You want to start working on getting the certifications you need for the great water jobs out there. How do you start? There are going to be different ways to get started and if you know someone make sure you leverage them. I am going to list the steps in order that I would go about it. This in no way shape or form are the way you should do it. They are meant more as options.
- Find the community college that is right for you.
- This is important because you need to get education credit to take certification exams for anything higher than D1 and T1. The community college you select should offer courses in water systems. If it doesn’t, select another community college.
- Apply for school at the community college you have selected.
- Figure out if you want to take courses one by one or get an associate degree.
- The reason you may consider getting an associate degree is because your degree could substitute for some experience. This may not mean a lot for the distribution certifications, but it could make a huge difference in treatment. The reason is because you could only go as high as a T2 without direct treatment plant experience. With an associate degree, you could substitute one year of experience to qualify for the T3 exam. This will allow you to be a Shift Operator quicker if you work at a T4 or T5 facility. Please be sure the associates degree meets all the requirements under the DDW.
- Look for courses and sign up to take them.
- Pass the course and register for an account with DDW.
- Sign up for the exam via the DDW website.
- Prepare for your exam by reviewing material relevant to the exam.
- The exams are difficult. Please do not be discouraged if you do not pass. I have met people that failed up to five times before passing. You can do it and it will be worth it once you pass.
There you have it. One way to start working towards those certifications.