Minnesota SWPPP Designer Certification

Designed for professionals responsible for preparing compliant Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for construction sites across Minnesota.

WMN0100

Course Number: WMN0100

Type of Course: Certification (Valid for 3 Years)

Length of Course:  14 hours

PDH or CEU: 14 PDH

Cost of Course:  $400 per Learner

Time to Complete:  5 Consecutive Days from Enrollment

On-Demand | No Travel Required | Digital Credential

Minnesota requires all construction sites requiring permit coverage under the CSW Permit (MNR100001) to have a trained individual prepare the project's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). This certification provides the knowledge, tools, and regulatory understanding needed to design a compliant SWPPP, select appropriate BMPs, and ensure project-level environmental protection.


This course aligns with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) training expectations for SWPPP development and supports roles responsible for regulatory compliance and site-level planning.

Topics Covered:

  • Erosion Impacts and Construction
  • Permit Requirements
  • Dewatering and Chemical Treatment
  • Enforcement and Recordkeeping
  • Pollution Prevention Measures
  • Materials Management
  • Spill Planning
  • State and Local Discharge Requirements
  • SWPPP Writing
  • Construction Phasing
  • LID and Post Construction
  • TMDL and Special Waters
  • Inspections
  • ESC BMPs

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand Minnesota's Construction Stormwater (CSW) Permit requirements for SWPPP design
  • Identify disturbed areas, drainage patterns, discharge points, and receiving waters
  • Select and configure BMPs appropriate to Minnesota soils, slopes, climate, and site conditions
  • Develop erosion and sediment control sequencing that meets MPCA expectations
  • Establish inspection and maintenance requirements within a SWPPP
  • Incorporate groundwater dewatering, winter construction considerations, and restricted discharge conditions
  • Prepare a compliant, complete, and implementable SWPPP for permitted construction projects

Course Expectations

This on-demand course is 14 hours long. Your 5 Consecutive Days to complete (including Holidays and Weekends) begins the moment a Learner is registered for this course. This course will NOT take the full 5 days, but this amount of time provides the Learner the ability to go at their own pace.


We understand that sometimes you can't start a course right away, and that's okay! We suggest holding off registering for this course until you are ready to get started so that you have as much of the full 5 consecutive days as possible to complete it.

Who This Course is For:

  • Civil engineers, environmental consultants, and designers preparing SWPPPs
  • Municipal staff and agency personnel involved in plan review
  • Construction project managers and project engineers
  • Land developers, owners, and compliance professionals
  • Anyone responsible for understanding, preparing, reviewing, or implementing a SWPPP under the Minnesota CSW Permit


No previous certification is required. This is the initial certification course.

Register Now

Permit Language

Permittees must ensure all of the following individuals receive training and the content and extent of the training is commensurate with the individual's job duties and responsibilities with regard to activities covered under this permit:


  • Individuals preparing the SWPPP for the project.
  • Individuals overseeing implementation of, revising and/or amending the SWPPP and individuals performing inspections for the project. One of these individuals must be available for an on-site inspection within 72 hours upon request by the MPCA.
  • Individuals performing or supervising the installation, maintenance and repair of BMPs. [Minn. R. 7090]

For Your Team

Need training for crews, consultants, or municipal staff?


CWT Training Academy offers:


  • Bulk enrollment packages
  • Centralized progress tracking
  • Certificates stored in professional records
  • Automated reminders for renewals
  • Custom reporting for agencies, municipalities, and engineering firms


Contact us for team pricing or statewide training solutions.

See What Others are saying About the Academy

Testimonials

I took a WA state CESCL class a couple of years ago, and yours was much more informative, with a lot more products and techniques on display in the field portion.


-Simon W.

I have been in the construction stormwater industry for over 18 years and have given many training classes like this myself. I was thoroughly impressed with the material, the instructor, and overall presentation of this course. Very well done!


-Gina H.

I ACTUALLY DIDN'T THINK I WOULD LEARN MUCH BUT THIS WAS DONE WELL AND I LEARNED A LOT.


-Alex D.

I loved the class and learned a lot. Very easy to look back and save all references needed.


-Matt D.

Thank you for offering this class. It is extremely helpful to be able to take this at a time that worked for me. Great instruction!


-Ben B.

The course gave a very well understanding on why SWPPP needs to incorporated onto projects and maintained.


-Malone B.

I took a WA state CESCL class a couple of years ago, and yours was much more informative, with a lot more products and techniques on display in the field portion.


-Simon W.

I have been in the construction stormwater industry for over 18 years and have given many training classes like this myself. I was thoroughly impressed with the material, the instructor, and overall presentation of this course. Very well done!


-Gina H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Is this certification approved by MPCA?

    Instead, the permit requires that SWPPPs be prepared by a trained individual.

    This course provides the training necessary to meet permit requirements.

  • Does this satisfy the SWPPP Designer role under MNR100001?

    Yes. This course aligns with the permit requirement for SWPPP preparation and covers all required SWPPP elements.

  • How long is the certificate valid?

    Three years. A recertification course (WMN0104) is available.

    WMN0104

  • Do I need this if I am also a Site Manager?

    Yes. SWPPP preparation and Site Management are separate competencies.

    If performing both roles, you want to take  WMN0100 to satisfy both WMN0102 and WMN0103 requirements.

  • Can this be used for municipal or state agency training records?

    Absolutely. Certificates can be downloaded, tracked, and verified through Accredible.

Instructor Information:

Nathan Hardebeck

Stormwater Professional

CESCL, CISL, CPSWQ, CPISM, PSCIC, MT SWPPP Admin

Nathan has nearly 25 years of experience in the environmental and stormwater consulting field with an emphasis on best management practices (BMPs), services and management related to industrial, construction, municipal and commercial stormwater programs.

Read More about Nathan

ESC BMP Pocket Guide

Add this to your Collection Anytime!



This BMP pocket guide will assist you in making informed decisions when selecting BMPs that provide the best erosion and sediment control (ESC) for your project. Printed on waterproof paper, and spiral bound, it is a sturdy, easy to use, go-to tool for the jobsite. If you manage erosion and sediment control, you need the BMP Pocket Guide. It is the size of a cell phone and fits in your back pocket.

Shop Now on PUDLE Gear

Refund / Cancellation Policy

Learners are required to contact CWT Training Academy as soon as possible with any changes to registration (e.g. revised or corrected email, mailing address, phone number, etc.) to ensure the information on the Certification records are correct.


Refunds will not be provided for any missed or incomplete on-demand course. In the case of an emergency which prevents the Learner from starting or finishing the course during the allotted time frame, please contact CWT Training Academy to discuss options.