Page 24 - Sept-Oct 2024 Vol 42 No 3

STATEWIDE By Ethan W. Skaggs, P.E.
CPII Certification Creating Value for

Public Works Professionals in TN

Public Works professionals in Tennessee for career opportunities or improving recent addition to the APWA CPII
are enhancing their skill sets and their understanding of how the complex certification list. Prior to pursuing his
creating value for their communities by systems of public infrastructure work career within the public sector, he spent
obtaining APWA certifications. One of together to improve our communities, almost 25 years working in Heavy Civil
the certification offerings by APWA, the the benefits of the CPII go far beyond the Construction and held many other
Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector coursework and training. certifications. When asked why he
(CPII), is a rare accolade in the Tennessee In Tennessee, leaders in the inspection pursued the certification, Cain shared
Chapter, with only five individuals of public infrastructure are few and far “To me, it just seemed natural to want
achieving this certification statewide. These between. Uniquely, the designation is to have the knowledge and training this
Public Works professionals are leaders in held by professionals from Bristol in East field deserves. I wholeheartedly believe
our industry. By seeking education and Tennessee, all the way to Germantown that the CPII certification exam offers a
credentialing, they are providing better in the state’s western sector. We spent unique perspective of study and provides
service to our communities, upholding some time speaking with a few of these inspectors such as myself with the tools
rigorous standards for public infrastructure Public Works professionals to understand necessary to build on my own experiences
construction and inspection, and why they pursued this certification, what and knowledge in the field of public
advancing the quality of life for all. the benefits have been, and to gain their infrastructure construction inspection.”
APWA redeveloped and launched insight into the process of obtaining the Although Cain is a seasoned professional
the APWA Certification Program certification. with more than ten years of experience
with the goal of offering holistic and Robert Bebber, Engineering Inspector in the public infrastructure construction
comprehensive training opportunities with Bristol’s Public Works Department, inspection field, he still found value in the
for Public Works professionals. APWA shared his experience with the chapter. course offering and education he received
currently offers five certifications for He said when he began pursuing the through certification. “I can say that
Public Works professionals: Certified certification, he was a level 1 inspector. while I originally held some reservation
Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII); “Obtaining this certification helped me upon seeking certification in this field,
Certified Public Works Professional- meet the requirements for advancement I now believe that the CPII certification
Supervision (CPWP-S); Certified Public within the organization. This certification, is perfectly suited to my interests and
Fleet Professional (CPFP); Certified along with 16 other certifications, have ambitions,” he said. “I am confident in
Stormwater Manager (CSM); and Certified given me the opportunity to advance to a my abilities to excel as a Certified Public
Public Works Professional-Management Level III inspector,” he said. Infrastructure Inspector within the great
(CPWP-M). Bebber worked nearly four months State of Tennessee and will apply the
TCAPWA is highlighting the individuals to prepare and study for the exam. The newfound knowledge to all my future
in our state who have invested in certification allowed him to enhance his professional endeavors in public service.”
themselves and their communities by skill set and perform his job function at As he reflected on this opportunity, he
obtaining the CPII certification. APWA the highest standard. He went on to share, said the support of his organization for
statistics show that over the life of the CPII “The class provided insight into areas of him to obtain the CPII, “was a great honor
program, 455 individuals have earned the Public Works inspection that I was not and achievement.”
credentials. Currently in the entire APWA familiar with, and added value for things Both the City of Bristol and the City
network of Public Works professionals, such as bridge inspections, mathematical of Germantown have included the CPII
there are a total of 367 individuals with computations, inspection monitoring, certification as part of rigorous study
the CPII certification. With a worldwide tracking and paperwork.” He is not done and credentialing, offering employees
membership totaling over 31,500 yet; he continues his education and is an opportunity for advancement in
professionals, these outstanding individuals currently studying and working towards their organization. This certification
possessing the CPII certification are a mere the APWA CPWS certification. This is considered part of the necessary
1.2% of the entire APWA membership. will develop his skills as a Public Works curriculum for public infrastructure
These professionals stand out amongst the professional, while preparing him for inspectors in their organizational
crowd and are a rarity in our industry. future opportunities and the possibility of advancement. According to APWA, many
With the primary goal of enhancing advancing his career as a supervisor in his jobs within the industry now require or
their education and skill sets, each organization. prefer candidates who possess the CPII
individual has found value in this Mike Cain, Chief Construction certification.
certification that extends beyond just Inspector in the City of Germantown’s The City of Franklin has two Public
knowledge. Whether opening doors Engineering Department, is the most Works professionals who have achieved

24 TPW September/October 2024