How can I obtain an application for the Drinking Water Operators exam?
Contact PSI at 833-256-1420 or via their website at Tests | PSI Online (psiexams.com). PSI runs the examination process.
Where and how often are the Drinking Water Operators exam given?
The examinations are given at training centers in a number of communities throughout the state: Auburn, Charlestown, Boston, Fall River, Lawrence, Milford, Norwood, West Springfield, and West Boylston. There may also be training centers in surrounding states. The examinations are administered by appointment only Monday through Friday and also on Saturday based on availability.
What qualifications do I need to take the Drinking Water Operators exam?
- If you are applying for the Very Small Water System examination, there are no education requirements. Anyone can immediately sign up to take the exam.
- If you are applying for a Grade 1 examination, there are no education requirements. Anyone can immediately sign up to take the exam.
- If you are applying for a Grade 2 examination, you must have taken and passed the applicable grade 1 examination and meet the education requirements.
- If you are applying for a Grade 3 examination, you must have taken and passed the applicable grade 2 examination and meet the education requirements.
- If you are applying for a Grade 4 examination, you must have taken and passed the applicable grade 3 examination and meet the education requirements.
PSI will not provide refunds for candidates testing without meeting these requirements.
What are the education requirements to take an exam?
- For Distribution examinations for Grades 2-4, you must have successfully completed a Board-approved Distribution training course. One training course covers Grades 2, 3, and 4.
- For Treatment examination for Grade 2, you must have successfully completed a Board-approved Basic Treatment training course.
- For Treatment examinations for Grades 3 and 4, you must have successfully completed a Board-approved Advanced Treatment training course.
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List of approved education courses can be found here.
What if I feel that I have sufficient education and do not need to take a course?
Fill out the waiver from training requirement to sit for exams application and submit it via email at DrinkingWaterBoard@mass.gov to the Board. The application can be found here. Link to new forms page. The Board will review the request at its monthly meeting. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Where can I find information about the education courses required to take several of the exams?
New England Water Works Association
Tel. (508) 893-7979
www.newwa.org
Massachusetts Water Works Association
Tel. (978) 263-1388
https://mwwa.memberclicks.net/
Massachusetts Rural Water Association
Tel. (413) 498-5779
https://massrwa.org/
Where can I get training manuals to help me prepare for these exams?
Although the Board does not endorse or recommend any particular training manuals, training manuals are available from the following:
- Office of Water Programs, California State University, Sacramento, CA
Website: https://www.owp.csus.edu/ - National Environmental Service Center
Website: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu
- American Water Works Association
Website: https://www.awwa.org