Wastewater Technology Certificate of Completion

Program Description

The noncredit Wastewater Technology Certificate is designed to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain entry-level employment in wastewater collections, treatment, and recycle operations. [Note: The Wastewater Technology Certificate is not equivalent to the “Certificate of Competency” issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) in wastewater collection system operations or the “Certificate of Competency” issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in Wastewater Treatment.] The Cooperative Work Experience course, WST 098, is highly recommended for students not currently employed in the field.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Applied Technology, Transportation & Culinary Arts

Department

Water Supply Technology

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Manufacturing, Industry, Transportation

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Have knowledge of fundamental aspects of water resource management, conservation, distribution, treatment, collection, recycle, and disposal operations.

  2. Perform tasks in connection with the operation, control, and maintenance of water and sanitation systems.

  3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and apply these tools in a regulatory context (i.e. the public health protection).

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

52 units
CIT 601
Introduction to Basic Computer Skills
This course provides basic computer skills. Topics include basic knowledge of computer hardware, computer software, computer terminology, working with Windows, using the Internet, and creating basic business documents using Microsoft Word. This course is recommended for individuals who have little or no computer skills as well as those who wish to seek an entry-level position as an office clerk.

Course Details:

VOCED 631
Fundamentals of Business English
This noncredit course is a review of effective business communication in the workplace. Emphasis is placed on basic grammar, punctuation, capitalization, vocabulary, and spelling in common business documents.

Course Details:

WST 625
Test Review for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Grades One and Two
This noncredit course course is a review of the expected knowledge for a minimally competent Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator as determined by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) treatment operator certification at the Grades I and II level. The review topics include wastewater treatment operations, disinfection, related mathematics, and safety.

Course Details:

WST 629
Introduction to Water Supply Technology
This noncredit course introduces students to entry-level training in water conservation, treatment, supply, delivery, and waste collection systems. The goal of this course is to offer students better defined opportunities for career selection in the field of water technology. Regulations-licensing and the certification process will be discussed as a part of this course.

Course Details:

2nd Semester

WST 653
Wastewater Technology Math Test Preparation
This noncredit course prepares students for the quantitative and algebraic questions typically encountered on wastewater collections and wastewater treatment operations licensing examinations. This course is also recommended for students currently enrolled in water technology course(s) who desire refresher training in the applied math skills that are unique to wastewater collections and treatment operations. Topics include, but are not limited to, unit conversion, volume, velocity, flow rates, chemical dosages, process control, and solids handling. Also included are some basic test-taking techniques to increase proficiency on the state exam.

Course Details:

WST 681
Introduction to Wastewater Collections
This noncredit course is designed to train operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater collector systems, emphasizing safe practices and procedures. The course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential duties of an entry level collection system maintenance technologist and prepares students to take the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Collection System Certification exam at Grade I.

Course Details:

WST 691
Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
This is an introductory course in wastewater treatment. This noncredit course covers material included in the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) grade I certification exam.

Course Details: