Online registration is available for all of the sessions listed below. Visit the store at https://water-opcert-school.square.site or click on any session topic.

NOTE: You may register for multiple sessions at the same time in the online store. Please contact Richard Vierra richard@opcertschool.com (530) 277-2255 with any questions or to have an invoice emailed that can be submitted for payment.

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR TEST INFORMATION

SWRCB Water Treatment Plant Operator (Grades 1-4) & Distribution System Operator (all Grades) certification exams are now being held year-round  at more than 30 Prometric testing centers across California. There is a backlog of operators already been approved to take exams that were cancelled in 2020. Once those candidates have tested, operators will be scheduled for exams upon approval of their applications. The format and content of the examinations will remain the same, but there are some significant changes: 

• Application Deadlines have been eliminated. You may submit an application for any of the tests at any time. If you receive a non-passing score on an exam, you may immediately reapply. To download an application for the Water Treatment Plant Operator exam, click here (pdf, 4 pages). To download an application for the Distribution System Operator exam, click here (pdf, 4 pages).
• Once your application is approved, you will need to schedule an appointment at a Prometric Testing Center of your choice. You will be provided a 90-day window and may choose any available date/time within that period.
• You need to arrive 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled test time to check-in. A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for check-in. To view a short video related to check-in at a Prometric Center, click here.
• You no longer need to bring pencils or a calculator to the exam. All answers will be entered on the computer (no more filling in answer sheet bubbles!). The computer platform has a built-in calculator for use during the test. Pencils and scratch paper or a dry-erase board will be provided to examinees at the testing center. To view a demonstration of the computer-based exam process, click here.
• You will be provided a copy of the math formulas & conversion factors  sheet at the test center. To get a copy of the sheet to use while preparing for the exams, click here (pdf, 2 pages).
• You will receive your results immediately! If you receive a passing score, the CA SWRCB Certification will send you information on how to apply for the license. If you receive a failing score, you may submit a new exam application immediately.
• The SWRCB provides a breakdown of the information that may appear on Water Treatment Plant Operator Exams known as a Range of Knowledge. 

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ADDITIONAL TESTING INFORMATION

The CA SWRCB Operator Certification Division provides information to assist in preparing for the Water Treatment Plant Operator & Distribution System Operator exams:

• The Range of Knowledge is a list of information that may appear on certification exams. For Treatment, click here (pdf, 11 pages); for Distribution, click here (pdf, 14 pages).

• To get a copy of the recommended reading material list for the Water Treatment Exams, click here.(pdf, 2 pages). To get a copy of the recommended reading material list for the Distribution exams, click here. (pdf, 1 page)

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Exam Prep Classes

If you are a water operator and would like information about classes in your area, please call (530) 277-2255 or email postmaster@opcertschool.com.

If you are a manager or supervisor and would like to host an exam review class, please call (530) 277-2255 or email Richard Vierra at richard@opcertschool.com.

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Certification renewal contact hours may be earned in a variety of ways. One advantage of all Water Opcert School classes and courses is that they earn contact hours that can be used to renew a treatment or distribution license. So, if your expiration date is rapidly approaching, there is no need to wait for a class specifically designed for license renewal. Simply enroll in your choice of sessions that meet the required number of hours.

If you need to complete a course to test at the next higher level, we offer five specialized training courses in conjunction with the Office of Water Programs at CSUS (aka the Ken Kerri courses):

• Small Water System Operation and Maintenance
• Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance
• Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volume One
• Water Treatment Plant Operation, Volume Two
• Manage for Success

If you are a water operator and would like information about enrolling in a course, please call (530) 277-2255 or email Richard Vierra at richard@opcertschool.com.

If you are a manager or supervisor and would like to host a water operator course, please call (530) 277-2255 or email Richard Vierra at richard@opcertschool.com.

Each course is approved by the State as specialized training for both treatment and distribution operators. To determine if a particular course will meet your needs, the CA State Water Resources Control Board's Operator Certification Unit provides this chart. Or, you can contact Richard at Water Opcert School by phone or text at (530) 277-2255 or by email at richard@opcertschool.com.

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Specialized training courses can be scheduled to best meet the needs of your group. The cost is $500 per person and includes all class sessions, books, supplemental materials, reference materials, and related supplies.

A calculator is required for the math sessions. Scientific calculators can be purchased during the course. TI-30Xa models are $10 and TI-30XIIS models are $15.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A minimum 36-contact hour course must be completed prior to applying for the grade 2 or above treatment or distribution operator exams. There are three types of specialized training courses: fundamentals of drinking water treatment, water supply principles, and supplemental courses. A copy of the completion certificate showing the total number of contact hours earned for the course must accompany your exam application. Certificates for classes or courses with a total of less than 36 contact hours cannot be combined to meet the specialized training course requirement.