There are five levels of certification, Grade I - V. The process of becoming certified is a three-part process. Operators must obtain at least 1,800 hours working in wastewater operations as an OIT. Operators must take and pass the state exam for the grade level of certification they are pursuing. Passing exam results are valid for four years.
Full Answer
What is the wastewater operator certification program?
The Wastewater Operator Certification program (WWOCP) administers Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification examinations, certifications (grades I to V), and certification renewals. Additionally, the WWOCP classifies Wastewater Treatment Plants. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 active certified wastewater treatment plant operators.
Do the wastewater treatment plant operator certification exams include Formula Sheets?
For the next cycle the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification examinations will include both formula sheets. See a list of references from which study material may be selected. Water is a precious resource in California, and maintaining its quality is of utmost importance to safeguard the health of the public and the environment. .
Do I need a license to operate a wastewater treatment plant?
Since 1994, the State Water Board has registered contract operators to operate WWTPs. As of April 2013, all classified privately owned Wastewater Treatment Plants must have certified wastewater treatment plant operators and now have the same requirements as publically owned WWTPs. New! Computer Based Testing Process Overview New!
What is the California Code of regulations for wastewater treatment plants?
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) has revised its regulations in chapter 26 of division 3 of title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, regarding wastewater treatment plant classification, operator certification, and contractor registration for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Program.
What are educational points?
Educational Points means points earned toward the Professional Certificate Programs for studies satisfactorily completed completed, with passing scores achieved, for semester hour or quarter hour credit at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
Who is in charge of water distribution in California?
the State Water Resources Control BoardIn 2014, the DWOCP was transferred to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in the Division of Financial Assistance. The DWOCP is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 35,000 water treatment and water distribution operators throughout the state of California.
How do I become a water treatment operator in California?
To receive a certificate, you must meet the minimum experience and education requirements and pass a written test. Please refer to the Certification Requirements for a summary of the experience and education necessary for each grade. For future exam dates and information please refer to the examination schedule.
What is a water distribution operator?
OPERATORS. are responsible for operating and maintaining a water distribution system. WATER TREATMENT. OPERATORS. are responsible for operating and maintaining a water treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment, quality control, and day-to-day activities.
Who regulates wastewater in California?
Wastewater Treatment Process in California Regulations Effluent discharge standards to protect human health and the environment are set and enforced by the nine regional water quality control boards in consultation with the State Water Resources Control Board, the overarching regulatory body.
Who regulates water quality in California?
State Water Resources Control Board The joint authority of water allocation and water quality protection enables the State Water Board to provide comprehensive protection for California's waters.
How long is a water treatment course?
Minimum duration: One year.
What is a distribution operator?
A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel.
How is wastewater produced?
Wastewater is the polluted form of water generated from rainwater runoff and human activities. It is also called sewage. It is typically categorized by the manner in which it is generated—specifically, as domestic sewage, industrial sewage, or storm sewage (stormwater).
What is d1 water?
Deuterium hydrogen oxide is a water and a deuterated compound.
What is distribution of water on Earth?
About 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water-covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth's water. Water also exists in the air as water vapor, in rivers and lakes, in icecaps and glaciers, in the ground as soil moisture and in aquifers, and even in you and your dog.
How many hours does a wastewater treatment plant operator work?
an average of 40 hours worked per week by an operator-in-training at a wastewater treatment plant while performing job duties that meet the definition of qualifying experience. Any used paid vacation or sick leave earned as a result of hours spent performing job duties that meet the definition of qualifying experience may be counted toward full-time employment. In no case, however, may an operator or operator-in-training be considered to be working full time if he or she spends less than 1,800 hours per year performing duties defined as qualifying experience;
Where to attach duty statement to wastewater treatment plant?
Attach a current duty statement on the wastewater treatment plants official letterhead or have the duty statement signed by the CPO.
How many levels of operator certification are there?
Certification. There are five levels of operator certification (Grades I – V). To receive a certificate, you must meet the minimum experience and education requirements and pass a written test. Please refer to the Certification Requirements for a summary of the experience and education necessary for each grade.
Can you use wastewater experience outside of California?
You may use wastewater experience gained outside California, provided you were a certified wastewater operator and performing duties that would require certification in California.
What is a WWTP operator?
WWTP operators are the individuals responsible for operating the equipment that is used to clean and improve the quality of wastewater. Current state law requires these professionals be certified as a WWTP operator by the State of California. The Wastewater Operator Certification Program (WWOCP), at the State Water Boards is the program responsible for administering this certification program.
What is WWTP classification?
Classifications of a WWTP are issued based on the treatment processes used and the amount of wastewater the WWTP is designed to treat. The operator in charge of the plant, called the Chief Plant Operator (CPO) must hold a valid certificate at or above the level the WWTP is classified.
When did the USEPA start certifying water systems?
In 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established guidelines for the certification and re-certification of operators of community and non-transient non-community public water systems. On January 1, 2001, new state regulations were adopted to comply with these guidelines and the existing water treatment operator ...
What is the DWOCP?
The DWOCP was originally under the Department of Health Services and then the California Department of Public Health. In 2014, the DWOCP was transferred to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in the Division of Financial Assistance. The DWOCP is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 35,000 water treatment ...
