Preparation does it!
I passed the stringent exam for Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) Class IV Operator on the first try. Phil Bassett was correct: Preparation is the No. 1 way to ensure success with certification examinations (“Passing the Test,” September TPO).
I consistently studied for the exam for five months. I started by arranging a study location and gathering the materials. I made flash cards for all the key vocabulary words and formulas. I reviewed specific “sewer math” problem sets. Then I went online and gathered more exam-specific materials.
Lastly, I spoke to 15 current operators about their experience with the Class IV exam. I probably should have supplemented the experience with a review course, but my job and family time commitments did not allow it.
While my average score on the three previous operator exams hovered around 90 percent, I received a 72 percent (70 percent is a passing score) on the Operator IV Exam the first time I sat for it last July. I’m sure I made mistakes during the test and should have scored higher, but I think the preparation was the key. The brain requires small bites of information over a long period of time. As the great champions in any field state, “There are no shortcuts to success.”
Derek Albertson, MPA
Class IV Operator
Operations Manager
Town of Branford (Conn.) Water Pollution Control Facility
Do the math
Thank you for the article in the September TPO magazine. As a 25-year career wastewater person, I appreciated Phil Bassett’s approach to test preparation. He is absolutely correct — there is no way to pass the exams from most states without preparing.
Having taken the highest-level test in three states (Maryland, Oregon and Michigan), I can tell you there is no way I could have passed these exams without extended preparation time, particularly Michigan’s test, which was the most difficult. One caveat I would add is that wastewater testing success can be bolstered by brushing up on the math.
The math questions, which usually make up at least one-third of these tests, should be guaranteed correct answers with the right preparation. Most of the folks I have worked with have struggled most with this portion of the test, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the preparation workbooks offered by WEF and others, like Lumpy’s, (although we found some mistakes in that one), a testing candidate can be ready to guarantee one-third right answers.
During my tenure in McMinnville, Ore., I helped a number of our folks gain the highest certification by working with them through those workbooks. Gaining certification is the primary way wastewater operators can ensure long and successful careers.
Ron Gillenardo
Water Pollution Control Center Manager
Brookfield, Wis.
Community colleges can help
Many community colleges in eastern Pennsylvania, with support of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), offer water/wastewater classes to help those interested in this career to pass the licensing exam. The test fail rates were 80 to 90 percent in Pennsylvania.
I decided to take the course after working in industrial pretreatment for seven years. The Wastewater Operator Certificate Program was taught by instructors from local plants and included many plant tours during the course work. This was very informational and connected us with operations that would be looking for future operators. The DEP offered 18 months’ experience for 180 hours of class work.
Once in the field, I only needed six months on the job to obtain my state license. I passed the test on my first try after taking the class. It’s important to keep the information fresh in your head. I think the biggest struggle is the math parts of the test, since many of the students have been out of school for some time.
I remember one instructor teaching us how to use the formula sheet given to us during the test. That was a huge help in just knowing what numbers to plug in and where to plug them in. I would advise others out there interested in the water treatment field, or those having difficulties taking the test, to look around at your local colleges and see if they offer courses for this. I believe that helped me get to my goal of being a licensed operator. Good luck and study smart!
Mark E. Rightmyer
Class A Wastewater Operator
Miller Environmental
A rose is a rose
In response to the Letters page in your June 2014 edition, I read with great delight the submission from CJ Kilgore, “Don’t muddy the waters.” CJ hit it on the head: Where does the name-changing end? With over 20 years in both professions, I don’t care what title you throw at me, but I am what I am: a wastewater and water operator. Remember the old saying? A rose by any other name is still a rose.
Gary Boileau
T.H. Enterprises
Arizona City, Ariz.
