Laboratory Analyst Certification - CWEA

1 Laboratory Analyst Certification 2007-2008. Candidate Handbook This booklet Subject matter for the Laboratory Analyst tests Education and experience requirements Selected study references Certification policies Frequently Asked Questions Laboratory Analyst Contents Introduction 2. Certification The California Water Environment Association 2. The Technical Certification Program 2. 2007-2008. Important Information 2. Candidate Handbook The Certification Process 2. Code of Ethics 2. Test Administration and Admission 2. Test Design and Format 3. Test Scoring 3.

2 Test Postponement 3. Item Appeals 3. Test Result Notification 3. Issue of Certificate 4. Renewal of Certification /Re- Certification 4. This handbook contains information about the Laboratory Analyst Accommodations For Those With Physical or Learning Disabilities 4. Certification program. Please read this Grade I Laboratory Analyst 5. entire handbook to become familiar Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 5. with Certification procedures and policies. As a certificate applicant, you Essential Duties 5. are responsible for knowing the Complexity of Test Questions 5.

3 Contents of this handbook. If you have Test Content Areas 5. any questions please contact your Local Grade II Laboratory Analyst 7. Section Chair (listed in the TCP. Application) or the CWEA office at Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 7. 510-382-7800. Qualifying With Your Education 7. Essential Duties 7. Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy Complexity of Test Questions 7. Test Content Areas 8. CWEA does not discriminate among applicants on the basis of age, gender, race, Grade III Laboratory Analyst 9. religion, national origin, disability, sexual Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 9.

4 Orientation or marital status. Qualifying With Your Education 9. Essential Duties 9. Complexity of Test Questions 10. Test Content Areas 10. Grade IV Laboratory Analyst 11. Copyright 2007 by the California Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test 11. Water Environment Association Qualifying With Your Education 11. Essential Duties 11. Complexity of Test Questions 12. California Water Environment Association Test Content Areas 12. Technical Certification Program SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS 13. 7677 Oakport Street, Suite 525 SELECTED REFERENCES 15. Oakland, CA 94621.

5 PREPARING FOR YOUR TEST 17. phone: 510-382-7800 Determining Your Preparedness 17. fax: 510-382-7810 Using the Selected References 17. web: Using the Test Content Areas as a Guide to Your Study 17. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 17. Contents Page 1. Introduction Important Information The California Water Environment Association CWEA's mission is to enhance the education and The Certification Process effectiveness of California wastewater professionals To become certified, all applicants must complete through training, Certification , dissemination of the Application For Technical Certification , pay the technical information, and promotion of sound application fee, have appropriate experience and policies to benefit society through protection and education, and pass the written test.

6 Application enhancement of the water environment. instructions and fee schedules are listed on the application. After applications are received at the CWEA is a California Nonprofit Corporation and is a CWEA office applicant information is compiled in the Member Association of the Water Environment Certification database. Application receipts are then Federation and a member of the National mailed to all applicants. The experience and Organization for Competency Assurance. education given on the application is then reviewed by CWEA staff. Next, the applications are reviewed The Technical Certification Program by TCP Local Section Chairs.

7 If the application is The Technical Certification Program (TCP) was approved, then the applicant will receive an confir- created to offer multilevel technical Certification for mation letter giving test site information. If the individuals employed in the water quality field. Tests application is rejected, the applicant will be notified are written by vocational specialists and and may be asked to supply more information if administered twice yearly in five different disciplines: warranted. After completing the written test Collection System Maintenance, Environmental applicants are sent results.

8 Those who pass will then Compliance Inspection, Laboratory Analyst , Plant be mailed certificates and wallet cards. Maintenance (Electrical/Instrumentation and Mechanical Technologist), and Industrial Waste Code of Ethics Treatment Plant Operator. The Code of Ethics is intended to reflect the stan- dards and behavior that California Water Environ- CWEA first offered a Certification program for ment Association certificate holders and applicants operators of wastewater treatment plants in 1937. expect of each other as they perform their work pro- The program was administered by CWEA until 1973 tecting public health and the environment and that when the State of California assumed responsibility reaffirm the value of holding a CWEA certifi- for the program.

9 During those 36 years, CWEA cate. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to ensure awarded 3915 operator certificates. public confidence in the integrity and service of pro- fessional water quality workers while performing their In 1975 the first committees were formed to establish duties. a new voluntary Certification program for water All California Water Environment Association certifi- quality professionals specializing in disciplines other cate holders and applicants are expected to meet the than plant operation. Eventually, the Voluntary following standards of professional conduct and eth- Certification Program (VCP) emerged with ics: specialized certificate programs for Collection 1.

10 To protect public health, themselves, their co- System Maintenance, Plant Maintenance, workers, property, and the environment by per- Environmental Compliance Inspection, and forming the Essential Duties of the CWEA certi- Laboratory Analyst . The first of the new certifications fied vocation safely and effectively, and comply- were given in April of 1976. In the 1980s two more ing with all applicable federal, state and local disciplines were added: Electrical/Instrumentation, regulations. and Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator. 2. To represent themselves truthfully and honestly throughout the entire Certification process.