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Introduction

This handbook contains information about the Plant Maintenance certification program. Please read this entire handbook to become familiar with certification procedures and policies. As a certificate applicant, you are responsible for knowing the contents of this handbook. If you have any questions please contact your Local Section Chair (listed in the TCP Application) or the CWEA office at 510-382-7800.

The California Water Environment Association
CWEA’s mission is to enhance the education and effectiveness of California wastewater professionals through training, certification, dissemination of technical information, and promotion of sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of the water environment.

CWEA is a California Nonprofit Corporation and is a Member Association of the Water Environment Federation and a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance.

The Technical Certification Program
The Technical Certification Program (TCP) was created to offer multilevel technical certification for individuals employed in the water quality field. Tests are written by vocational specialists and administered twice yearly in five different disciplines: Collection System Maintenance, Environmental Compliance Inspection, Laboratory Analysis, Plant Maintenance (Electrical/Instrumentation and Mechanical Technologist), and Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operation.

CWEA first offered a certification program for operators of wastewater treatment plants in 1937. The program was administered by CWEA until 1973 when the State of California assumed responsibility for the program. During those 36 years, CWEA awarded 3915 operator certificates.

In 1975 the first committees were formed to establish a new voluntary certification program for water quality professionals specializing in disciplines other than plant operation. Eventually, the Voluntary Certification Program (VCP) emerged with specialized certificate programs for Collection System Maintenance, Plant Maintenance, Environmental Compliance Inspection, and Laboratory Analysis. The first of the new certifications were given in April of 1976. In the 1980s two more disciplines were added: Electrical/Instrumentation, and Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator.

Today CWEA offers certification in six different vocational programs with a total of 23 different certifications. About 1200 certification applications are processed every year and over 4000 certificates are currently held by individuals in California and other parts of the United States.

The New Plant Maintenance Program
The Mechanical Technologist and Electrical/Instrumentation programs have been merged into the Plant Maintenance program. Certificates were first issued under the newly reorganized Plant Maintenance Program July 1998. Mechanical Technologist and Electrical/Instrumentation certificates issued before July 1998 will remain valid as long as renewal status remains current.

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