Certified Installer of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Overview

Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), NEHA has worked with and various partner groups to develop a national credential to certify installers of onsite wastewater treatment systems. The credential covers all forms of installation and will be offered at both a basic and advanced levels.

The credential is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for the successful installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system. Since it is a national credential, and state and local codes are not covered this credential is meant to enhance a state or local regulatory program.

A lot of time and effort is involved with maintaining an examination, a database of credentialed individuals, and tracking continuing education. NEHA hopes to make that task easier by offering this exam. For the professional installer, NEHA would like to give you this opportunity to set yourself apart from your professional colleagues and get the recognition you deserve for your quality work and knowledge.

Development of Credential

Through a cooperative agreement with USEPA, NEHA facilitated the development of a credential for onsite wastewater system installers. The development of this credential is part of USEPA’s Voluntary Management Guidelines for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems. These guidelines acknowledge that onsite wastewater systems are a permanent part of this nation’s infrastructure and will only work properly if the correct design, installation, and management guidelines are established.

To insure that the certification process results in a credential that will be accepted, used, and maintained by the onsite industry, NEHA has enlisted the participation of stakeholder groups such as The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), The National Association of Wastewater Transporters Inc.(NAWT), National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC), and State Onsite Regulators Association (SORA) among others. Through recommendations from its partner organizations and NEHA membership, NEHA has gathered together an industry representative group of stakeholders to help set guidelines for the credential development. This group includes representatives from NOWRA, local and state onsite regulators, National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT).

The stakeholder group spent two days defining the tasks associated with the successful installation of an onsite wastewater system. From there the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) needed to complete those tasks were identified.

The information provided by the stakeholder group was put into a job analysis and sent out to onsite wastewater professionals throughout the United States. Individuals were asked to rate the frequency, time taken and potential for harm for all tasks. In addition, they were asked their opinion on academic and job-related experience requirements to be associated with the exam.

One of the main outcomes of the stakeholder group meeting and job analysis is that there is a need for a basic level credential and also an advanced credential. The two credentials are being developed to stand alone.  Therefore, a state (or individual, county, city, etc.) can utilize one or both of the credentials in their program.

Use and Implementation of Credential

The installer credential is designed to be utilized in a variety of ways at both the state and local level. Part of the development process included soliciting feedback from state and local agencies on how this credential would work within their administrative framework. The goal for this is to alleviate some administrative duties for EH regulators and help create a uniform standard across state and county lines.

The credential can be a legislated requirement at the state level, or a code requirement at the county level. Credentialed individuals will receive proof of their having met the requirements and passing the credential exam which can be presented at the time of registration or licensing at the state or county level.

At the state level, the credential examination will be available for purchase by any state that would like to add the exam to their existing program. NEHA would still update and maintain the examination data base and the state could administer the examination as they saw fit. The state could also require its installers to take the examination through NEHA and once they have passed the test, keep their registration up-to-date with NEHA through continuing education.

For counties and towns that have the authority to set their own requirements for onsite wastewater professionals, the options listed above for the state level would be appropriate. Of course, any individual would be able to take the exam and become credentialed through NEHA if they met the eligibility requirements.

Exam Outline

Basic Level: The exam contains 75 questions involving the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully install an onsite wastewater system. State and local codes are not covered.

Advanced Level: The exam contains 125 questions involving the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully install an onsite wastewater system. The questions contain more difficult scenarios that the basic level and require the test-taker to apply their knowledge to different situations.

Exam Content Outline

Find out the breakdown of the examination questions here.


Exam Eligibility

For the basic level examination, candidates must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of high school graduation or GED.

For the advanced level examination, candidates must meet the requirements of the basic level AND provide a work history that contains AT LEAST two years experience installing onsite wastewater treatment systems.

Application

Access the application form here.

Fees

Basic Level: Member Price: $95 (membership in NEHA or NOWRA)
                      Non-Member Price: $110

Advanced Level: Member Price: $110 (membership in NEHA or NOWRA)
                             Non-Member Price: $130

Demographic Survey

This survey must be filled out and returned with a completed application.  Access the survey here.

Reference Materials List

The references used to develop and verify the test questions are listed here. These are excellent to review in preparation for the exam.

Continuing Education

For both the basic and advanced levels of the credential, twelve (12) hours of continuing education is required for every two years. You must fill out and email or mail in a Continuing Education Submission Form. Acceptable forms of continuing education include: national, state and local conferences, and training center programs. If you have any questions on whether or not your program meets the requirements, please contact Heidi Shaw at hshaw@neha.org.

If you are interested in having your program pre-approved for continuing education credits, please fill out a Continuing Education Program Application and submit it to NEHA for review.

Model Code

Currently under development.

Upcoming Exam Dates

Iowa Onsite Waste Water Association
August 29, 2009
Des Moines, IA

Colorado Environmental Health Association Conference
Probable exam date September 29, 2009
Copper Mountain, CO

FAQ

Frequently asked questions for Candidates, click here.

Frequently asked questions for Agencies and Associations, click here.

Articles Published Concerning the Credential

Pumper Magazine
Installer Magazine

Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities or Impairments

NEHA is committed to ensuring that no individual is deprived of the opportunity to take a credentialing examination solely by reason of a disability or impairment. All test centers are fully accessible and compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

To make a request for special accommodations you must complete the Accommodation Request Form and Documentation of Disability Related Needs Form (click here to download forms) including the specific diagnosis of your disability; medical records, or other written proof of the diagnosis by an appropriate licensed professional; and the type of accommodation being requested. Both forms must be returned to NEHA at least 30 days prior to the scheduled test date.

If the forms are not returned to NEHA within 30 days prior to the scheduled test date your request for special accommodations may not be honored.

With respect to all matters related to testing accommodations, NEHA will only communicate with the candidate, professionals knowledgeable about the candidate’s disability or impairment, and the candidate’s authorized representative (if applicable).

Contact Us

For more information on the credential development or implementation, contact Christl Tate, Onsite Wastewater Program Coordinator, at (303) 756-9090 , ext. 305 or ctate@neha.org. For more information on NEHA’s credentialing program, please contact Heidi Shaw, Credentialing Coordinator at (303) 756-9090 x339 or hshaw@neha.org.

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