|
|
In
2009, CWEA launched the first technical certification test on a computer.
Computer-Based Testing (CBT) will allow candidates
to select the most convenient testing location and
time--including evenings and Saturdays.
CWEA certification tests will be given at Pearson VUE test centers,
which provide a carefully controlled
and comfortable testing environment, allowing
candidates to take the test under peak performance
conditions. Certificate holders find work more
easily, and employers benefit from the knowledge
and training qualified wastewater professionals
bring to an organization.
Over
the past six years, the number of tests administered
annually has grown from about 900 to more
than 1,800. As more of the workforce retires and
demand for newly certified personnel increases,
more pressure will be placed on the industry to
develop a qualified pool of certified
professionals and to get them on the job as
quickly as possible. Computerized testing meets those needs better than traditional
paper-and-pencil programs. CBT will allow us to
improve graphics, add photos and even video, to
make test content more realistic and familiar to
test takers. All of this will result in greater
reliability of the tests to screen for competency,
and minimize possible testing errors.
|
Key
Benefits of CBT
-
Take
the test on your schedule
Flexible test
scheduling throughout the year. Appointments are
available six days a week and evenings, too.
-
Take
the test close to home or work
Increased number of
test sites in
California,
as well as the rest of the rest of the
U.S.
-
Get
instant test results
Receive
unofficial results upon finishing the test and
official certification soon after your score
is confirmed.
Apply
Now!
|
|
|
| |
| CBT Demo |
A sample computerized certification
test was first
demonstrated at the CWEA Annual Conference in
April 2008.
Click on the link (left) to see a Flash version
of the demo. Or, if you would
prefer, download and install the demo directly onto your PC.*
Click on the "Download
the Demo" link (also left), select "save" when
the message box pops up,
and save the file to your computer*. Below
that, you'll find a link to a "How To"
manual that will take you through the installation
process step by step. The demo is shorter
than the real tests, but otherwise provides an
accurate sense of how the actual exam will look and feel.
On your test day, if you'd like more guidance,
you may take advantage of an optional, 15-minute tutorial
containing instructions about how to use the different function buttons on the exam screen.
Here are some screenshots
from that tutorial.
*For computers
running Windows only |
Computerized
test demos at the CWEA Annual Conference April
2008
|
|
Download
the Demo 
How
to Install the Demo
Demo
Screenshots
|
| |
|
Are
You Ready for Testing?
 |
Once
CWEA approves your certification test application,
you're almost there. Here are some facts and tips you should
know before scheduling and taking your test--so
nothing about your test day will be a surprise.
- Policies
From how to apply, what to bring to the
testing center, and how to get your results to
what to do if you need to retest and which
calculators are allowed--the rules and
regulations are all here.
-
Review
the CBT
Tutorial
Curious about how to complete a computerized
test? Go through our quick tutorial
so you know what to expect from the
computerized test.
-
How to
Locate
a Testing Center
Visit CWEA’s test scheduling page to
find a testing center near you.
-
How to
Schedule
Your Test
Schedule your test online here
with Pearson
VUE. Make sure you schedule within
your testing window.
-
FAQ
Still have questions? You're not alone. Here are
answers to some of the most common questions.
|
 |
| |
| Calculator
Policy |
Candidates
will have access to an onscreen calculator during
all computerized test. The on-screen calculator, similar
to a Windows calculator application, has the functionality
to switch between basic and scientific mode (see
Tutorial). You may bring a handheld calculator so
long as it is one from the CWEA approved
calculator* list.
- Casio: All
fx-115 models are allowed
- Texas
Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models are
allowed
- Sharp: EL models except EL-W516B and EL-W538B are
allowed
* Brands and models are available at most major office supply stores. |
| |
| More
Testing Sites
List
of Test Sites
Test
Site Video Tour
(2-minute QuickTime Video) |
A major advantage of CBT is
the fact that candidates have access to many more
testing sites.
And, in addition to increasing the number of
testing sites, CWEA and Pearson VUE are working to
add testing sites in
some of the more remote areas of the state, such as the North
Coast area and the Southern Colorado River
Basin.
|
| |
| Questions
or Comments? |
Please let us know if
you have any comments, questions, or suggestions
about our new computerized testing format. We
welcome phone calls and emails.
Email: cbt@cwea.org
Phone: 510-382-7800 x106
|
Back
to top