Prepare and study for the certification exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and a minimum of 70% is required to pass.
The exam will cover these six categories:
- Math
- Operation and Maintenance
- Pumps
- Chemical Feed
- Rules
- Safety and Security
Choosing a Grade Level to Test For
Some Public Water Systems may be required to have a certified operator at a certain grade level depending on the system’s population and complexity. This requirement is specified on the system’s IPS Report and is available online at waterlink.utah.gov.
| Discipline | Grade Levels | Population | Math | O & M | Rules | Pumps | Chemical Feed | Safety & Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Distribution
|
Small System (SS) | 25-500 | 12 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 12 | 16 |
| Distribution Grade I (D1) | 501-1,500 | 15 | 22 | 19 | 13 | 15 | 16 | |
| Distribution Grade II (D2) | 1,501-5,000 | 15 | 22 | 19 | 13 | 15 | 16 | |
| Distribution Grade III (D3) | 5,001-15,000 | 13 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 17 | |
| Distribution Grade IV ( D4) | 15,001 and over | 13 | 22 | 20 | 13 | 15 | 17 | |
|
Treatment
|
Treatment Grade I (T1) | 25-1,500 | 15 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 15 | 20 |
| Treatment Grade II (T2) | 1,501-5,000 | 15 | 23 | 20 | 14 | 14 | 14 | |
| Treatment Grade III (T3) | 5,001-15,000 | 15 | 26 | 20 | 14 | 15 | 10 | |
| Treatment Grade IV (T4) | 15,001 and over | 17 | 25 | 23 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
Study Materials
Math Conversions & Formulas
Mathematical conversions and formulas for drinking water treatment and distribution.
Rules and Regulations
The Utah Safe Drinking Water Act (Title 19, Chapter 4 of the Utah Code) grants the Utah Drinking Water Board the authority to establish regulations for public water systems. The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, enacted by Congress and administered by the US EPA, adopts and enforce rules which must be met by each public water system in the nation. By agreement with the EPA, Utah implements and enforces the federal act within the state. Public water suppliers in Utah should consult the state’s laws and regulations for guidance. Public water suppliers in Utah should refer to the state’s laws and regulations.
Screencast Videos & Quizzes
Videos covering operator certification topics and quizzes containing sample questions.
Presentations
Presentations for each category included in the exam.
| Presentations | SS | D1 | D2 | D3 | D4 | T1 | T2 | T3 | T4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Math | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Advanced Math | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |||||
| Disinfection | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Pumps and Motors | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Rules | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Safety and Security | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Operation & Maintenance | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||||
| Treatment Operation & Maintenance | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Study Guides
Study Guides contain sample questions for each category included in the exam. Refer to the presentations and other study materials to locate information for answering the questions
Training Videos
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- WSO Book Treatment Level 1
- WSO Book Treatment Level 2
- WSO Treatment Level 3 & 4
- WSO Book Distribution 1 & 2
- WSO Book Distribution 3 & 4
Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
- Protecting Distribution System Water Quality
- Hydrant Inspection and Flushing
- Measurement of Chlorine Residual
- The Importance of an Operator
- Coliform Sampling Best Practices
- Valve Maintenance
- Drinking Water Treatment – Introduction
- Drinking Water Treatment – Raw Water Intake
- Drinking Water Treatment – Pre-Settlement & Pre-Treatment
- Drinking Water Treatment – Static Mixers and Flash Chambers
- Drinking Water Treatment – Sedimentation and Filtration
- Drinking Water Treatment – Distribution Systems
- How It Works: Backflow Control Methods, Devices, and Assemblies
- How To: Develop a Cross-Connection Control Plan
- How To: Identify and Avoid Possible Cross-Connections
American Water College
- Chlorine Pounds Per Day – Distribution Math
- Chemical Pounds Per Day Formula – Distribution System
- Calculating Cubic Yards Removed – Distribution System
- Calculating Trench Volume in Cubic Feet – Distribution System Math
- Detention Time – Water Treatment Math
- Chemical Solutions – Water Treatment Math
- Chemical Blending – Water Treatment Math
The WaterSiFu
The Rural Water Association of Utah has practice quizzes available for a small fee.
Find pre-certification classes and more training and relevant events near you. Provided by the Utah Water and Wastewater Training Coalition.
The exams were created using certain textbooks as official references. You can check out these books and many more great resources for free. You can check out these books by filling out the request form.
Contact
Dawnie Jacobo (DDWOpCert@utah.gov): (385) 272-5038