Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV
Credential: Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV
Credentialing Agency: Association of Boards of Certification (ABC)
Renewal Period: 2 years
The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV is an advanced career-level biological wastewater treatment operator certification offered by ABC. Candidates for Class IV must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus 1,800 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of acceptable experience including 2 years of direct responsible charge experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, which evaluates an operator's knowledge of tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants. The specifications for the different levels of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 5402 Boiler Plant Operating |  Some |
|
| 5406 Utility Systems Operating | Some |
|
| 5408 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating |  Most |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 4 years
- Education: Semester/Course Hours
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 2 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Association of Boards of Certification (ABC)
2805 SW Snyder Blvd, Suite 535
Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: (515) 232-3623
Fax: (515) 965-6827
Email: abc@abccert.org
Education REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for the ABC Class IV operator certifications must have 180 units of post high school education in the environmental control field, engineering, or related science.
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have four years of acceptable experience including two years of direct responsible charge.
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
For Class IV operator applicants, a maximum of 2 years of Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) experience in a Class III or higher position may be substituted for 90.0 units of post-high school education.
Option 2:For Class III and IV operators, a maximum of 90.0 units of post-high school education may be substituted for 2 years of experience; however, the applicant must still have 1 year of DRC experience.
Written Exam
-
Laboratory Analysis (20%)
- Follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Collect samples
- Conduct analysis and laboratory testing
- Interpret data from analysis
-
Equipment Evaluation and Maintenance (15%)
- Calibrate meters (e.g., flow, pressure sensors)
- Follow safety rules and guidelines when working with chemical equipment
- Follow safety rules and guidelines when working with mechanical equipment
- Monitor flowmeters
- Monitor telemetry systems
- Inspect related equipment
- Maintain related equipment
-
Equipment Operation (20%)
- Analyze data to evaluate and adjust equipment
- Check filters for proper operation
- Follow safety rules and guidelines when working with chemical equipment
- Follow safety rules and guidelines when working with mechanical equipment
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Monitor lift stations to ensure equipment is operating properly
- Monitor motor control center
- Operate Related Equipment
-
Treatment Process Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adjustment (35%)
- Add chemicals to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids (e.g., ammonia, chlorine, lime)
- Analyze laboratory data to evaluate and adjust processes
- Follow industry safety rules and guidelines applicable to treatment processes
- Implement changes as indicated by laboratory results
- Operate chemical feed systems (e.g., polymer, ferric)
- Operate odor control systems (e.g., biofilters, scrubbers)
- Operate SCADA systems
- Operate the preliminary treatment processes (e.g., screening, grit, flow equalization)
- Operate the primary clarification / sedimentation processes
- Operate secondary treatment processes
- Operate tertiary treatment processes
- Operate the disinfection processes (e.g., UV, ozone)
- Operate solids treatment processes
-
Security, Safety, and Administrative Procedures (10%)
- Adhere to established safety procedures (e.g., lock-out / tag-out, confined space, hazard communication, fall protection)
- Assist in the selection of equipment for use in wastewater processing
- Assist with budget preparation
- Assist with the industrial pretreatment program in regard to effluent quality standards
- Complete operation reports
- Complete required regulatory reports
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
- Generate maintenance reports (e.g., daily, monthly, annual)
- Identify personnel training needs
- Implement spill notification policy
- Manage plant staff
- Participate in studies related to increasing capacity, changes in treatment requirements or facility upgrades
- Receive chemical deliveries and store
- Respond to customer service requests and complaints
- Schedule routine activities (e.g., maintenance, operations)
- Update spill notification policy
- Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV examination:
- Best Sources
RECERTIFICATION
Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV
Renewal Period: 2 years
OTHER