Welcome to the Wastewater Exam Preparation Information and Suggestions page. Find links to sample questions, definitions, study guides, ongoing training, and more. For help, contact the Division of Water Quality.
Water Professionals International (WPI)
Utah’s Wastewater Operator Certification Program uses standardized exams produced by Water Professionals International (WPI), formerly known as the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). These exams are developed to evaluate relevant knowledge that wastewater operators “need to know” as compiled from surveys of actual operators working at facilities throughout the United States. Much of that knowledge is expected to be from actual work experience in collection and wastewater treatment.
More Information
WPI’s website has several useful resources for examinees:
- 2025 Need-to-Know Criteria
- References (at the end of the 2025 Need-to-Know Criteria)
- Formula/conversion tables
- Study guides
- Sample exam questions (example of the exam question format, not the actual exam questions)
The Wastewater Operator Certification Program has also created Need-to-Know Criteria for Utah’s Small Lagoon System exam:
Ongoing Training
Other organizations provide ongoing training at various locations throughout Utah. Contact these organization directly to receive more specific information about their classes. Some of those organizations are WEF, WEAU, RWAU, and other members of the Training Coalition. The online water and wastewater training calendar is available. This is constantly updated with new information and has links to the sponsoring organizations. Contact our office ([email protected]) if you need a printed copy sent to you, however it will only be accurate as of the day it is printed.
Some other sources of training materials include, but are not limited to:
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- California State University at Sacramento
- EPA Small and Rural Wastewater Systems Tools, Training, and Technical Assistance
- National Environmental Service Center
- Indigo Water Group, LLC
- Sewergeek.com (collections)
- WaterOperator.org
- WEF Skills Builder (log-in required)
Also, consider searching the Internet using “wastewater operator training” or “wastewater exam preparation” as the criteria.
The information on this page is presented as a service to the public for informational purposes only. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Water Quality accept no responsibility for any material content included on any of these sites.