California Compliance
California QSP vs. QSD Training
California's Construction General Permit relies on two separate, formal state qualifications, QSP and QSD, each administered through CASQA and the State Water Resources Control Board. Here's how the two roles differ, and how they relate to the training on this site.
Two California-Specific Roles
QSP and QSD are not interchangeable terms, they describe two distinct, formally qualified roles under California's statewide Construction General Permit. Both are separate from stormwaterplanning.us's own certificate-of-completion courses, which cover the underlying subject matter but do not confer either state qualification.
Neither course on this site confers California QSP or QSD state qualification. That status is only granted through the CASQA/California State Water Resources Control Board pathway described below.
Side by Side
How Each California Role Works
QSP, Qualified SWPPP Practitioner
The QSP implements and inspects the SWPPP in the field, installing and maintaining BMPs, performing required inspections, and documenting site conditions. Qualification requires prerequisites, Trainer of Record-led instruction, a proctored exam, renewal, and registration through CASQA.
QSD, Qualified SWPPP Developer
The QSD develops and revises the SWPPP document itself, typically a more technical role with higher prerequisites than QSP. Qualification follows the same CASQA/State Water Board pathway: Trainer of Record instruction, proctored exam, renewal, and registration.
Comparison
California QSP vs. QSD
| Aspect | California QSP | California QSD |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Qualified SWPPP Practitioner | Qualified SWPPP Developer |
| Role | Implements and inspects the SWPPP in the field | Develops and revises the SWPPP document |
| Administered by | CASQA / California State Water Resources Control Board | CASQA / California State Water Resources Control Board |
| Required instruction | Trainer of Record-led CASQA course | Trainer of Record-led CASQA course |
| Exam | Proctored exam required | Proctored exam required |
| Renewal | Periodic renewal required | Periodic renewal required |
| Registration | Registered/tracked through CASQA | Registered/tracked through CASQA |
Before You Enroll
How stormwaterplanning.us's Courses Relate
QSP Practitioner Training covers the same subject matter area as California's QSP role, field implementation and inspection, and SWPPP Preparer Training covers the same general subject matter as California's QSD role, SWPPP document preparation. Both stormwaterplanning.us courses issue a certificate of completion documenting finished training content. Neither course follows the CASQA/State Water Board Trainer of Record, exam, renewal, and registration pathway, so neither one confers California QSP or QSD status. If your project falls under California's Construction General Permit and requires a registered QSP or QSD, that qualification can only be obtained directly through CASQA and the California State Water Resources Control Board. See Federal Qualified Person vs. California QSP/QSD for how these state roles also differ from EPA's federal inspection standard, and Credential Transparency for a full breakdown of what a certificate from this site does and doesn't mean.
Ready to Build Your Stormwater Knowledge?
Start with the training that matches your role, then pursue California QSP/QSD directly through CASQA if your project requires it.