Administered by the

Enclosed is an application package for registration in the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers (NCAFPM) Certified Floodplain Manager Program (CFM). It includes background information, program purpose, certification classifications, eligibility criteria, fee schedule, exam information, re-certification guidelines, disclaimer, Code of Professional Conduct, application forms and study guide. The initial NCAFPM CFM will be granted upon successful completion of three steps: (1) submitting completed application and fees; (2) submitting a Professional Reference; and (3) passing the certification examination.

The application requires basic information regarding the applicant’s identity and one written reference from a supervisor. Optional information is requested to help the NCAFPM maintain demographic information and determine the fairness of the exam. The application shall be signed by the applicant, acknowledging that the award of certification will be based upon meeting all the minimum qualification requirements and achieving a satisfactory score on an exam to be prepared and scored by NCAFPM. The applicant shall further agree to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct.

Please complete the required forms and return them with your application fee. Upon receipt, review and approval of a completed application, you will be notified of eligibility to take the exam and the exam dates and locations. Once approved to take the exam the examination fee will be due no later than one week prior to the exam date.

Submittal Checklist:

_______ Completed Application Form (3 pages)

_______ Acknowledgment and Disclaimer (1 page)

_______ Signed copy of Code of Professional Conduct (1 page)

_______ Professional Reference Form (1 page)

_______ Application Fee

Note: A photo I.D. will be required at the time of examination for the purpose of identification.

The North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers has established a state program for professional certification of floodplain managers. The program recognizes continuing education and professional development that enhance the knowledge and performance of local, state, federal and private-sector floodplain managers. The Board of Directors expects the certification program to be recognized nationally and has applied for accreditation from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).

Since there isn’t a formal degree program for floodplain management, floodplain managers come from a variety of curricula and backgrounds. At the same time the role of floodplain managers is expanding due to increases in disaster losses and greater emphasis being placed upon mitigation to alleviate the cycle of damage-rebuild-damage. There is a need for highly qualified professionals to adequately address these issues and stop the cycle of repetitive damages and its negative drain on human, financial, and natural resources.

The formation of a professional certification program is recognized as an effective means to:

• Formalize a procedure to recognize and provide an incentive for individuals to improve their knowledge of floodplain management concepts;
• Enhance individual professional development goals;
• Promote an understanding of relevant subject matter that is consistent statewide;
• Convey new concepts and practices; and
• Build partnerships among organizations and agencies that share the goal of advancing sound floodplain management.

The primary goal of the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Program is to help reduce the state’s flood losses and protect and enhance the natural resources and functions of its floodplains by improving the knowledge and abilities of floodplain managers in the North Carolina. This goal will be achieved over time by:

• Encouraging self-study and attendance at training courses;
• Requiring testing to obtain certification; and
• Requiring continuing education as a condition for re-certification.

A second goal of the CFM Program is to increase the prominence of floodplain management in decision-making by local officials and the public. This goal will be achieved on a larger scale and over a longer time frame by:

• Improving the recognition of floodplain management as a specific discipline;
• Increasing the status of floodplain managers as knowledgeable professionals in a complex and important field;
• Providing greater visibility for the profession; and
• Increasing the educational and training opportunities for floodplain managers through partnerships with other organizations.

The NCAFPM recognizes floodplain manager certifications in three categories.

The NCAPFM CFM Program is directed toward individuals from widely varying occupations, interests, and educational backgrounds that have routine floodplain management duties. These include representatives from the following groups: community, state, and federal officials; the private sector; academia; interest groups; and private citizens. For the purposes of the NCAPFM CFM Program, floodplain management is defined as "Activities and efforts undertaken to reduce flood losses and human suffering and to protect the natural and beneficial values and functions of floodplains." Except for those from a state with an accredited state certification program, anyone meeting the minimum experience requirements can apply and take the NCAPFM CFM exam. Anyone from a state with an accredited state certification program must apply for and take that state’s exam unless the Certified Floodplain Manager Program of that state grants a waiver. A list of certified state programs is available from the NCAFPM CFM office. A waiver form may be requested from the NCAFPM CFM Administrator.

The initial NCAFPM Certified Floodplain Manager certification will be granted upon:
• submission of documentation that the minimum experience requirements are met;
• submission of a completed application and payment of the required fees;
• submission a Professional Reference Form; and
• passing the certification examination.

Individuals may apply directly to the NCAFPM by obtaining an application packet, completing the application, and returning it to the NCAFPM with the appropriate fee. The application will require basic information regarding the applicant’s identity and one written reference. Optional information will be requested to help the NCAFPM maintain demographic information and determine the fairness of the exam. The application shall be signed by the applicant acknowledging that the award of a certification will be based upon meeting all the minimum qualification requirements and achieving a satisfactory score on an exam to be prepared and scored by the NCAFPM. The applicant shall further agree to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct. A fee will be charged for the application packet, see Section VII. below.

A Professional Reference Form will be required as part of the application, preferably from the applicant’s immediate supervisor. If the applicant is retired or self-employed, the reference should be from a colleague, client, or other professional knowledgeable about the applicant’s abilities. In lieu of this Form, a letter of verification incorporating the information requested on the Form is acceptable. The contact on the Form or letter will be notified of applicant's successful certification.

The NCAFPM CFM exam and the exam for applicants from other certification programs will be "closed book" and will be held in a proctored classroom environment. All examinations will be pass/fail and the results will be held in strict confidence. Examinations will be given at each NCAFPM annual conference and other locations as approved and specified by the NCAFPM Board of Directors.

Re-examinations will be granted at an approved location upon payment of the appropriate fee(s). The applicant will be required to only pay a re-examination fee if the exam is taken within one year of the initial examination or at the next annual NCAFPM conference, whichever is later. If the application for re-examination is later than the latest of these dates, the applicant will be required to pay the fees appropriate for a new applicant.

The examination will be approximately 126 questions. The questions will be multiple choice, fill in the blank and true false. It will require approximately 3 hours to complete. The exam covers the following categories in the proportions shown.

Topic with Examples                                  Percentage of Total Questions

Overall Context of Floodplain Management			5 - 10%
    Unified National Program
    NFIP
    Sanctions
Floodplain Mapping						25 - 30%
    Base flood concept
    Discharges, profiles, floodways
    Coastal flooding
    Reading/using maps
    Revising FEMA maps
NFIP Regulatory Standards					25 - 30%
    "Development," requirements for a permit
    Encroachment rules
    V Zone rules
    Building protection standards
    Substantial improvement/damage
Regulatory Administrative Procedures				20 - 25%
    Inspections
    Elevation records
    Enforcement
    Variance rules
Flood Insurance 						10 - 15%
    Coverage
    Rating
Flood Hazard Mitigation 					5 - 10%
    Disaster assistance procedures
    Funding sources
Natural and Beneficial Functions				5 - 10%
    Wetlands
    Multi-objective management
State Specific 							5 - 10%

							Individual Member
							     of the
							     NCAFPM* 	        Others 
	Application Fee				             $ 25		$ 50

	Examination Fee					     $ 50		$100

	Biennial Renewal Fee				     $ 50		$100

	Re-examination Fee				     $ 50		$100

	Late Fee					    $ 25		$ 25

	Request for Appeal Fee				    $ 40		$ 40

Additional fees may be established, especially when advanced certification programs are developed.

An applicant that cancels from taking the exam, with at least two weeks notice to the Administrator will receive a 50% refund. No refund will be given if the cancellation occurs with less than two weeks notice.

• Corporation and Agency Memberships do not make an applicant eligible for the member rate in this certification process. The applicant needs to be an individual member of NCAFPM to get the member rate.

Applicants approved for certification will be notified by mail. A certification number will be assigned to the individual and the appropriate certificate issued, designating the applicant an "NCAFPM Certified Floodplain Manager." Applicants who fail to pass the examination will be notified in writing. They will be eligible for re-examination within one year or at the next NCAFPM annual conference, whichever is later, by paying only the re-examination fee.

If an application for certification or renewal is denied, the applicant may appeal the Administrator’s decision to the NCAFPM Board of Directors, according to the established guidelines. An appeal is a request for review of a decision by the Administrator. An appeal may be made on the grounds that the decision was in conflict with the NCAFPM CFM Charter.

The applicant must submit an appeal request in writing to the NCAFPM Board within 60 calendar days of being notified of the decision being appealed. The following materials must be enclosed with the letter requesting an appeal:

1. A copy of the Administrator’s decision and any other pertinent documentation;
2. A statement clearly identifying the reasons for the appeal, along with the appropriate fee; and
3. Written support and/or justifications of the reasons for appeal.

Upon receipt of a request for an appeal, the following actions will be taken:

1. The NCAFPM Board will acknowledge receipt of the appeal and indicate whether additional materials are needed. Such acknowledgment will occur within 60 days of the date of the receipt of the request for an appeal.

2. The NCAFPM Board Chair shall select three NCAFPM Board members to form an Appeals Panel for review of the case. NCAFPM Board members who reviewed the original application packet are not eligible to sit on the Appeals Panel.
3. The Appeals Panel will make its decision based on review of the materials. The appellant may request a teleconference interview with the Appeals Panel. All expenses involved in such an interview will be borne by the appellant.
4. The Appeals Panel will complete its review and make a decision to uphold or deny the appeal. If the appeal is upheld, the preceding Administrator’s action is so modified. If the appeal is denied, the preceding Administrator’s action stands.
5. The Appeals Panel will prepare a summary report of its findings. The decision of the Appeals Panel is binding. The final decision will be reported to the entire NCAFPM Board. The appellant will be notified within 10 days of the NCAFPM Board’s decision.
6. If the NCAFPM Board upholds an appeal, the appeal fee shall be refunded in full.

Certifications awarded by the NCAFPM will remain in effect for two years. At the end of two years, each Certified Floodplain Manager must submit a renewal application to NCAFPM and enclose the renewal fee. The application will be used to update the Certified Floodplain Manager’s credentials and to document completion of the required continuing education credits (see below). When these conditions are met, a two-year renewal will be issued. If a CFM fails to make an application for renewal within 12 months of the renewal date, he/she may be required to complete a new application package, pay the appropriate fee, and take another test before being re-certified. If special circumstances prevent timely renewal, the NCAFPM Professional Development Committee will consider a waiver of these requirements.

An initial NCAFPM Certified Floodplain Manager certification will be valid indefinitely, provided the applicant complies with the biennial (every two years) renewal requirements, which are:

• Submittal of renewal application;
• Submittal of renewal fee;
• Submittal of proof of 16 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) within the previous 24 months, with a maximum of 12 CECs earned in any one year.

Approximately 60 days before the two-year anniversary of their original certification, NCAFPM Certified Floodplain Managers will be sent a notification and billing statement for the biennial renewal, along with a form on which to record CECs earned. Those not fulfilling the requirements for renewal by the due date will be sent a letter of decertification, stating that the individual may no longer classify him or herself as an NCAFPM Certified Floodplain Manager.

A person who has been de-certified may be reinstated within one year of the last date at which time a valid certification was held, provided that he or she (1) pays the fee for the coming period plus a late fee, and (2) submits proof of having earned an additional eight CECs since the lapse of the certification. Certifications that have been expired for more than one year will not be reinstated until a new application has been completed, including testing.

The continuing education requirement can be met through any combination of formal courses, university short courses, or home-study courses approved by the NCAFPM Professional Development Committee, or by attendance at technical portions of the NCAFPM annual conference, state, or other related technical meetings. The NCAFPM Professional Development Committee will publish a Guidance Document on CECs, which will include a listing of approved CECs. A copy of the Guide can be obtained from the NCAFPM CFM Administrator. Documentation of training and CECs will be reviewed and tabulated by the Administrator. CECs and related training could be obtained through:

• NCAFPM/ASFPM conferences, workshops and training sessions;
• Related Emergency Management Institute (EMI) courses;
• Retrofitting/floodproofing workshops and training sessions;
• National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System training;
• Disaster response training sessions;
• Continuing education units or training hours from other educational training;
• Selected state or federal agency training courses; or
• Other approved courses.

Applicants for certification renewals may request the NCAFPM Professional Development Committee to review training courses or conferences not on the list of approved programs. The NCAFPM PDC will evaluate these requests to determine the quality of training and their relevance to floodplain management. If a training course is deemed to meet the training requirements of the CFM Program, the NCAFPM PDC will determine the number of CECs to be granted (depending upon the floodplain management content), notify the applicant, and place the new program on the NCAFPM’s list of approved programs.

Professional certification is a peer review process administered through the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers. Participation in the Certified Floodplain Manager Program is strictly voluntary. The program is designed to establish educational, training, and experience criteria related to floodplain management, hazard mitigation, and the National Flood Insurance Program, and to certify that an individual applicant has met these criteria.

The North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers assumes no liability for any action or decision made by individual Certified Floodplain Managers during the normal course of performing their prescribed duties and responsibilities of managing development within the identified floodplains, as established by criteria of the NFIP or state and mandated by their respective employer or local government agency. Furthermore, any list of Certified Floodplain Managers should be used with care. The North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers has not attempted to independently verify the information submitted by certification applicants. We strongly recommend that anyone using the professional services of any NCAFPM CFM listed individual or firm contact that individual or firm directly and request and verify their references and credentials. Further, the NCAFPM assumes no liability for any action or decision made by an NCAFPM accredited state entity in accepting, denying, certifying, or re-certifying CFMs.

Certified Floodplain Managers will agree to follow the Code of Professional Conduct, below.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Last Name			First			Middle		Maiden

Name to appear on certificate if different from above ___________________________________

Date of Birth _____________________ Place of Birth ______________________________

Social Security Number: _________________________________________________________

Employer _____________________________________________________________________

Job Title ___________________________________________________Start Date___________

Professional Mailing Address ______________________________________________________

City/State/Zip __________________________________________________________________

Telephone: Work (_______) ____________________ Home (_______) __________________

Residence Address ______________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip _________________________________________________________________

Please check all of the following areas of responsibility which you are involved in:

____ Floodplain Management ____ Zoning Enforcement

____ Hazard Mitigation ____ Stormwater Management

____ Building Code Enforcement ____ Community Rating System

____ Subdivision Review ____ Environmental Management

____ Health Codes ____ Planning and Zoning

____ On-site Septic Systems ____ Water & Wastewater Systems

____ Emergency Management Other ____________________________________

Is floodplain management your primary responsibility with your employer? YES ____ NO ____
Describe your primary responsibility and % of time devoted to FPM (Attach additional sheets as needed). ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

Please describe your involvement in any special floodplain management or mitigation project, which resulted in a reduction in flood hazard within your community (project, date, and location):

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

Additional work experience other than employment listed above:

Employer		City/State		Title		Duration

Have you completed any of the following training courses?

Yes	No	Course Name

___	___	Home Study Course for North Carolina Community Officials

___	___	FEMA’s Floodplain Administrator Training Course

___	___	FEMA’s Home Study Course

___	___	Any other federal training courses __________________________

___	___	Any state floodplain management training courses_____________

		_____________________________________________________________
___	___	Any related FPM courses______________________________________


List all other State or association registrations, licenses or certifications you presently
hold:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

List professional associations/organizations in which you maintain membership / have held
office:
Organization				Office			Term
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
NCAFPM CFM APPLICATION, page 3

Professional publications, i.e. book, article or conference paper pertaining to floodplain
management, hazard mitigation, and stormwater management or related field:
Name					Venue			Date
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________


Please answer the following questions, briefly state what and reason if applicable.
1.	Have you ever been denied a license, registration or certificate?  
	NO ____  YES ____   Detail___________________________________________
	________________________________________________________________________
2.	Have you ever had any license, certification or registration revoked, canceled or
	suspended?  
	NO ____  YES ____  Detail____________________________________________
	________________________________________________________________________
3.	Have you ever been registered by any other Certified Floodplain Manager
	Program?
	NO  ____  YES ____  Registration #  ___________________
	Date Issued____________
	Name of program____________________________________________________

 
I hereby attest that the information in this application is correct.

Signature: ____________________________________   Date:__________________


 
 
PAYMENT METHOD		_____	Check enclosed

I have read and agree to abide by the foregoing rules and procedures of the NCAFPM Certified Floodplain Manager Program as adopted by the NCAFPM Professional Development Committee (PDC). I also agree to complete all application requirements, provide necessary documentation and take all examinations as may be required for the processing of my application. Upon my registration as a Certified Floodplain Manager, I agree to be bound by the conditions of renewal as contained in the CFM. I further understand that the examination fee submitted with this application is 50 percent refundable if I cancel from taking the exam with at least two weeks notice and that the materials submitted for consideration become the property of NCAFPM. I understand the schedule of fees and the additional criteria to keep my certification current.

I agree to hold the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and the members, officers, agents, and examiners of each organization free from any damage or claim for damage or complaint by reason of any action taken in connection with this application, the attendant examination, the grades with respect to any examination, the failure of the Association to register me as a Certified Floodplain Manager and any other aspect of the CFM. I hereby grant permission to NCAFPM and the NCAFPM PDC to seek any information or references it deems fit in securing my credentials pertinent to this application.

I further agree that if registered as a Certified Floodplain Manager, upon the revocation, suspension or cancellation of my certification by action of the NCAFPM, I shall return my Certificate, identification card and any other items issued as part of the CFM to NCAFPM CFM Administrator.

The information, which I have provided in this application, is truthful. I understand that providing false information of any kind may result in the voiding of this application and my failure to be registered as a Certified Floodplain Manager, or the possible revocation of my certification.

Social Security numbers that are listed will be used for identification purposes only. I understand that all information provided as part of this application will remain strictly confidential to NCAFPM unless authorized by me in writing to release the information to a requesting party. I understand that as a condition of ASFPM accreditation, my score will be released by the NCAFPM to the ASFPM certification program. I further understand that upon successful certification my CFM status will be provided to the individual who signed my Professional Reference Form, displayed at NCAFPM conferences and published in NCAFPM publications.

I hereby attest that the information provided is factual and that I have carefully fully understand all conditions, code of ethics, rules and procedures of the Certified Floodplain Manager Program and do hereby agree to conform to all of the same conditions, rules and procedures.

________________________ 	__________________________________________
Date				Printed Name of Applicant
________________________ 	__________________________________________
Social Security Number		Signature of Applicant

Certified Floodplain Managers will agree to follow the Code of Professional Conduct, below.

Signed ______________________________________________ Date ____________________

Printed Name__________________________________________________________________

In lieu of this form, a letter of reference incorporating the information requested herein is acceptable. Note: Self-employed persons may use a professional reference other than a supervisor.

______________________________________________________________________________
Applicant Name

______________________________________________________________________________
Address							City/State/Zip

______________________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s Title					Employed From/To

______________________________________________________________________________
Employing Organization					City/State/Zip

______________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor or Agency Head Name				Title

______________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor or Agency Head Address			City/State/Zip

______________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor or Agency Head Phone/Fax			Email

I, _____________________________, (Supervisor/Agency Head) certify that I have supervised/employed the above listed applicant. I know of my own knowledge that said person was employed as indicated and that his/her regular responsibilities included floodplain management and other duties pertaining to the National Flood Insurance Program.

Briefly describe job responsibilities of applicant, please indicate if other than full time: ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Supervisor or

Agency Head Signature __________________________________________ Date ___________

This study guide reflects the state and national perspective that the NCAFPM CFM Exam covers. Other technical and non-technical sources may be included on the CFM Exam. (CFM Exam will be based on NFIP Regulations and State Regulations, not the more restrictive or "higher standard" regulations your local government may have adopted.)

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program Regulations - Recommended Sections:
• 59.1 Definitions
• 60.3 Flood Plain Management Criteria
• 65 Identification and Mapping
• 70 Map Corrections
• 73 Section 1316 Denial of Flood Insurance.
2. Flood Insurance Study, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Boundary Floodway Maps for your Community (review county-wide FIRM if available).
3. Home Study Course for North Carolina Community Officials: "Carrying out Flood Plain Management in your Locality", Second Edition, November 1997, North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and North Carolina Association of Flood Plain Managers.
4. FEMA MT-1/Jan 99 (or later printing) - Amendments and Revisions to National Flood Insurance Program Maps.
5. FEMA MT-2/Jan 99 (or later printing) - Revisions to National Flood Insurance Program Maps.
6. FEMA/NFIP Elevation Certificate and Instructions, FEMA 81-31, OMB No. 3067-0077, January 2000 (or later printing).
7. FEMA Technical Bulletins TB-1 thru TB-8, and FMB-1.
8. FEMA 301 - Interim Guidance for State and Local Officials - Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC).
9. North Carolina State Building Code. Chapter 37 in "Volume I-General Construction" and Chapter 41 in "Volume VII-Residential Construction.
10. State of North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured/Mobile Homes. Chapter 4 and Appendix C.
11. North Carolina Administrative Codes for wetland standards (15A NCAC 2B .0231) and the 401 Water Quality Certification Process (15A NCAC 2H .0500).
12. North Carolina Administrative Codes for mining permits (15A NCAC 5B .0001- .0012).
13. North Carolina Administrative Codes for erosion and sedimentation control (15A NCAC 4B .001- .0027).
14. North Carolina Administrative Codes for on-site wastewater systems [15A NCAC 18A .1950 (I)].
15. North Carolina Administrative Codes for anchoring propane tanks (2A NCAC 38 .0700).
16. North Carolina Administrative Codes for coastal development regulations (15A NCAC 7H).
17. North Carolina Administrative Codes for dam safety (15A NCAC 2K .0105 -0205).
18. North Carolina General Statute Chapter 143-138. North Carolina State Building Code.
19. North Carolina General Statute Chapter 143, Article 21, Part 6. Floodplain Regulations.
20. North Carolina Executive Order 123. Floodplain Management.

	The FEMA publications are available from: 

	FEMA Map Service Center:			(800) 358-9616
	FEMA Publication Warehouse:			(800) 480-2520
	FEMA Online:					www.fema.gov
	NFIP:						(800) 427-4661
	NFIP Online:					www.fema.gov/nfip

CERITIFIED FLOODPLAIN MANAGER APPLICATIONS

Mail To:	NCAFPM  CFM  ADMINISTRATOR
		Berry A. Williams
		1117 Manchester Drive
		Raleigh, North Carolina  27609
 
Checks should be made payable to the NCAFPM and mailed with the CFM Application. 
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CFM PROGRAM:
	Call:	Berry A. Williams	CFM Administrator 		

					Phone:	919-786-0777

					FAX:	919-786-1506

					E-MAIL:	berrywms@ix.netcom.com

		Phil Letsinger		State NFIP Coordinator	919-715-8000	  Ext:273
		John Gerber, P.E.	NFIP Engineer		828-299-4696
		Any NCAFPM Regional Director   See NCAFPM web site for names and
		addresses and phone numbers.
 
 

	Web-sites:	www.ncafpm.org
			www.bluesky-foundation.com