Laboratory Analyst Certification Program – Grade I

This is a certification program for Laboratory Analyst – Grade I.  Membership in NEWEA is not required for certification.  The exam may be taken independent of a training course.

GRADE I TOPICS

pHTotal & Volatile Suspended Solids
Total & Volatile Solids & Settleable SolidsMicroscopy
Ammonia-NBOD
Dissolved OxygenFecal Coliform/E. Coli
TemperatureLaboratory Safety
Chlorine ResidualSampling Techniques, Preservation, & Holding Times
PhosphorusQuality Control and Assurance
Record Keeping

QUALIFICATIONS – GRADE I

All applicants for Grade I must submit satisfactory evidence of at least one year’s experience in conducting or supervising wastewater analyses and shall meet the following general requirements:

  • Be able to read and write the English language;
  • Be able to maintain desirable logs and records of sampling, testing, and maintenance in a laboratory; and
  • All applicants must have a minimum of a High School diploma or GED, or equivalent.

An Associate’s Degree in a physical or biological science may be substituted for one year of experience. A Bachelor’s Degree in a physical or biological science may be substituted for two years of experience.

EXAMINATION

Exams are held throughout the year either online or in-person.  Training classes are not a prerequisite.  The passing grade on all examinations is a minimum of 70%.  Tests are comprised of 100 multiple-choice question examination.  The use of a non-programmable calculator is allowed.  In the event an applicant fails to pass an examination, he/she may apply for re-examination and pay the $75 application fee.

Applications need to be submitted via the online application at least 30 days prior to scheduling an examination. All applications will be screened to ascertain whether the applicant meets the education and experience requirements.

EXAMINATION FEE

The fee for certification in each grade is $75.00 payable to NEWEA.
Fees shall accompany all applications for certificates.
Fees for all applicants whose applications are rejected, or who fail to pass the examination will not be returned.
Exam results will not be released until payment has been received.

How to Apply

To apply for the Laboratory Analyst Certification Program follow these simple steps:

  1. Complete the Online Laboratory Analyst application with payment.
  2. Examination fee is $75.00.  Credit cards accepted online.  Checks should be made payable to NEWEA and mailed to the NEWEA office.
  3. Download the Laboratory Analyst Certification Brochure for supplement information.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the committee.  You’ll receive an email to schedule your exam.  Training courses are NOT offered by NEWEA.  Exams may be taken without attending a training course.

Payment must be received prior to scheduling an exam.

CERTIFICATES

Upon successful completion of the examination, you will receive an email with your score indicating you have passed. This letter will also serve as your certificate, no hard copies will be mailed. Certificates will be permanent unless revoked for proper cause.

SUGGESTED REFERENCES

The following resources may be used to obtain study materials:
Office of Water Programs – California State University, Sacramento
Telephone: (916) 278-6142
Email: wateroffice@owp.csus.edu
www.owp.csus.edu

Water Environment Federation
Telephone: (800) 666-0206
Email: pubs@wef.org
www.wef.org