Benefits of Professional Certification
Professional certification can be found in almost every industry in the
United States today. Law, construction, auto repair, nursing, accountancy,
information technology training, aerobic instructing, social work, engineering,
software development, and association management just scratch the surface
of the wide range of professions that have voluntary or mandatory certification.
Certification in the Wastewater Industry
In the wastewater industry every employer has a general obligation to
perform due diligence in ensuring the competency of the personnel providing
services at public facilities. Wastewater certification provides employers
with evidence that the certificate holder has demonstrated a certain level
of job-related knowledge, skills and abilities. It provides a documented
level of assurance that employees are competent in safe work practices.
Certification provides concrete evidence to board members and citizens
that the agency is staffed with people who know what they are doing and
is competitive in any comparison of quality of service.
CWEA Wastewater Certifications
CWEA, through the Technical Certification Program (TCP), develops and
administers competency tests for wastewater personnel in a number of wastewater
professions other than plant operations. The tests are being constantly
developed and revised by CWEA member subject matter experts. Tests are
given throughout the year in the six specialties, with up to four grade levels
per specialty, in California, Michigan, and Alaska. Certificates of competence
are issued to successful examinees.
Technical Certification Program (TCP)
History of CWEA
Certification
Get Certified
Benefits to Employers
For More Information Email:
Certification offered by CWEA:
Certification For Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
To work in a public wastewater treatment plant or a private wastewater
treatment plant regulated by the PUC, you must have a valid wastewater
treatment plant operator certificate or an operator-in-training certificate.
There are three major things that you must do to get certified:
1. You must take courses in wastewater treatment plant operations.
2. You must pass a written exam.
3. You must meet experience requirements and submit a fee and an application
for a certificate.
State Water Resources Control Board
Office of Operator Certification
P.O. Box 944212
Sacramento, CA 94244-2120
www.swrcb.ca.gov/cwphome/opcert/
Certifications Offered by SWRCB:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Drinking Water Treatment Plant Operator
Drinking water operator certification is separate from wastewater operator
certification. Drinking water treatment plant operator certification is
required to work as an operator in a treatment plant that produces water
for human consumption in homes and businesses. The California Department
of Health Services administers the water treatment plant operator certification
program. They take applications, give exams and issue certificates to
applicants who meet the requirements.
Department of Health Services
Office of Drinking Water
Certification Unit
PO Box 942732
Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
(916) 327-1140
www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/publications/opcert/index.htm
Certifications Offered by DOH:
- Drinking water treatment Operator
- Distribution Operator
Successful Certificate Candidates Need Employer Support
Although certain occupations require certification, and some make it voluntary,
all certification programs are designed to encourage professionals to
expand their knowledge through training and education and ultimately enhance
the safe and effective practices in the field. Employers can encourage
participation in professional certification by integrating it as a goal
in a training program. Most successful certificate candidates have the
support of their employers. Employers provide in-house training, pay for
relevant college courses or other training events, supply books and other
training materials, and sometimes allow time to study at work. Candidates
that do not have employer support, other than being required to become
certified, often find it difficult to prepare, have a lower pass rate,
and feel that professional development is a low priority for the employer.
Other Wastewater Certification Program
California Nevada Section American Waterworks Association
10574 Acacia St. Suite D6
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Phone: (909) 481-7200
www.ca-nv-awwa.org/cert/certmn.htm
Certifications Offered by Cal Nevada AWWA:
- Backflow Prevention
- Cross-Connection Control
- Laboratory Analyst
- Water Conservation
- Water Distribution
|
Back
to top