West Virginia Infrastructure and Capacity Development Program

INFORMATION

What is Capacity Development?

West Virginia Capacity Development Strategy

Report to the Governor on the West Virginia Drinking Water System Capacity Development Program

A Public Water System is...

Why does WV need a Capacity Development Program?

Capacity Development Stakeholders

Water System Capacity Baseline Assessment

Capacity Development Questionnaire

Water On Tap:Consumers Guide to the Nations Drinking Water

PROGRAMS

Water System Operator's Certification and Continuing Education Program Index

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT AND WELLHEAD PROTECTION PROGRAM

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLIANCE

CONTACT

STAFF

CONTACT US

LINKS

           West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources logo

 

West Virginia
Water System Operators Continuing Education Information Index

Operator Certification

To ensure proper operation and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems, West Virginia has required certification of water system operators since the 1920s. The classifications required (I-D through IV) are dependent on the size (capacity) and complexity of the water treatment system. Minimum operator certification requirements are based on education, experience and satisfactory completion of an examination administered by the WVBPH. WVBPH provides regularly scheduled training sessions and examinations for all operator classifications.

Continuing Education

The Certification and Training Program oversees public water system operators (64CSR4), wastewater operators (64CSR5), water well drillers and pump installers (64CSR19).  Most of these certification classifications require individuals to take WV Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) approved, continuing education hours (CEHs) for renewal.  The WVBPH formed the CEH committee back in 2001 to ensure these required courses are relevant to the profession, held under responsible sponsorship, and taught by knowledgeably instructors.  The WVBPH CEH committee reviews and approves courses accepted for certification renewal based on information received in the EW-78 form WVBPH. 

The intent of CEHs is to further a certified individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in their area of expertise and support ongoing changes in industry technology and standards.  CEH training must be relevant to public water system operations, wastewater treatment works operations, water well drilling, or pump installation.  A wide variety of subjects are acceptable (e.g. math, science, engineering, public health, safety, computers, regulations, and management).  However, system specific on-the-job training covering subjects necessary for proper job performance is not acceptable.  Product specific presentations are also not eligible if they do not go beyond the normal equipment operation explanation required for use.  Generally, content should apply to multiple individuals regardless of equipment owned/purchased or place of employment.  Operators uncertain of course content applicability or CEH approval should contact WVBPH before enrolling.

The general procedure for CEH consideration is the sponsoring organization should submit a completed application (WVBPH Form EW-78) sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled training.  Following review, WVBPH will approve, reject, or return the application for additional information.  CEHs are measured in quarter hour increments and based on actual instruction and active participation time.  All approved CEHs are assigned a 7 digit number by the CEH committee.  The 1st four digits refer to the year the course was approved.  Any alterations from the originally approved course (e.g. instructor, duration or sponsor change) must be reviewed by the CEH committee.  Revised courses approved by WVBPH will have an additional R# on the end of the original CEH number.

Complete lists of WVBPH-approved CEH courses, updated quarterly, are available by clicking the links below:

·         Water Operator CEH Courses

·         Wastewater Operator CEH Courses

·         Water Well Driller CEH Courses – coming soon

·         Pump Installer CEH Courses – coming soon

WVBPH reserves the right to audit any classes or seminars approved for CEH credit.  Please contact Certification and Training Program staff at 304-558-2981 if you have additional questions regarding CEHs.

 

Training Services/Classes

The WBPH provides regular training sessions for water operator certification. Numerous water industry organizations provide training necessary for water operator continuing education. WVBPH maintains a list of courses approved for water operator continuing education. WVBPH also publishes a annual calendar of training events for water operators.  Also listed are approved courses for wastewater continuing education.

Staff Directory

   
Philip Martino Certification/Training
E-mail: pmartino@wvdhhr.org

 


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