Water-Waste Water Technology
Career Studies Certificate
Purpose The Water and Wastewater Technology career studies certificate program is designed to prepare students to become a water or waste water plant operator in municipal and industrial treatment facilities and laboratories.
Water treatment plant and system operators treat water so that it is safe to drink. Wastewater treatment plant and system operators remove harmful pollutants from domestic and industrial liquid waste so that it is safe to return to the environment. Operators in both types of plants control equipment and processes that remove or destroy harmful materials, chemical compounds, and microorganisms from the water. They also control pumps, valves, and other equipment that moves the water or wastewater through the various treatment processes, after which they dispose of the removed waste materials.
Occupational Objectives Coursework in this program prepares students for the state certification exam required for a water or wastewater operator’s license. This license is essential for career advancement.
Operators must pass an examination certifying that they are capable of overseeing water/wastewater plant operations. There are different levels of certification, depending on the operator’s experience and training. Both Water and Waste Water operators are licensed by experience and education by the Virginia Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Curriculum admission guidelines There are minimum educational and experience requirements depending on the various licensure levels. All levels require a high school or GED diploma; successful completion of Algebra I at the High School or College level; training; and on-the-job experience. Compass Testing will be used to determine math competency (scores must be higher than 43).
In order to be exempt from the mathematics portion of the COMPASS assessment, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Students who made a grade of B or better in Algebra I (or Algebra 1 Part 1 and Part 2) within the past three years may be placed without testing.
For additional information contact Leah Coffman
(540) 857-6678 lcoffman@vw.vccs.edu
