Training for the Operator of the Future

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The first two volumes in WEF’s new line of operator training, Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals, help operators prepare for the first three levels of certification examinations and each volume is eligible for up to 6 Continuing Education Units (60 contact hours).

These peer-reviewed resources represent the expertise of hundreds of water quality professionals. They align with updated Need-to-Know Criteria from the Association of Boards of Certification and are based on WEFs extensive existing resource collection, including Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, MOP 11. After learning from real-life examples, users may actively apply the material they learn to situations they encounter in their day-to-day work.

 

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I—Liquid Treatment 

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I—Liquid Treatment covers all aspects of liquid treatment processes, plus critical aspects of biological treatment, nutrient removal, and disinfection. This manual helps operators prepare for the first three levels of certification examinations and the situations they encounter in their day-to-day work. Order the manual.

  • Master Wastewater Treatment Operator exam topics and ABC Need-to-Know Criteria
  • Assess your knowledge with 1000+ chapter-ending practice questions
  • Enhance your math skills with extensive problem exercises and step-by-step solution sets
  • Reinforce comprehension with in-depth chapter level summaries
  • Gain a clear understanding of the operation and maintenance of water resource recovery facilities

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II—Solids Handling and Support Systems

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II—Solids Handling and Support Systems covers all aspects of solids handling and support systems and helps operators prepare for the first three levels of certification examinations. In addition to learning the basics of solids handling, operators will gain a thorough understanding of critical aspects of thickening, dewatering, aeration systems and aerobic digesting. After learning from real-life examples, users can apply the material they learn to situations they encounter in their day-to-day work. Pre-order this manual.

  • Robust coverage of Wastewater Treatment Operator exam topics and ABC Need-to-Know Criteria
  • Peer reviewed
  • 1000+ practice questions to test your knowledge at the end of each chapter
  • In-depth chapter summaries to reinforce key concepts
  • Extensive chapter exercises and solution sets to enhance your math skills


Other Training Manuals in the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals series:

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I—Liquid Treatment Online Course, Exam and Print Edition

The online course, exam and print bundle is great for both visual and verbal learners. This course is eligible for up to 6 CEUs (60 contact hours) upon completion of the final exam. Order this package.

  • Practice for exam day with 350+ simulated exam questions matching the format, tone, and difficulty of the real exam
  • Train as much as you want with unlimited chapter level practice tests
  • Learn where to focus your training with immediate feedback of both correct and incorrect answers
  • Earn 6 Continuing Education Units (60 contact hours)

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I—Liquid Treatment and corresponding short courses are preapproved in 24 states. For a complete list of state preapprovals, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Operator Fact Sheets  

Online Short Courses

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II: Solids Handling and Support Systems is currently scheduled to be published in March 2021. Request more information.

WWTF Cover w. Stroke

Order The Print Book

Order The Online Course, Exam & Book

Request Trainer's Kit 

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I & II

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I: Liquid Treatment covers all aspects of liquid treatment processes. In addition to learning the basics of liquid treatment, operators gain a thorough understanding of critical aspects of biological treatment, nutrient removal, and disinfection. These training products reflect 21st-century wastewater treatment methods and practices to best prepare today's operators for tomorrow.
 
Chapter 1: Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
Chapter 2: Characterization and Sampling of Wastewater
Chapter 3: Preliminary Treatment of Wastewater
Chapter 4: Primary Treatment of Wastewater
Chapter 5: Fundamentals of Biological Treatment
Chapter 6: Wastewater Treatment Ponds
Chapter 7: Fixed Film Treatment
Chapter 8: Activated Sludge
Chapter 9: Nutrient Removal
Chapter 10: Disinfection

Order the Print Book 

Order the online course, exam & book

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals II: Solids Handling and Support Systems is currently scheduled to be published in January 2021. Request more information.

Other Operator Titles

Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, MOP 11, 7th Edition
This essential text delivers state-of-the-art coverage of the operation, management, and maintenance of water resource recovery facilities. Find out more.

Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities Study Guide
This study guide is a companion to the seventh edition of Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, MOP 11. The manual and study guide can be used for training classes, studying for certification exams, and improving the quality of operations within the facility or firm. This study guide reflects the state of the art coverage in water resource recovery facility management and operation. Learn more.

The Wastewater Operator's Guide to Preparing for the Certification Examination
This guide outlines what you can expect from the exam, provides key formulas, and lets you test your skills with sample questions. Use the book to study on the go, and then when you get home, take an online practice quiz (complete with a timer). Explore the interactive quizzes, which offer immediate feedback after each answer is chosen. Learn More.

WEF/ABC/C2EP Collection Systems Operators’ Guide to Preparing for the Certification Examination
The third edition of this critical study guide has been updated to reflect new Need-to-Know Criteria and core competencies for collection system operators. The questions included in this guide have been chosen to sample as many different aspects of a collection system operator’s job responsibilities as possible. Questions are intended to provide an example of style and possible topics for certification exam questions. Learn More.

Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification Studybook, 2nd Edition
For those pursuing Wastewater Collection Operator Certification, the Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification Studybook is your ideal guide. Now in its second edition, this resource will not only help you prepare for taking the examination, but it will also provide you with thorough coverage of the main topics every certified Wastewater Collection Operator needs to be familiar with, including support systems, operation, and maintenance, supervision and management, safety procedures, design and construction, electrical pumps and motors, and mathematics. Learn More.

Flagship Publications

Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals I - Liquid Treatment
This training manual covers all aspects of liquid treatment processes and helps operators prepare for the first three levels of certification examinations. In addition to learning the basics of liquid treatment, operators will gain a thorough understanding of critical aspects of biological treatment, nutrient removal, and disinfection. Purchase your copy.

Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, MOP 8, 6th Edition
MOP 8 is the principal reference for contemporary plant design practices of wastewater engineering professionals, augmented by performance information from operating facilities. Purchase your copy.

Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities, MOP 11, 7th Edition
This essential text delivers state-of-the-art coverage of the operation, management, and maintenance of water resource recovery facilities. Purchase your copy.

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 23rd Edition
Since 1905, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater has represented "the best current practice of American water analysts." This comprehensive reference covers all aspects of water and wastewater analysis techniques. Standard Methods is a joint publication of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF). Standard Methods is available in print and as an online subscription. To subscribe to Standard Methods Online, visit www.StandardMethods.org. Order the Print Edition Here.

Write for WEF

Write for WEF
Authoring a WEF publication is an excellent opportunity to establish your reputation as a water quality expert, expand your professional network, and give back to the industry.

The majority of WEF technical publications originate with our technical committees. The best way to become involved in the development of WEF books and resources is to join the technical committee that are most relevant to your expertise and volunteer as writing opportunities arise.

When a publication is being considered, WEF staff post a call for authors to the relevant committees via WEFCOM, our members-only social network, e-mail, and social media.

Potential authors are asked to submit a resume for review by the project chair. Authors with the most relevant experience will be invited to join the project as authors and others will be asked to serve as reviewers.

We enthusiastically encourage students and young professionals to serve as authors on our publications—the experience offers a dynamic networking opportunity for students and YPs and fresh perspectives for our established authors.

All WEF authors must be WEF members for the duration of the publication development process.

Unsolicited Proposals
WEF is always seeking new opportunities to provide our audience with top-notch technical and educational resources. We welcome water-related publication and product proposals from outside the usual channels. When submitting a proposal, please follow the submission guidelines below.

Submission Process
Publication proposals are reviewed and approved by WEF's Technical Practice Committee. To propose a new publication, download and complete the WEF Publication Proposal. Submit your proposal via email to [email protected].

Review for WEF
WEF reviewers are integral to ensuring the technical quality, integrity, and success of WEF publications. Anyone in the water quality industry is welcome to submit review comments on publications in development. Calls for reviewers are communicated via relevant WEF technical committees and social media.

Explore Other WEF Publications

WEF publishes a variety of technical publications, including newsletters, manuals of practice and other books, magazines, and journals. WEF publications cover a wide variety of topics and reach both U.S. and international audiences.

WEF members receive up to a 20% discount on WEF publications.