The information on this page supports the application process for Registered Soil Practitioner – Erosion and Sediment Control (RSP-ESC) accreditation. It should be read in conjunction with the information and links provided on the RSP-ESC page of the Soil Science Australia website.
Identify your chosen pathway. There are three pathways for applicants to choose from to apply for RSP-ESC – you will be asked to nominate your chosen pathway.
| Education Pathway | Workforce Pathway | Recognition Pathway | |
| Knowledge and skills | Undergraduate Degree in a suitable field e.g., Environment, Engineering |
No qualifications required |
Hold another ESC accreditation |
| Complete core competency exam (CCE) | Yes | Yes | To be determined upon review of application |
| Evidence against Standards | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Experience | CV showing 5 years relevant work experience | CV showing at least 8 years relevant workforce experience and substantial soil and erosion and sediment control experience in the last 3 years | CV showing 5 years relevant work experience |
Read the Standards #
The assessment approach for RSP-ESC relies strongly on evidence provided against the Standards. Before proceeding, please read the RSP – Erosion and Sediment Control Standards.
Confidentiality #
Applications are confidential, and only assessors, interviewers and members of the Accreditation Board having no conflict of interest can assess an application. Assessors and members of the Accreditation Board are required to delete all application documents received, so the only copy of application materials kept are those held by Soil Science Australia.
Pass the RSP-ESC Core Competency Exam #
All applicants using the Education and Workplace Pathways will be asked to sit the RSP-ESC Exam before submitting your application form.
More information about the exam will be added as it becomes available.
Application form #
The application and evidence form can be found in the SSA member portal.
Your assessment will be based on how well you can demonstrate that you meet the Standards, in the uploaded evidence form, in your CV and references and during your interview.
Upload evidence of your qualifications. Where applicable to their chosen pathway, applicants will need to upload a certificate of successful completion of the ESC Core Competencies Exam and/or provide university transcripts (AQF Level 7 or above) that show completion of at least a degree course in an allied field such as Environmental Management or Engineering. A specialist PhD or Masters’ degree will most likely not meet requirements on its own unless supported by an ESC-related undergraduate courses. Please ensure that academic transcripts and certificates are not password protected.
Upload a curriculum vitae. You will be asked to upload a CV of 3 to 4 pages that provides evidence of significant experience relevant to the pathway you have chosen being at least 5 years’ experience including at least three years working directly in Erosion and Sediment Control. Those following the Workplace pathway will need to show evidence of at least 8 years of relevant experience. Please Include the following information in your CV:
- the name, location and contact details of the employing organisation
- the dates and duration of your employment in this appointment
- the title of the position you held
- your defined roles and responsibilities
- where applicable, how your work fits with the RSP-ESC standards.
Upload work evidence. To complete the evidence form you will need to upload 2 to 4 clearly identified work documents such as ESCP designs, significant amendments to ESCPs, detailed site inspections with marked-up photographic evidence of maintenance or install of controls or other written communications that collectively demonstrate your experience as it relates to the Standards. Commercial documents may have identity information redacted. Documents must be accessible (no passwords) and easy to read. There is a data limit on uploads.
Where reports or publications have multiple authors, the applicant must identify the extent of their contribution in the document, and co-authors may be required to corroborate that information. Work that has been audited or peer reviewed is particularly welcome.
It takes time to find the right documents, and you can keep uploading and deleting the document set until you are satisfied.
Upload data limits. There are data limits for uploads as follows:
- Qualifications – Maximum of 10 files, total maximum of 10MB
- Experience – Maximum of 10 files, total maximum of 10MB
- Evidence – Maximum of 10 files, total maximum of 40MB
Complete declarations about evidence. You are asked to declare that the evidence you have provided demonstrates that you meet the majority of the Standards and answer other questions about the documentation you have provided.
Provide names of referees. You will be asked to provide name, company, role, email address and phone number for 3 referees, checking beforehand that they agree to act in this capacity. No more than one referee should be from your employing organisation. The other two referees should not have a material interest in your accreditation or have a close relationship with you. Referees will be emailed an invitation to provide a reference using a question template based on the relevant Standards.
Complete the disclosure. You are asked to identify any actions against you that SSA, as the accrediting body, should know about such as disciplinary or legal action. The responses to the disclosure questions are yes/no and in most cases a yes answer does not necessarily prevent your application going forward. There is an upload box for you to clarify any of questions where you answered “yes”.
Complete the applicant declaration. This declaration asks you if you agree and consent to:
- adhere to the SSA Accreditation Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct
- be bound by, and conform to, the Rules and By-Laws of the Soil Science Australia
- meet the requirements for Ongoing Professional Development
- furnish any other information the Accreditation Board may request as part of my accreditation
- use the relevant post-nominal and the electronic seal only whilst you remain accredited
- allow Soil Science Australia to disclose that you are accredited.
Payment #
You will be invoiced for the application fee ($395) to be paid before your application can be evaluated.
Submit form #
You can save the form before submitting. Receipt of the form will be acknowledged and will be checked to ensure that all necessary documentation has been provided. You may be contacted during this process for additional information or clarification.
Interview #
If all required application information has been supplied, an interview will be arranged at a mutually agreed time. A panel of three people will assess your documentation and references before conducting a 30 to 45-minute online panel interview. The interview will address the applicant’s qualifications, experience and competencies. Visit the accreditation interview page for more information about interviews.
The panel will make a recommendation to the Accreditation Board to accept the applicant as accredited, or not.
Onboarding #
At the end of the process, if you are successful, after paying the annual fee you will receive a welcome letter and will be able to access your seal and certificate through the member portal. Your details will be added to the “Find a RSP” webpage.
For more information #
Please direct all inquiries to [email protected].
Published May 2025