Qualified Stack Testing Observer Program

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List of Qualified QSTI/QSTO Individuals

 

For the information on the ETA exam regarding the Stack Tester Qualification Testing  click here.   

This site will be the gateway to the registration form, the exam schedule, prices, locations and other information you will need to register for the QSTI exam.

Please note that exams may be offered during a scheduled smoke school.  You will need to check both schedules and let ETA know of your intent.

 

Any questions, please contact the QSTI Committee Secretary at  gail_westlin@yahoo.com. 

The Source Evaluation Society announces the availability of the Quality Source Testing Observer (QSTO) examination and documentation process. This is the next step in the evolving SES qualifications and assessment program for individuals engaged in the stationary source air emissions testing field. The process is similar to that for the QSTI program in that those individuals whose primary role is to observe and audit emissions testing projects, rather than conduct emissions tests, may apply to take one or more of the examinations (see http://www.sesnews.org/StackTesterQualificationProgram.htm).

The exams are the same as those taken for the QSTI program. Upon being notified of passing such examinations, candidates may apply to SES using the QSTO application form and demonstrate and be recognized for the knowledge and abilities indicative of expert stationary source observers.

If you have any questions, please contact the QSTI/QSTO Committee Administrator, Gail Westlin, at gail_westlin@yahoo.com. 

A question frequently asked concerning the QSTI exams in relation to the QSTO exams is as follows:

Would someone who was already certified for QSTI for the first three modules be automatically qualified for certification as QSTO for those modules?

The answer:

Our current direction is that a QSTI certificate will suffice in demonstrating that the QSTI is also qualified as an observer or a QSTO. We believe that the experience necessary to lead a test program that we expect from a QSTI would also qualify that person to observe and assess the abilities of a third party conducting a test.

On the other hand, the person experienced only as an observer, having received a QSTO, is not necessarily qualified to operate sampling trains, conduct the QA/QC protocols, write a test report, or demonstrate the other skills we expect from a QSTI. We, the SES QSTI/QSTO review board, will be looking for a different set of qualities from the QSTO applicant who has only testing observer experience. Such qualities would complement those of a field test team leader but would necessarily be limited. At least, that is our direction at this time. As we put this program into place more completely, we will probably issue some guidance on this and related points.

1.  Requirements for the Exam

2.   OFFICIAL SOURCE EVALUATION SOCIETY QUALIFICATION APPLICATION FOR SOURCE EMISSIONS OBSERVER      (pdf format)      Word Format

(This form can be filled out on line then printed out.  If you need a copy emailed to you, please send an email to gail_westlin@yahoo.com.)

 

3.   **  New QSTI/QSTO Expiration/Renewal Guidelines for Applications 

        (guidelines includes renewal application - to be used only when renewing approval certificate)   **

4.   The Source Evaluation Society QSTI/QSTO review committee has made available a standardized form for applicants and their recommending reference sources to use as an option to formal letters of recommendation. The form provides means for the reference person to assess particular areas of the applicant's abilities and knowledge both by indicating performance levels and with written comment. Candidates submitting QSTI/QSTO applications may have their references use this form, other similar form, or written letters of recommendation, as preferred.  Please click here to link to the approved form.   (This form can be filled out on line then printed out.)  You may email the form to gail_westlin@yahoo.com or fax it to 919-572-2203.

5.   As a guideline for completing the project experience element of the QSTI/QSTO application, the QSTI/QSTO Review Committee has provided two examples for your use.  The components of these examples coincide with those outlined in the SES application form.  Please click here to link to the two examples (Word format).

6.   Group Exams Available - Methods Covered Under Each Exam  (NOTE: Each of the exams will have questions addressing basic principles of source testing including test site safety, proportional and representative sampling, and calculation corrections for standard conditions and excess air.)

7.  The secret is out. How to pass the QSTI/QSTO methods examinations. The SES and the Instack websites now have a guidance document on how to prepare for and take the SES QSTI examinations. The document is not a comprehensive study guide, but is a collection of suggestions for pre-test preparation.   The suggestions are based on debriefing countless exam takers over the first 3 years of the QSTI program and from observations by ETA proctors.  If you are anticipating taking this exam in the near future, you should download this guide at least several weeks before the exam. You won't regret it.....but if you don't down load it, you may.   Click here to link to the guidance document.  You also can find this guidance document on the ETA website (http://www.instack.com/).

8.   Frequently Asked Questions 

9.   How You Can Help - Format for Submitting Test Questions for the Exams