When faced with a licensing exam, don't struggle with test anxiety! Use the question below and others from our Exam Study Guide series to properly study and prepare for exam questions. Take a look at this sample wastewater treatment licensing question along with an explanation of the correct answer.

Sample question:

What filament is considered the most common foaming filament and looks hard and branchy when viewed under a microscope?

A) Microthrix

B) Type 082

C) Type 1863

D) Nocardia

Answer: Filamentous organisms can be distinguished from one another through microscopic examination and staining. Nocardia seems to be the most common. Nocardia growth is typically associated with warmer temperatures, longer retention times and fats, oil and grease (FOG) in treated wastes. So, the answer is D. 

Source: WEF MOP 11 20-127

About the author
Ricky Lallish is the Water Pollution Control Program Director at the Environmental Resources Training Center of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He provides training for entry level operators in the wastewater field and operators throughout the state looking to further their education.