There are four CSM Grade levels and a typical career ladder:

  • Grade 1 Entry Level
  • Grade 2 Journey
  • Grade 3 Lead
  • Grade 4 Manager

Grade levels go from entry level (Grade 1) to the management level (Grade 4). Grade levels 2, 3, and 4 require a combination of experience and/or education in the vocation to qualify for the test. Since Grade 1 is an entry level test, there are no qualifications and anybody can take the test. However, Grade 1 is designed for a person with about 1 year of experience in the vocation.

GRADE 1
  • No experience required (1 year of experience in the vocation is recommended)
GRADE 2
  • 2 years of experience in the vocation
GRADE 3
  • CSM Grade 2 certification in good standing
  • 4 years of experience in the vocation OR 3 years with a bachelor’s degree or a water/wastewater associate degree
GRADE 4
  • CSM Grade 3 certification in good standing
  • 6 years of experience in the vocation OR 5 years with a bachelor’s degree or a water/wastewater associate degree
  • 1 year experience supervising others in the vocation, crew lead experience qualifies

To request a summary of certification activities, including pass rate information and number of certification holders, please click below to submit a request.

REQUEST HERE

Candidate Materials

CSM Candidate Handbook
This handbook contains everything you need to know to become CSM certified, including exam content, policies and procedures. Grades 1-4.
CSM Gap Analysis Tool
The Gap Analysis Tool is designed to help candidates identify which grade level is best suited to their current level of experience, and where they may be lacking sufficient experience. Grades 1-4.
CWEA is proud to launch the all new Collection System Maintenance Grade 1 cert prep via our OWEN on demand platform. Start your collection system career journey with confidence.

Advertisement