Certificate Programs
A great career exists for you working in the water and wastewater industries!
The Water Distribution, Water Treatment, and Wastewater Treatment Certificate Programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to competently work in the drinking water and wastewater industries, along with the technical, scientific and regulatory background to obtain certification.
The certificate programs target students seeking to begin careers as certified operators in the drinking water and wastewater treatment industries, and the experience certified operators who want to advance in their careers to levels with higher responsibilities and rewards. (view or download the printable brochure)
Program Structure
To obtain a certificate in one of the three disciplines, the programs require completion of both, core classes and classes specifically designed for each certificate program. The curriculum is a multi-entry program and can be completed in less than one year. Classes are offered using various delivery methods such as on-line classes (ANGEL Learning Program), classroom, and flex classes, which provides optimum flexibility for working adult students.
Various classes are offered, starting quarterly. Students can enroll and begin a certificate program with any of the required classes at any time. A student must successfully complete all required classes to earn a certificate in one of the tree disciplines offered.
Training Path
The certificate program is composed of two tiers (Tier I and Tier II) that include both core classes relevant to all three certificate programs, and classes specifically designed for each individual certificate program. There are no prerequisite courses, and students may take the courses in any desired order. Students must satisfactorily complete all required classes to earn a certificate of completion.
Tier I
After completing Tier I classes, students will have the basic knowledge needed for entry level employment in the Water Distribution, Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment industries, and students will meet education requirement to apply for a Washington State Certification Examination to become certified as an "Operator in Training" (OIT) in their chosen career field.
Tier I Core Classes are:
Tier I Certificate Specific Classes are:
Water Distribution:
Water Treatment:
Wastewater Treatment:
Tier II
Tier II classes are designed to provide specific knowledge of various aspects of drinking water and wastewater systems. Upon completion of Tier II classes, students will have an understanding of those topics employers have identified as desirable for job applicants to have prior to employment.
Tier II Core Classes are:
- Drawing and Manuals
- Water Hydraulics
- Pumps and Pumping Systems
- Disinfection and Chemical Feed Systems
- Water and Wastewater Electrical
Tier II Certificate Specific Classes are:
Water Distribution:
- Water Regulations
- Water Laboratory
- Water Mains Installation, Maintenance and Repair
- Service Connections and Water Meters
Water Treatment:
Wastewater Treatment:
Where to Begin
Students may enter a certificate program at any time, taking any course offered. There are no prerequisites although the instructor may make recommendations based upon the student's background. It is recommended that students consider completing the Tier I courses prior to taking courses listed as Tier II.
It is recommended that students start with either "The Anatomy of a Public Drinking Water System" to enter either the Water Distribution or the Water Treatment Certificate programs, or begin with the "Anatomy of a Wastewater System" to enter the Wastewater Treatment Certificate program.
If a student has little knowledge of the drinking water and wastewater industries, they may benefit from taking both the "The Anatomy of a Public Drinking Water System" and the "Anatomy of a Wastewater System" classes prior to selecting a certificate path. Core courses apply to all three certificate paths. Classes are offered either on-line (ANGEL Learning Program), in a classroom, or as flex classes, which include a combination of on-line and classroom components.
How to Begin
We are glad you are interested in Green River Community College Drinking Water or Wastewater Certificate Programs. Get started in three easy steps:
- Sign up for a New Student Orientation
Session. You may do so:
- Online at New Student Orientation, or
- By calling 253-288-3381
Orientations will be held at Auburn Station Center,
Room-110B from 5:30-6:30 pm on the following days:
- March 15, 2012
- April 26, 2012
- June 7, 2012 - Review registration options.
- Register for classes now.
Training future drinking water and wastewater operators and providing continuing education for experienced operators are significantly important tasks to ensure public health and environmental protection, and is the purpose of this program.