Transcription
Cert.CWEA.org
Collection SystemMaintenanceCandidateHandbookVersion 07.15.2020Congratulations on pursuing certification. Certificationis a great way to demonstrate competency, showcommitment to the profession, and help with jobadvancement.This handbook contains information about California Water Environment Association’sTechnical Certification Program for certification candidates. Please read this entirehandbook to become familiar with CWEA’s certification policies and procedures.Certification candidates are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook.Please contact the CWEA office at (510) 382-7800 with any questions.All policies are subject to change. The most recent edition of this handbook can bedownloaded for free on Cert.CWEA.org. Candidates should ensure that they have themost current version as indicated by the date in the title above and at the bottom ofeach page.Cert.CWEA.org
CSM Candidate HandbookPage 3TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION . 7Executive Committee . 7Overview of the Certification Process . 8Certifications Offered by CWEA . 8APPLICATION PROCESS . 9Submitting an Application . 9Application Deadlines and Exam Windows . 9CWEA Application Fees . 9Minimum Qualifications: Qualifying Education and Experience . 10Application Approval . 11Rejected Application . 11Code of Ethics . 11Non-Discrimination Policy . 12Accommodations . 12Privacy . 13Out-of-State Programs . 13Reciprocity . 13SCHEDULING AN EXAM . 13Scheduling an Exam Appointment . 13Online Proctored Exams . 14Canceling an Existing Appointment . 14Rescheduling an Exam Appointment . 15Transferring Exam Windows . 15PREPARING FOR THE EXAM . 16Collection System Maintenance Certification Scope . 16Exam Content . 17CSM GRADE 1 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE . 18Domain 1: Systems Operations, Inspections, and Maintenance . 18Domain 2: Records, Documentation, and Mapping . 20Domain 3: Safety and Customer Service. 212020 California Water Environment Association – Effective July 2020Permission is granted to individuals to photocopy this document or transmit it by electronic mail in its entirety, without alteration, fornoncommercial use in government and educational settings. All other rights reserved.Cert.CWEA.org
CSM Candidate HandbookPage 4Domain 4: Vehicles, Equipment, and Grounds . 23Domain 5: Math for Collection Systems . 23Suggested References . 24Publications in the Suggested Reference List . 28Sample Questions . 29Answer Key and Solutions . 31CSM GRADE 2 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE . 32Domain 1: Systems Operations, Inspections, and Maintenance . 32Domain 2: Collection Systems Tools and Equipment . 33Domain 3: Plans, Maps, As-Builts, and Meters . 34Domain 4: Safety and Regulations . 34Domain 5: Administration of Collection Systems . 36Domain 6: Math for Collection Systems . 37Suggested References . 37Publications in the Suggested Reference List . 42Sample Questions . 43Answer Key and Solutions . 45CSM GRADE 3 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE . 46Domain 1: Systems Operations, Inspections, and Maintenance . 46Domain 2: Collection Systems Tools and Equipment . 47Domain 3: Plans, Maps, and As-Builts . 47Domain 4: Safety and Regulations . 48Domain 5: Administration of Collection Systems . 49Domain 6: Math for Collection Systems . 51Suggested References . 51Sample Questions . 57Answer Key and Solutions . 59CSM GRADE 4 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE . 60Domain 1: Systems Operations, Inspections, and Maintenance . 60Domain 2: Administration of Collection Systems . 61Domain 3: Safety and Regulations . 63Suggested References . 632020 California Water Environment Association – Effective July 2020Permission is granted to individuals to photocopy this document or transmit it by electronic mail in its entirety, without alteration, fornoncommercial use in government and educational settings. All other rights reserved.Cert.CWEA.org
CSM Candidate HandbookPage 5Publications in the Suggested Reference List . 67Sample Questions . 68Answer Key and Solutions . 70FORMULA SHEET . 71CREATING A STUDY PLAN . 72Completing a Gap Analysis . 72CWEA Local Section Training . 72TEST SITE INFORMATION . 73Test Site Admission . 73Calculators Allowed . 73Pearson VUE’s Candidate Rules Agreement . 73AFTER THE EXAM. 74Exam Result Notification . 74Exam Appeal Policy . 74Exam Delivery Appeal . 74Exam Question Appeal . 74Retest Application . 75Receiving the Certificate and Blue Card . 75MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION . 76How to Renew . 76Renewal Fees. 76Continuing Education (CE) Requirement . 76Earning Contact Hours . 77Contact Hour Documentation. 78Contact Hour Audit . 78Temporary Deactivation . 78Reinstating Certification . 79Expired Certification . 79Retiring Certification . 79EXAM DESIGN AND FORMAT . 80Exam Design . 80Exam Delivery Mechanism . 802020 California Water Environment Association – Effective July 2020Permission is granted to individuals to photocopy this document or transmit it by electronic mail in its entirety, without alteration, fornoncommercial use in government and educational settings. All other rights reserved.Cert.CWEA.org
CSM Candidate HandbookPage 6Exam Format . 80Weighting . 80Pass Points . 81How Pass Points are Set . 81Why Use Modified Angoff? . 82Exam Scoring. 82Summary of Certification Activities . 832020 California Water Environment Association – Effective July 2020Permission is granted to individuals to photocopy this document or transmit it by electronic mail in its entirety, without alteration, fornoncommercial use in government and educational settings. All other rights reserved.Cert.CWEA.org
CSM Candidate HandbookPage 7INTRODUCTIONTO THE TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMCWEA’s Technical Certification Program (TCP) develops and administers competency-basedcertification exams for wastewater professionals in a number of different vocations. Thecertification program was founded in 1937. The first certification offered was the WastewaterTreatment Plant Operator certification, which was later adopted by the State Water Board.The exams are developed and revised by CWEA Subject Matter Experts under the guidance ofexam development professionals. The certifications continue to grow and be refined inaccordance with water sector and certification professional practices. Exams are offeredthroughout the year and are experience based, ranging from entry level to uppermanagement.CWEA currently certifies over 7,000 individuals. Certification is a great way to demonstratecompetency, show commitment to the water profession, and help with job advancement.TECHNICAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMExecutive CommitteeThe Technical Certification Program Executive Committee is the governing body of CWEA’scertification program. It was created to develop and implement a multilevel technicalcertification program for individuals employed in the wastewater field. They are responsible forthe development and administration of the Technical Certification Program, including theapplication, examination development, examination administration, and certification renewalprocess. They develop the guidelines, criteria, and testing procedures that are responsive tothe needs of the water quality industry and allow participants to demonstrate technicalcompetence. They are also responsible for maintaining the quality of the examinations throughcontinuous upgrading and review.For current Committee members, contact the CWEA office.2020 California Water Environment Association – Effective July 2020Permission is granted to individuals to photocopy this document or transmit it by electronic mail in its entirety, without alteration, fornoncommercial use in government and educational settings. All other rights reserved.Cert.CWEA.org
CSM Candidate HandbookPage 8Overview of the Certification ProcessTo become certified all applicants must complete the following requirements:1.2.3.4.Submit an applicationPay the application feeMeet the minimum qualifications regarding professional experiencePass the examOnce an applicant successfully completes the requirements, they will be mailed theircertificate. In order to maintain the certification once earned, certified individuals mustcontinue to meet the following recertification requirements:1. Submit 12 contact hours of continuing education every two years2. Pay the annual renewal feeCertification
associates degree GRADE 4 § CSM Grade 3 certification in good standing § 6 years of experience in the vocation OR 5 years with a bachelor’s degree or a water/wastewater associates degree § 1 year experience supervising others in the vocation, crew lead experience qualifies.
