Course Descriptions
Drinking Water
Daytime
Class A /B Short School - In Person (22.5 hrs)
This three day training session is designed for operators preparing for the Illinois Class B or A water certification exam. Includes a short review of Class C and D material and related math.
Class D & C Water - Virtual Distribution Systems/Chemical Feed Applications (15 hrs)
General design, operation, and maintenance procedures for water distribution systems. Topics include pumps and hydraulics, water mains, water services, hydrants, meters, valves, storage, cross connections, regulations, sampling, and related math.
Class B Water - Virtual Groundwater Treatment/Filtration/Ion Exchange Softening (15 hrs)
General design, operation, and maintenance of groundwater treatment plants. Topics include iron and manganese control/removal, filtration, and topic related math. General design, operation and maintenance procedures for ion exchange softening and related math. Class D/C material is also covered as a review.
Class A Water - Virtual Surface Water Treatment/Lime Softening/Membrane Filtration (15 hrs)
Surface water treatment topics include taste and odor control, clarification, jar testing, membrane filtration, and related math and chemistry. Surface water and lime softening with related math. Class D/C/B material is also covered as a review.
Evening
Basic Water Supply - Virtual (32 hrs)
This course is an introduction to water supply covering Class D and C operations. Topics include wells, chlorination,fluoridation, chemical treatment, distribution systems, pumps, sampling, operating reports, water quality, and related math.
Wastewater
Daytime
Class 1 & 2 Wastewater Workshop - In person (15 hrs)
General Class 1 and 2 wastewater certification topics including activated sludge, process control, laboratory, math, safety, records, rules and regulations. Some class 3 and 4 topics may be included.
Wastewater Operator Short School (32 hrs)
An intensive training session to develop skills specific to process control and operation of Class 4, 3, 2 and 1 plants. All aspects of plant operations, process control tests and their interpretation, process control math, safety reports and records for each specific class are covered. On Friday morning, the IEPA wastewater certification exam is given for eligible students.
- Class 4: Focuses on stabilization ponds, collection systems and chlorination Systems. Class 4 certification exam materials are reviewed.
- Class 3: Focuses on trickling filters and RBC units. Class 3 certification exam materials are reviewed.
- Class 2/1 : Focuses on Activated sludge treatment plants with aerobic and anaerobic sludge Digesters. Class 2 and 1 exam materials are reviewed.
Note to students taking Wastewater Short School :
TO TAKE THE CERTIFICATION EXAM ON FRIDAY YOU MUST COMPLETE THE IEPA EXAMINATION REQUEST FOR WASTEWATER CERTIFICATION AND RETURN IT TO THE IEPA AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO TESTING.
*You must also bring your valid LOA with you to the short school.
Link to IEPA Examination Request for Wastewater Certification
Questions? Contact the IEPA Wastewater Certification Program at (217) 782-9720
Pumps and Maintenance - Virtual (2 hrs)
An overview of basic pumps and maintenance procedures for any water or wastewater treatment processes. Emphasis will be placed on operation and the various types of pumps used in the industry.
Sludge Treatment and Disposal - Virtual (2 hrs)
A review of the various methods of sludge treatment such as gravity belt thickening, DAF units, sludge belt press, and centrifuge water removal. Disposal methods will be discussed in reference to water and wastewater operations.
Wastewater Laboratory Procedures - Virtual (2 hrs)
A review of proper laboratory procedures for the purposes of process control at a wastewater treatment plant and reporting on an NPDES Discharge Monitoring Report. Examples of procedures covered include pH, BOD, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, etc.
Nutrient Removal - Virtual (2 hrs)
An overview of the processes used for biological nutrient removal and chemical nutrient removal. Topics will include processes such as the Bardenpho Process, sequencing batch reactors, and countercurrent aeration, and annamox. Control of chemical addition for phosphorus will also be covered.
Management, Regulations, and Communications - Virtual (2 hrs)
Review of various management practices related to water/wastewater. Overview of Illinois regulations and IEPA oversight. Communication procedure will be discussed in reference to water and wastewater operations.
Evening
Basic Wastewater - In person (30 hrs)
General design, operation, and maintenance of Class 4, 3, 2, and 1 treatment systems. Introduction to all plant operations, process control tests and their interpretation, process control math, safety reports, and records for each specific class are covered.
Cross Connection
Daytime
Cross Connection Control - In person (24 hrs)
(23.5 hrs/operators)
Includes demonstration of inspection and testing procedures for reduced pressure zone (RPZ) and double check valve backflow preventers. Each participant is provided opportunities to perform inspection and testing procedures. To successfully complete the workshop, participants must pass the written exam and properly perform hands-on inspection and testing procedures on RPZ and double check valve backflow preventers.
There is only one chance to pass each section of the exam (written and hands-on). Failure of either section will require the individual to retake the entire course again later at FULL COST. Licensed plumbers will be eligible for IEPA approval to inspect and test RPZ and double check valve backflow preventers upon successful course completion. Certified water operators are eligible for a limited IEPA approval.
Illinois Backflow Prevention Symposium - In person (6 hrs)
An annual symposium including a legislative update, special considerations for backflow installations, backflow and fire systems, managing pressure fluctuations and backflow protection, PFAS in water systems, EPA updates to the LCR, and ADA compliant restrooms. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
CCCDI Recertification - Varies(check dates for details) (8 hrs)Cross Connection Control Device Inspectors are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education as part of IEPA code. This will also earn CEUs toward renewal of an IDPH plumbing license. Includes a review of IEPA and IDPH backflow regulations, as well as a refresher on backflow prevention devices with hands-on practice. Currently open to POD 1 and POD 2 CCCDIs.
