water and waste management

Sewage treatment plant from above. Grey water recycling. Waste management theme. Ecology and environment in European Union.

Water and Wastewater Certification Exam Preparation

Central Arizona College plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Arizona Water & Wastewater Industry by providing essential Operator Certification Workshops. These workshops are designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the Operator Exam, a pivotal step in securing entry-level positions within the industry. With a growing demand for qualified professionals in water resource management, these certifications can lead to promising career paths and opportunities for advancement in this vital sector.

About the Exam

The Exam

The mastery exam aims to verify that certified operators possess advanced skills in managing drinking water and wastewater systems.
The Mastery exams are divided into four areas:

Water Treatment
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater Collection
Water Distribution

To choose an area of focus, consult with your supervisor. Each area is divided into four grade levels, with Grade 1 as the initial entry level.
The exam consists of 110 questions to be completed in a three-hour timeframe. It includes 10 PRE-TEST questions that are not scored and are used by ABC for quality testing for future exams. The remaining 100 questions will determine the final score. Post-exam, candidates will receive an Individual Mastery Report via email detailing their performance.

Important Information

Prior to the exam, you are encouraged to download and review the conversion tables that will be utilized. ADEQ lets you use calculators that can’t be programmed. They also allow formula and conversion sheets, which you’ll get at the test site.

Requirements

For your visit to the testing center, please ensure to bring the following:

Photo ID
Non-programmable calculator

Study Tip

The examinations will utilize the 2017 ABC Edition as a foundation, and it is recommended to focus your studies on the material outlined in the “Need to Know” section.
For more information on ADEQ practice exams.
Please contact: (602)771-0100
azopcert@azdeq.gov

Qualifying for Exam

How to Qualify

Qualifying for a water management exam requires collaboration with your supervisor or management to identify the specific exam type that aligns with your area of expertise, whether it’s Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, or Wastewater Collection. Each area has distinct certification processes and requirements that must be met. It’s essential to understand the educational and work experience prerequisites for the desired license class and to prepare adequately for the exam, which may include multiple-choice questions and practical assessments.

If not qualified, the starting level for any of the exams will be Grade 1. Prerequisite, you are required to hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.

The certification process requires a one-year waiting period after obtaining Grade 1 certification before one can attempt to qualify for the next grade level. This interval allows individuals to gain further experience and knowledge necessary for the higher-grade challenges. To check for the effective state of your certificate (s), please follow the link.

Important to Know

Please note, you are required to wait for a full year (365 days) from the date of passing your test before you can qualify for a higher-grade level of the same exam. However, during this period, you have the option to take another test in different testing areas, such as Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Distribution, or Collection.

Eligibility Information

It is your responsibility to ensure your eligibility. When you participate in an exam, it is under your own integrity that you meet the eligibility requirements for that particular exam. Central Arizona College does not hold the responsibility to ascertain your eligibility for the exam.

Trainings

Exam Exceptions