Laboratory Analyst Certification Program – Grade I
The Analyst I Certification encompasses basic sampling techniques and analyses required for regulatory compliance and process control typically found at wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England. The Analyst I Certification also includes laboratory safety concepts and general laboratory practices. Up to 15% of the questions involve calculations.
This is a voluntary certification program. It is not required that an applicant hold membership in the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) or in any other organization or association to receive certification, provided that said applicant meets the requirements set forth herein. The Analyst 1 Exam may be taken independent of a training course.
Analyst I Exam Topics
BOD/cBOD PFAS
Dissolved Oxygen Quality Control and Quality Assurance
General Science Record Keeping
Indicator Bacteria Sampling Techniques, Preservation, & Holding Times
Laboratory Safety Solids
Microscopy
Qualifications – Analyst I Certification
All applicants for Analyst I Certification 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 understand and apply basic math principles;
- 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, GED, or equivalent.
An associate’s degree or higher in a physical or biological science may be substituted for one year of experience.
Operator-in-Training Status: Laboratory Analyst Certification offers an OIT (Operator-In-Training) status if the applicant does not have the required experience but passes the exam. Details of OIT and full certification for each level are outlined in the Laboratory Analyst Brochure.
Examination
Training classes are not a prerequisite. The passing grade on all examinations is a minimum of 70%. The Analyst I Certification Exam is composed of one-hundred multiple-choice questions. 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:
- Complete the Online Laboratory Analyst application with payment.
- Examination fee is $75.00. Credit cards accepted online. Checks should be made payable to NEWEA and mailed to the NEWEA office.
- 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 Analyst 1 Exam References
40 CFR 136.3 Table I-A List of Approved Biological Methods for Wastewater and Sewage Sludge
40 CFR 136.3 Table I-B List of Approved Inorganic Test Procedures
40 CFR 136 Table II Required Containers, Preservation Techniques, and Holding Times
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 23rd edition 2017 or most recent promulgated version
Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes EPA-600/4-79-202
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume 1, 7th edition. California State University, Sacramento, CA.
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume II, 7th edition. California State University, Sacramento, CA 2007.
Wastewater Sampling for Process and Quality Control MOP #OM-1 WEF 1996
NEWEA Formula/Conversion Table for Lab Analyst Exam
EPA Technical Brief: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Methods and guidance for sampling and analyzing water and other environmental media.
ITRC PFAS – Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/11-sampling-and-analytical-methods/#11_1 (This is the link from the EPA Technical Brief above.)
