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Wastewater Certification
The
CWEA Certification of Competency Standard
The basic standard of CWEA certification is
that all certificate holders have, and continue to
perform at a level of basic competence that enables
them to perform the Essential Duties of their job safely,
effectively, without close supervision, and without
further training.
The standard is determined by the following factors:
- Meeting minimum experience and education requirements
- Passing the appropriate CWEA computer-based test.
- Demonstrating continuing competence through education, training, and/or re-testing.
- Continuing to perform the Essential Duties at, or above, the minimal level of competency. described by the basic standard of CWEA certification (see above paragraph). See Code of Ethics for more info.
The CWEA Certification of
Competency and Other Certifications
The "certification of competency"
means that CWEA attests that its certificate holders
have the knowledge skills and abilities to perform at,
or above, a level of minimal basic competence (see
The CWEA Certification of Competency Standard above).
CWEA's certifications apply to the entire field of
knowledge for a given vocation. Other certification
programs may only certify that an individual has
completed a program of study, not competency. For
example, the Cal State Sacramento Office
of Water Programs offers certificates of completion
of a study course, but not competency (they do not
verify work experience or education, or have a secured
test of competency).
Be aware of other certification programs that claim to offer a "certificate of competency", but are really offering certificates of completion of a course of study. Usually these certificates are offered upon completion of a study course or attendance at an educational session. These programs cannot determine the ability of a person to perform their work with at least minimal competence. If you are unsure about a certification program, ask if its a "certificate of competency" and about their test validation methodology.
Who
Uses and Requires Certification
Many wastewater jobs require you to
be certified. To become a CWEA certified wastewater professional you must meet certain
qualifications and pass the computer-based test which tests technical
knowledge in the field. In California operators of wastewater
treatment plants owned by the public must be certified
by the State Water Resources Control Board. Many employers
require CWEA certification for certain jobs. Other employers
may give salary or promotional incentives for those employees
who are certified by CWEA. If you are considering a career
in the wastewater field, you should check job announcements
and job descriptions to see which certifications, if any,
are appropriate.
Learn more about the benefits of certification for your career
CWEA Certifications
CWEA administers competency certifications for wastewater
personnel in the vocations of:
Collection System Maintenance
Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance (includes
Electrical/Instrumentation and Mechanical Technologist)
Laboratory Analysis
Biosolids Land Application Management
Environmental Compliance Inspection
Industrial Treatment Plant Operations
The tests are being constantly developed and revised by CWEA member subject matter experts. Tests are given continuously throughout the year in the six specialties, with up to four grade levels per specialty, in California, Michigan, Hawaii, and Missouri and Alaska. Certificates of competence are issued to successful examinees. There are currently 5700 CWEA certificate holders throughout the all five state we service.
Employees:
Learn more about
each CWEA certification by reviewing the Candidate Handbooks
How
Certification Can Benefit Your Career
Employers:
A CWEA certificate provides wastewater organizations
with written confirmation that the holder has demonstrated
a high level of job-related knowledge, skills and abilities.
It provides a documented level of assurance that employees
are competent in safe work practices.
Learn
how your organization can benefit from certified employees
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Operator Certification
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.
Learn more
about operator certification
Office
of Operator Certification web site
