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• How does the QMCS work?
• What are the requirements for gaining QMCS recognition?
• Am I eligible?
• How do I retain QMCS recognition?
• Reasons the Institute established the QMCS
• Benefits of QMCS recognition
• Summary checklist for applicants
  • Flowchart
• QMCS Application Form
• Sample documents
  • Examples of OPD
  • Example of maintenance of knowledge and skills
  • A record of maintenance of knowledge and skills
  • Example of maintenance of practice and experience
  • A record of maintenance practice and experience
  • Sample Referee Letters
  • Example of a Work history or CV
  • Example of a Record of On-going Professional Development (OPD)

What are the requirements for gaining QMCS recognition?

The safe, effective and efficient control of extractive industries operations requires the input, supervision and management by personnel with a range of competencies and experience The Institute has established, initially, two (2) grades of certification under the Quarry Management Certification System (QMCS):

• Certified Practicing Quarry Supervisor (CPQS)
  This level is intended for the individual who is responsible for the day-to-day operational supervision of an extractive industry site.  In some cases a supervisor may run the whole site, while in other cases they may only be responsible for certain aspects of the operation. Qualifications and experience requirements apply.
• Certified Practicing Quarry Manager (CPQM)
  This level is intended for the person who is responsible for the on-going operational management of a larger or more complex site or group of sites. Qualifications and experience requirements apply.
  
  
  
• Sites using explosives
  The existing regulatory system in some jurisdictions differentiates between those permitted to manage sites with or without explosives. The Institute’s certification system similarly differentiates between those who have the necessary competence and experience to supervise or manage quarry operations that involve the use of explosives and those that do not.

Are you Supervisor or a Manager?

Factors such as the nature of the deposit, the volume of production and the processes carried out will determine the size and complexity of an individual site’s operations, and consequently the level of management required.  Some sites will be owned and operated by companies with a number of such locations, while other sites will be stand-alone.

Small, less complicated operations may only require an on-site person who has appropriate day-to-day operational management competencies and experience.  This person would normally require the support of off-site, in-house personnel or consultants, to establish and implement the necessary plans and systems for the safe, effective and efficient operation of the site.  This person might not possess the competence (knowledge and skills, experience and application) to manage a large operation, but for the purposes of The Institute’s QMCS, is generally referred to as a ‘supervisor’ (CPQS) even if they manage the site.

Medium sized and large organizations often have several small operations each with its on-site supervisor (CPQS) with an area manager who is responsible for the on-going operational management for all of those sites.  This more senior person would be eligible for CPQM status.

On larger or more complex operations, there may be several work teams, each with its own team leader (CPQS) who applies the site plan on a day-to-day basis.  These may be under the overall management of an on-site manager (CPQM) who is responsible for both the day-to-day and on-going operational management of the operation.