Instructor Preparation Program (IPP)
Preparing qualified instructors to deliver the Clean Water Certificate nationwide.
Our nationally sourced Clean Water Certificate instructors promote job growth and access to living-wage jobs in the stormwater sector. They deliver the CWC Program locally through hands-on, classroom, and field-based learning teaching industry-specific skills and knowledge.
The Instructor Preparation Program (IPP) prepares qualified candidates to deliver the CWC curriculum. Completing the IPP is required to become a CWC Instructor.
Authorization to access curriculum and deliver the CWC Program occurs through a separate licensing agreement, which trained instructors and their host organizations may initiate when ready to deliver training.
Through the IPP, instructors are prepared to:
- Deliver the CWC curriculum as accredited and designed
- Facilitate classroom and field-based learning
- Apply standardized evaluation and assessment methods
- Uphold program quality, consistency, and integrity across training cohorts
To schedule an information call and learn more about becoming a CWC Instructor, contact us at training@cwp.org.
Who Can Become a CWC Instructor
CWC Instructors come from professions across the stormwater and workforce development fields. They may be employees of a workforce development organization, industry professionals hired as contractors by a workforce development organization to train, or industry professionals and municipal staff responsible for training entry-level workers in green infrastructure construction and maintenance. The IPP is designed for professionals with applied field experience and familiarity with adult and/or youth instruction, including those with backgrounds in:
- Stormwater management or green infrastructure
- Landscaping, construction, inspection, or maintenance
- Municipal or utility operations
- Workforce development or adult education
- Field-based training or crew supervision
Eligibility Requirements
To onboard as an instructor, IPP candidates must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:
- A post-secondary degree in an environment-related area and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in the stormwater industry, or five or more (5+) years of experience in the stormwater industry
- Knowledge of the regulations governing the installation, maintenance, and inspection of stormwater management practices
- Demonstrated training experience in stormwater management or another related field
- Work or training experience with the intended audience of the training program
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- A valid driver's license
Eligibility is verified through a resume review process prior to enrollment. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance status within three to five business days.
This program is not intended for first-time instructors or individuals without applied stormwater or green infrastructure experience.
Unsure about eligibility? Contact us at training@cwp.org to learn more.
What IPP Includes
The Instructor Preparation Program is delivered as a self-paced online course through the Thinkific learning management system, with open enrollment on a rolling basis so you can begin at any time.
IPP onboarding includes:
- Online training modules covering the CWC Program's structure, curriculum, administrative processes, and evaluation system. The learning modules include videos with text outlines of content, quizzes, and a few small assignments. The online course takes approximately 10–12 hours to complete, at your own pace, with no completion deadline. Once access is granted to the IPP modules, course content remains available to instructors as an ongoing reference.
- Instructor Readiness Review concludes online learning with a one-hour virtual meeting with CWP staff. The Readiness Review assesses the prospective instructor’s capability to deliver the CWC Program. This meeting includes a brief teach-back session using CWC content, time for any questions, and a discussion of the next steps to begin delivering the CWC training.
- Inclusion in the CWC Instructor Network. Our growing national network of instructors meets quarterly to learn from fellow instructors from across the country. We also send out quarterly instructor newsletters to share the latest program developments and updates.
- CWP support and guidance at every step. Our team is here to help support successful training delivery and your journey as a CWC instructor.
- Certificate of Completion: Instructors who successfully complete the IPP receive a certificate of completion acknowledging course completion and, with permission, trained instructors are also listed on our website.
Technology requirements: The online course requires a computer or device with reliable internet access. No specialized software or equipment is needed.
Confidentiality: Prior to receiving course access, candidates sign a non-disclosure agreement covering CWC curriculum and assessment materials. Resumes and other materials submitted during the application process remain confidential. These are used only for eligibility verification and qualification validation among program administration and the ANSI accrediting board.
How to Enroll
Enrollment is on an open, rolling basis.
Step 1: Contact us at training@cwp.org with the prospective instructor’s current resume, listing relevant stormwater related experience, to verify that the eligibility requirements are met.
Step 2: CWP will set up a brief introduction call to review the details of the program and answer any questions.
Step 3: Accepted candidates receive an acceptance email outlining the instructor training fee and next steps, along with a non-disclosure agreement to sign.
Step 4: Pay the instructor training fee and return the signed NDA. Once both are received, the eligible prospective instructor will be enrolled on the online training portal and receive a welcome email with access instructions.
Step 5: Complete the online training modules at your own pace.
Step 6: Schedule and complete your Instructor Readiness Review with CWP staff to conclude and formalize the instructor onboarding.
Step 7: When trained instructors and their host organization are ready to deliver training, initiate a licensing agreement to gain access to instructor materials and authorization to deliver the accredited CWC Program.
Curriculum Licensing
Instructor training and licensing are distinct processes. Completing the IPP prepares instructors for delivering the CWC program; an active license agreement is what authorizes delivery of the CWC program.
Host organizations license CWC curriculum and work with trained instructors to deliver the training. Licensing fees are tiered based on how many active instructors are licensed under the host organization.
Organizations are required to initiate curriculum licensing at a minimum of one (1) month prior to when instructors will begin CWC program delivery.
CWC licensing includes a one-year agreement which provides access to instructor materials via the CWC Materials portal on Thinkific and authorization to deliver accredited CWC training. With an annual license, instructors can train an unlimited number of participants during the one-year period, which begins upon the license agreement start date.
Fifteen (15) certificates are included with each instructor’s annual license, and additional certificates may be purchased at $50 per certificate.
To learn more about licensing rates and options, contact training@cwp.org.
IPP Program Fees
Enrollment of eligible instructors in IPP is a one-time fee of $2000 per instructor. Upon completion of the program, instructors are welcome to stay eligible instructors for life in our Instructor Network, regardless of active licensure status or association with a host organization.
Payment may be made:
- Online, via the IPP Purchase button at the bottom of this page
- By credit card, over the phone with our office administrator: (410) 461-8323, available 7am–3pm, Monday–Friday
- By check, made out to Center for Watershed Protection, mailed to 11711 E. Market Place, Suite 200, Fulton, MD 20759
Inactive instructors, those who have not been licensed with a host organization for more than one (1) year, may begin CWC training delivery again at any time with a written reactivation request. A reactivation meeting is required to work with a host organization under curriculum licensure and is required before delivering the CWC program.
To reactivate your instructor status, contact training@cwp.org to notify our team and schedule a reactivation meeting. During this meeting, our team will provide returning instructors with the latest program updates and a refresher on program policies and procedures for documentation, at no extra cost.
Our Commitment to Nondiscrimination:
Participation in all activities, programs, and benefits of the Center for Watershed Protection is open without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, religion, age, or any other consideration prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Cancellation & Refunds
Refunds for IPP may be issued upon written request, only when no progress has been made by the enrolled instructor within the Thinkific IPP Course. Access to the Thinkific portal and CWC Instructor Materials will be revoked upon cancellation of participation in the Instructor Program.
Instructors may also opt out of the Instructor Network at any time with written notice to our CWC team.
Questions? Contact the CWC Team at training@cwp.org or 410-442-643