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Best water operator certifications
The best certifications for a water operator are Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I, Water Distribution Operator Class I, and Water Treatment Operator Class I.
Water operator certifications demonstrate your competency as a water operator to employers. However, not all water operator certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best water operator certifications. Obtaining a water operator certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for water operators
| Rank | Water operator certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I | ABC |
| 2 | Water Distribution Operator Class I | ABC |
| 3 | Water Treatment Operator Class I | ABC |
| 4 | Water/Wastewater Plants - Level I | NICET |
| 5 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 6 | Certified Water Specialist (CWS) | WQA |
| 7 | Operator Certification | CSDA |
| 8 | Water Distribution System Operator | ABC |
8 best water operator certifications
1. Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I
ABC offers certification to operators in water treatment, distribution, very small water systems, wastewater treatment, collection, and industrial waste.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Water Distribution Operator Class I
ABC offers certification to operators in water treatment, distribution, very small water systems, wastewater treatment, collection, and industrial waste.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Water Treatment Operator Class I
ABC offers certification to operators in water treatment, distribution, very small water systems, wastewater treatment, collection, and industrial waste.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Water/Wastewater Plants - Level I
This certification program is designed for engineering technicians who perform the inspection during construction of water/wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and related buildings and structures. Areas covered include reading and interpreting of plans, specifications and shop drawings; on-site inspection; testing procedures; construction techniques and equipment; and record-keeping and reporting.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
5. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Certified Water Specialist (CWS)
The WQA Professional Certification program helps consumers and employers identify individuals in the point-of-use/point-of-entry water quality improvement industry who have demonstrated a certified level of professional expertise and are dedicated to high professional standards.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Operator Certification
Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Water Distribution System Operator
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a water operator?
The best water operator certification is Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I. The Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I is awarded by the Association of Boards of Certification. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this water operator certification:
- To become a certified Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for water operators?
The most in-demand water operator certification is Operator Certification based on all active job postings. Having this water operator certification will give you access to more water operator jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a water operator career and salary?
The Water Treatment Operator Class I certification will help you to secure a wastewater treatment operator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A wastewater treatment operator's average salary is $41,868 whereas water operators make an average salary of $43,748.
The most common combination of water operator certifications include: Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I, Water Distribution Operator Class I, and Water Treatment Operator Class I.
Online courses for water operators to earn certifications
1. Sustainable Urban Water Systems
The MOOC “Sustainable Urban Water Systems” aims to provide knowledge about modern and sustainable solutions for urban water management in water-sensitive cities. The focus is on stormwater control and water supply strategies for the mitigation of effects on the water cycles due to human settlements and climate change. In particular, the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into urban drainage systems, the use of alternative water resources, and the reduction of losses and waste, make...
2. Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern
What is climate change ? How are mountain regions affected by the evolution of water resources and their uses ? What kind of risks need to be considered ? Mountains are recognized as particularly sensitive physical environments where intense and rapid changes have in the past, and may increasingly in the future, place pressure on their resource base. In this context, a team of roughly 100 experts worked from 2008 to 2013 for the European ACQWA project (www.acqwa.ch) which was coordinated by the...
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