amended and updated to
reflect changing site conditions and to reduce pollutants.
8. BMP stands for:
A. Basic Management Protocol
B. Best Management Practice
, C. Building Maintenance Plan
D. Biological Monitoring Program
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: BMP stands for Best Management Practice, which refers to methods,
measures, or practices used to prevent or reduce water pollution.
9. A QSP must develop a Rain Event Action Plan (REAP) _____ hours prior
to any likely precipitation event.
A. Immediately
B. 24
C. 48
D. 72
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: The discharger must ensure a QSP develops a REAP 48 hours prior to
any likely precipitation event.
10. Once a BMP failure is identified, repairs or design changes must be
implemented:
A. Immediately
B. Within 24 hours
C. Within 48 hours
D. ASAP, but not more than 72 hours
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: D
Rationale: Repairs or design changes must be implemented as soon as possible
(ASAP), but not more than 72 hours after identifying a BMP failure.
11. Failure to obtain CGP coverage for stormwater discharges to Waters of
the US is a violation of the:
A. California Water Code only
B. Clean Water Act and California Water Code
PRACTITIONER (QSP) EXAM
WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
QSP Core Responsibilities & General Permit (1–20)
1. A likely precipitation event is any weather pattern that is forecasted to have
a ___% or greater probability of producing precipitation in the project area.
A. 10
B. 25
C. 50
D. 75
E. 99
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: A "likely precipitation event" is defined in the CGP as a forecast with a
50% or greater chance of precipitation, which triggers pre-storm planning
requirements.
2. A QSP is responsible for:
A. Day-to-day implementation, inspections, and observations
B. Amending the SWPPP as required
,C. Developing and certifying the SWPPP
D. Certifying reports in SMARTS
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: A
Rationale: The QSP is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, inspections,
and observations of the SWPPP. The QSD develops the SWPPP, and the LRP
certifies reports.
3. The Construction General Permit (CGP) applies to:
A. Any construction or demolition of less than 5 acres
B. Any construction or demolition of one acre or more
C. Any agricultural operation
D. Any federal land project
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: The CGP applies to any construction or demolition activity that
disturbs one or more acres of land, or smaller sites that are part of a larger common
plan of development.
4. Which of the following activities is covered under the CGP?
A. Routine maintenance to maintain original line and grade
B. Disturbances solely related to agricultural operations
C. Clearing and grading 2 acres of land
D. Discharges from tribal lands
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Clearing and grading two acres of land meets the threshold for
coverage under the CGP. Routine maintenance and agricultural operations are
typically exempt.
5. If construction of a Linear Underground/Overhead Project (LUP) will
occur across several properties, who is responsible for obtaining permit
coverage?
,A. Each individual property owner
B. The utility company, municipality, or other agency that owns/operates the LUP
project
C. The contractor performing the work
D. No coverage is required for LUPs
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: For LUPs that cross multiple properties, the utility company,
municipality, or public/private agency that owns or operates the LUP project is
responsible for obtaining permit coverage.
6. The Legally Responsible Person (LRP) is typically:
A. The QSP
B. The QSD
C. The person who possesses real property interest in the land
D. The construction foreman
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: The LRP is the person who possesses real property interest in the land
upon which construction activities will occur for the regulated site.
7. The SWPPP is considered a "living document."
A. True
B. False
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: A
Rationale: The SWPPP is a "living document" that is amended and updated to
reflect changing site conditions and to reduce pollutants.
8. BMP stands for:
A. Basic Management Protocol
B. Best Management Practice
, C. Building Maintenance Plan
D. Biological Monitoring Program
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: BMP stands for Best Management Practice, which refers to methods,
measures, or practices used to prevent or reduce water pollution.
9. A QSP must develop a Rain Event Action Plan (REAP) _____ hours prior
to any likely precipitation event.
A. Immediately
B. 24
C. 48
D. 72
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: The discharger must ensure a QSP develops a REAP 48 hours prior to
any likely precipitation event.
10. Once a BMP failure is identified, repairs or design changes must be
implemented:
A. Immediately
B. Within 24 hours
C. Within 48 hours
D. ASAP, but not more than 72 hours
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: D
Rationale: Repairs or design changes must be implemented as soon as possible
(ASAP), but not more than 72 hours after identifying a BMP failure.
11. Failure to obtain CGP coverage for stormwater discharges to Waters of
the US is a violation of the:
A. California Water Code only
B. Clean Water Act and California Water Code
