Operator Certification Operator Certification Overview & Updates February 2016

Operator Certification Board (SaskOCB) Overview The OCB is responsible for the following:  Receiving & reviewing applications for water and wastewater operator certification  Issuing certificates to qualified applicants  Sets the application/renewal fees, currently $ (non-refundable)  Reviews & issues new/renewed certificates on a 90 day cycle  Apply conditions to certificates as required  Has the authority to cancel/suspend/amend certificates(due to such things as fraud, negligence, incompetence, environmental/public health)  Handles appeals  Continuing Education Course Evaluations  Works with the Water Security Agency

Submitting an Application What is Required?  A fully completed application that states what you are applying for or renewing  New/Upgrade Applications must be signed off by the applicant and by the employer  Copy of the applicants high school transcripts  Copy of the exam marks – Minimum of 70% for a passing grade  Non Refundable $ fee for new or renewals. NO FEE FOR UPGRADES  All documents should be submitted together & by the deadlines listed on the website All applications can be downloaded from the website

Exams & Courses Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech), in cooperation with external agencies such as SWWA, Saskatchewan’s Regional colleges, The Assembly of First Nations and private trainers) is organizing timely and suitable locations for exam sittings for individuals to certify as water and wastewater systems operators. Sask Polytech also keeps records of test scores. Contacts: Workshop information: Exam Information/Testing: Tracey Johnston Training Workshops are also available from:  Parkland Regional College –  ATAP Infrastructure –  SWWA –  North West Regional College –  Cumberland College –

Education Requirements Small Systems Class 1Class 2Class 3Class4 Grade 10 or GED 10 Equivalent Grade 12 or GED 12 Equivalent Grade 12 or GED 12 Equivalent Grade 12 or GED 12 Equivalent & 2 years post- secondary education in a water/ wastewater related field Grade 12 or GED Equivalent & 2 more additional years of post- secondary education in a water/ wastewater related field *Can substitute experience for missing education, additional information can be found in the Certification Standards, 2012

Experience Requirements Small Systems Class 1Class 2Class 3Class 4 6 months of operating experience 1 year of operating experience at a Class 1 facility or higher *Time is not permitted for Substitution 3 years of operating experience at a Class 1 facility or higher 4 years of operating experience at a Class 2 facility or higher 2 of the 4 years shall be DRC time 4 years of operating experience at a Class 3 facility or higher 2 of the 4 years shall be DRC time *Additional information on substitution for experience can be found in the Certification Standards, 2012

Summary of Requirements *Additional information can be found in the Certification Standards, 2012 EducationExperienceExams Small System Gr 10/GED 106 monthsSWS & SWWS Class 1Gr 12/GED 121 yearWT, WD, WWT, WWC Class 2GR 12/GED 123 yearsWT, WD, WWT, WWC Class 3GR 12/GED & 2 yrs. post- secondary 4 years (2 shall be DRC time) WT, WD, WWT, WWC Class 4GR 12/GED & 2 more yrs. post- secondary (total of 4 years post-secondary) 4 years (2 shall be DRC time) WT, WD, WWT, WWC

CEU Evaluation Request Applications  CEU Evaluation Request forms can be downloaded on the website, under the CEU Evaluation Section.  All CEU evaluation forms must be complete and include all the requested documentation in order to be reviewed.  Completed CEU Evaluation Forms are to be reviewed at the closest board meeting at the time of submission to the office.  Approved evaluations are updated on the List of accepted CEUs Document on the website.  Incomplete/denied evaluations will be notified within 7 – 10 business days after the board meetings.

Operator Certification Board Updates  Approximately 1260 Active Certified Operators  Completed & up to date website,  New Database integrated into the website  New Operator Profile section  Added & revised all forms  Added new office policies

Operator Certification Board Contact Information Stephanie Houde, Administrator Phone: Fax: Website: Address: Mail Room-3211 Albert St. Regina, SK S4S 5W6 Board Members: Joni Brisbin, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Jeff Sutherland, Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Ben Lichenwald, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Tracy Helmink, Saskwater Brad Hvidston, Town Administrator - Tisdale

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