Virginia Waterworks Operator Classes 1-6 Exam · NTN before you can schedule your exam. Photo...

© Copyright 2016 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date 1.27.16

Virginia Waterworks Operator Classes 1-6 Exam

Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)


Introduction

Thank you for participating in the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational

Regulation (DPOR) licensing process. To obtain your license, the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater

Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (DPOR) requires you to pass a written exam.

Read this entire Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). It has information you need to complete the exam

process. You can also find this information online at ntnlicensingexams.com.

This Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) includes written exam information.

National Testing Network is contracted to administer the exams and provide candidate services for the DPOR.

To submit a question, click the “Contact Support” link on ntnlicensingexams.com.

http://ntnlicensingexams.com/



E X A M R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Requirements to

Register for an Exam

Candidates must submit a Virginia Waterworks Operator License application to

the DPOR. The application form can be found at www.dpor.virginia.gov. All

license requirements must be completed and approved by the DPOR prior to

registering or taking the exam.

Required

Identification

For entry into your exam, you are required to provide originals of qualifying pieces

of identification. Your name and date of birth on your identification are required

to match your name and date of birth exactly as listed in your online account.

Two forms of government issued identification (see below) are required.

o One piece of identification must include a current photo.

Your name is required to match on both pieces of ID unless you also bring

documentation of name change (for example, official court document

indicating name change, etc.).

Your date of birth is required to match on a minimum of one piece of

identification.

If you are unable to meet the identification requirements noted above,

please contact National Testing Network (NTN) at 1-866-563-3882.

You are required to provide biometric authentication (fingerprint) and

your digital signature when you check-in on exam day.

Examples of Items

Accepted as

Identification

Original

Identification With

Photo

U.S. or foreign driver’s license – valid, or expired within one year

U.S. armed services ID card – with photo and signature

U.S. or foreign passport – valid, or expired within one year

Federal or state employee ID card – valid, shows your signature and photo

State issued ID card with photo – valid, or expired within one year

Immigration ID – valid, with signature from the U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Service

U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization – with signature and photo

U.S. Permanent Resident Card – valid, with your signature and photo

Tribal ID card

Original

Identification

Without Photo

Certified birth certificate – original or certified document

Social Security card (not laminated) or Tax Payer ID Letter

U.S. government-issued work visa – valid

Voter’s card

Medicare card

Social Security Administration receipt of name change / replacement card

Examples of Items

NOT Accepted as

Identification

Copies of ID

Credit cards

Gun permit

Bus passes

Costco card

Car insurance card

Waterworks Operator License

Jury summons

Car registration

http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/


S C H E D U L I N G A N D T A K I N G T H E E X A M S

Getting Started Your application must be approved by the DPOR prior to registering for an exam. The DPOR will notify you in writing of your eligibility to sit for the examination and include information on the examination registration process. You may register for the exam by visiting ntnlicensingexams.com, finding the program you are testing for and clicking the “Create Account” button. During the registration process you will be required to upload (or mail) a passport compliant photo as described below.

Passport Photo You need to upload or mail a professional passport compliant 2" x 2" color photo taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. This can be done on your online account. The photo must meet the following requirements:

Sized so that your head is approximately one inch from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

Taken in front of a plain white background

Be a full-face view, directly facing the camera with a neutral facial expression

The photo you upload must meet these requirements and be approved by NTN before you can schedule your exam.

Photo approval may take up to 10 business days.

Mail Option

The passport compliant photo may be mailed to NTN at the following address:

National Testing Network 18720 33rd Avenue West Lynnwood, WA 98037 Mail submittal of information may delay approval process.

Exam Locations and Scheduling

Once your photo has been approved you will be eligible to schedule your exam

online at ntnlicensingexams.com. You may log in to your account to schedule your

exam. Choose any available time and date at the location you prefer. You must

schedule the exam yourself online. Walk-in candidates are not admitted to exams

and testing centers cannot schedule candidates.

Candidate Responsibility

As a candidate, it is your responsibility to:

Read and be familiar with this Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB).

Once you receive your approval from the DPOR, create your own account,

personal username and password at ntnlicensingexams.com.

Go online to upload a passport compliant photo or mail one to the address

above.

Schedule your exam online.

http://www.ntnlicensingexams.com/




S C H E D U L I N G A N D T A K I N G T H E E X A M S

Payments The exam fee is $85.00. All retests are $85.00 each. You can pay by credit card

online (Visa, MasterCard). If you cannot pay by credit card, log into your account at

ntnlicensingexams.com. Click on “Pay by Check” and print the form you need. Send

the completed form, along with your money order or cashier’s check, to National

Testing Network (personal checks or cash will not be accepted). Within 10 business

days, you will receive a voucher via email you can use to go online and schedule

your exam.

Special

Accommodations

Requests

For those requesting a special accommodation due to disability, such request can be

considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You may

request accommodations by completing the “Request for Accommodations Form

(Parts A and B)” when you log into your account online for the first time. Submit all

completed documentation to National Testing Network by mail or fax (425-774-

0829).

National Testing Network

Accommodation Request

18720 33rd Avenue West

Lynnwood, WA 98037

All sections of the form must be completed; if one of the sections does not apply,

please mark as "not applicable."

Requests must be made in advance and supported by documentation from a

physician. Requests must be made and accepted prior to scheduling your exam

with accommodations. You will be notified of the result of your request within 10

business days of receipt of your accommodation request.

Languages The exams are only offered in English.

Arrival Time Make sure you have the correct date, time, and location of your exam. Arrive 30

minutes before your scheduled exam time so you have plenty of time for check-in.

Late Arrival Policy Entrance to the exam closes at exam time. Candidates who arrive late will not be

admitted. No exam will be delayed waiting for a late arrival. If you are late or do

not show for your exam, you must go online to reschedule and pay for another

exam to take at a later time.

Getting Your License Once you have passed your exam, DPOR will be notified by NTN of your passing

score. Applicants who successfully pass the examination should receive their

license in the mail from the DPOR, with no additional action typically required on

their part, within seven to 10 business days.

Need Help? If you need help with this process, please contact us anytime by clicking the

“Contact Support” link on ntnlicensingexams.com, or call 866-563-3882.




E X A M R U L E S

Study Materials & Calculators

You may bring with you and use reference books and training manuals during the exam. All reference materials you bring to the exam must relate to the content outline found within this Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), page 9. Reference books and training materials may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed prior to the exam. Notes previously written in the margins are acceptable including any relevant formulas. Electronic references are prohibited (e.g. no laptops or tablets). Reference materials that include practice tests and/or test questions are not allowed. Handwritten notes, loose papers, legal pads or notepads of any kind are not allowed in the exam room; handwritten notes inserted into training manuals must be removed prior to entering the exam room. Handouts provided by the trainers and made part of the training manual are allowed. If candidates have written notes covering the inside covers and/or any blank pages in the reference books or manuals, they must be erased, scratched through or covered prior to entering the examination room or those references will be confiscated by the proctor.

The following list of tabs may be used.

Acceptable Tabs:

Avery Swift Tabs Self-Adhesive Permanent Plastic Tabs

Redi-Tag Self-Stick Permanent Adhesive Index Tabs

Unacceptable Tabs:

Post-It Index Flags

Post-It Flags

Non-programmable calculators are allowed in the exam room. NOTICE: Effective Feb 1, 2017, handwritten notes will no longer be allowed in reference books/training materials brought into the test centers.

Personal Belongings No wallets, purses, backpacks, hats, caps, visors (with the exception of religious

apparel), hooded clothing, coats, shawls, heavy jackets or other personal belongings are

allowed in exam rooms. Such items may not be accessed during the exam. National

Testing Network (NTN) assumes no responsibility or liability for any personal items in

the facility.

No Digital Devices No digital devices (cell phones, pagers, mp3 players, USB drives, cameras, voice

recorders, digital watches, etc.), with the exceptions of required medical devices and a

non-programmable calculator, are allowed in the exam room. Non-programmable

calculators must be silent and battery-operated. Non-programmable calculators must

not be able to print or have a keyboard containing the alphabet.

No Weapons No weapons of any kind are allowed in the facility.

Talking During the exam, speak only to exam proctors. Do not speak to other candidates.

(Raise your hand if you need assistance during an exam.)


E X A M R U L E S

No Cheating Cheating or falsifying information is not tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal

from the exam site. In addition, the DPOR will be provided with all available

information pertinent to the incident which may result in denial of your application for

licensure.

No Disruptions No disruptive behavior or unnecessary noise is allowed.

No Drinking, Eating,

Chewing, or Smoking

No eating, drinking, gum chewing, toothpick chewing, or smoking is allowed. No food or

beverages may be brought into the exam room. (Drinking water is available.)

Accommodations will be allowed with appropriate documentation.

Stay Within Assigned

Workstation

Candidates and their test items must remain within the boundaries of their assigned

computer workstation. Bending or leaning into someone else’s workstation is not

allowed.

Breaks No timeout for breaks is given during exams. You must get permission from an exam

proctor to leave your exam (e.g. restroom break).

No Companions or

Visitors

Candidates are not allowed to have companions or visitors in the building.

Rule Violations Any candidates who violate exam rules or who do not show respect for the professional

exam setting, will be required to leave the exam site. Their opportunity to sit for the

exam will be forfeited. Their exam will be voided and will not be scored. The exam fee

will not be refunded. Those who cheat may also be responsible for damages based on

copyright/trademark law violations. Violations can result in additional suspensions from

testing or affect receiving a license.

Appeals Process National Testing Network (NTN) will consider appeals regarding significant procedural errors or adverse environmental conditions during exam administration. Please contact National Testing Network Customer Support within 15 calendar days after the date of notification of exam results. The appeal must be made in writing and can be sent to

[email protected] or to Appeals Process, National Testing Network, 18720 33rd Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98037.

mailto:[email protected]


F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

How and when do I find out about my exam results?

Your exam results, including your performance in each content area will be posted on your online account page within 10 business days after you complete your exam. The employees at exam locations do not have access to exam scores and cannot answer questions related to your performance on any exam.

What is the passing score?

Passing score for the written exam is 75. Candidates scoring less than 75 on the exam must take the entire exam again.

When can I retake an exam?

If you do not receive a passing score on your exam, you can immediately reschedule another exam.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Exam fees are non-refundable. Exams can be rescheduled up to 7 calendar days prior

to your exam date by clicking the “Contact Support” link on ntnlicensingexams.com

and submitting a request. Schedule changes are not allowed outside of the 7 day

policy.

What is the policy on extreme weather and emergency closure?

In case of extreme weather conditions or other emergencies that warrant closure of

any testing center, you will be notified by the testing center as soon as

possible. When possible, you will be notified at least two hours before your

scheduled time. After you receive notification from the testing center, exams can be

rescheduled by clicking the “Contact Support” link on ntnlicensingexams.com and

submitting a weather re-schedule request.

Do I have to take the exam for things that are not taught in my program?

You must be prepared for testing in all areas outlined for your Class. This information

is found on pages 11-22 of the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB).




Waterworks Operator

Exam

I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D R E F E R E N C E M A T E R I A L S

The exam covers professional knowledge and laws that regulate waterworks. Study materials for the

Waterworks Operator exam include:

1. Chapter 590 – Waterworks Regulations, Virginia Administrative Code, 2005, Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, VA http://leg1.state.va.us/000/reg/TOC12005.htm#C0590

2. Title 54.1, Chapter 23, Virginia Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators Regulations and Statutes, 2013, Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Richmond, VA, 23233 (804.367.8500) www.dpor.virginia.gov/uploadedfiles/mainsite/content/boards/WWWOOSSP/A436-19REGS.pdf

3. Principles and Practices of Water Supply Operations: Water Treatment, 4th edition, American Water

Works Association, Denver, CO, 80235 (800.926.7335)

http://www.awwa.org/store/productdetail.aspx?productid=6315

4. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 22nd edition, American Water Works Association, Denver, CO (800.926.7335) www.awwa.org/store/productdetail.aspx?productid=28493774

5. Small Water System Operation and Maintenance: A Field Study Training Program, 5th edition, Office of Water Programs, California State University at Sacramento, Sacramento, CA 95819 (916.278.6142) www.owp.csus.edu/courses/drinking-water/small-water-system-operation-and-maintenance.php

If a test question answer could differ because of conflicting information in test reference sources, a legal

requirement such as a code, law or regulation overrides any other reference. If two legal requirements appear

to conflict, the state-specific code, law, or regulation overrides the national one. Information from sources on

the test reference list overrides information from other sources or persons.

http://leg1.state.va.us/000/reg/TOC12005.htm#C0590

http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/uploadedfiles/mainsite/content/boards/WWWOOSSP/A436-19REGS.pdf



http://www.owp.csus.edu/courses/drinking-water/small-water-system-operation-and-maintenance.php


E X A M A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Exam Time 4 hours

Computerized Testing The exam is computer-administered. You must be able to use a mouse and be

familiar with basic keyboarding. Exam administrators will give clear instructions and

can help if you have trouble using the computer. During your exam, you will be able

to go back to any question and review and change your answer, if needed.

Languages The exam is in English.

T I P S F O R T A K I N G T H E E X A M

Instructions Thoroughly read the instructions before you begin.

Read questions thoroughly

Read each question carefully before you answer it. The most common reason

people miss questions when they know the material is that they do not read the

questions carefully.

Read all answers before choosing

Read all answers before making your choice to ensure you select the most

appropriate answer.

Answer every question

Rule out the answers you know are wrong and then make the best available

choice.

Don’t spend too much time on one question

If you have a hard time with a particular question, move on and make a note to

come back to that question later.

Double check answers If you finish early, use the remaining time to review and double-check your

answers.


D E T A I L E D E X A M C O N T E N T : W A T E R W O R K S O P E R A T O R C L A S S 1

The Waterworks Operator Class 1 exam contains 75 multiple-choice questions that come from the areas listed

in this section. The number of scored items that cover each topic area is shown in the left column. All topic

areas were rated as important to successful job performance in a survey of Virginia licensed waterworks

operators.

Waterworks Operations

19 items

Algae control Analysis of water Hydrology Sanitary surveys

Water distribution repair Water treatment processes Watershed protection

Monitor, Evaluate, and Adjust Treatment Processes & System

12 items

Activated carbon adsorption Aeration Backwash aids Chemical coagulants Chloramines Chlorine dioxide disinfection Chlorine disinfection Coagulation aids Corrosion control Discharge to lagoons Discharge to lagoons, then surface

water Flocculation tanks Flow measurement

Fluoridation Gravity/rapid sand filtration Inclined-plate sedimentation Iron and manganese

sequestration/removal Leak detection Lime-soda ash softening Membrane filtration (RO, MF, UF, NF, ED) Pretreatment Rapid mix units Sedimentation basins Slow sand filters System flushing Tube sedimentation Well inspection

Operating and Maintaining Equipment

10 items

Backflow prevention devices Blowers, compressors, pneumatics Chemical feeders Computers Electronic testing equipment Generators Facility maintenance Fittings and piping Hydraulic Equipment Inspect equipment for abnormal

conditions

Instrumentation Laboratory equipment Plant equipment Power tools Prime movers/drives (engines & motors) Pumps Read charts Startup/shutdown procedures Traps and drains Valves


Security & Safety Procedures

13 items

Arc Flash Chemical handling Confined space entry Electrical hazards Ensure compliance with emergency

preparedness and safety programs Facility upset Fire safety

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Lock-out/tag-out Pathogens Personal protective equipment Respiratory protection Source contamination Spill response Toxic Atmosphere

General Science and Mathematical Principles

2 items

Biology Chemistry

- Chemical Properties Fluid Mechanics Knowledge of lab equipment (beaker

vs. flask, pH probe)

Mathematics - Basic arithmetic - EPA approved analytical methods - Unit conversions - Usage of formulas

Measurement principles Mechanical principles Physical Science Sampling procedures

Administrative Processes and Procedures

9 items

Monitoring/reporting requirements Recordkeeping

Laws and Regulations

10 items

Federal and State law and regulations State laws relating to licensure






operators.


19 items

Algae control Analysis of water Hydrology Sanitary surveys Water distribution repair Water treatment processes Watershed protection


13 items

Backwash aids Chemical coagulants Chloramines Chlorine dioxide disinfection Chlorine disinfection Coagulation aids Corrosion control Flocculation tanks Flow measurement Fluoridation

Gravity/rapid sand filtration Iron and manganese

sequestration/removal Leak detection Lime-soda ash softening Pretreatment Rapid mix units Sedimentation basins Well inspection System flushing


7 items

Backflow prevention devices Blowers, compressors, pneumatics Chemical feeders Computers Electronic testing equipment Facility maintenance Fittings and Piping Generators Hydraulic Equipment Inspect equipment for abnormal

conditions

Instrumentation Laboratory equipment Plant equipment Prime movers/drives (engines & motors) Pumps Read charts Startup/shutdown procedures Valves



12 items

Arc Flash Chemical handling Confined space entry Electrical hazards Ensure compliance with emergency

preparedness and safety programs Facility upset Fire safety Lock-out/tag-out

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Pathogens Personal protective equipment Respiratory protection Source contamination Spill response Toxic atmosphere


2 items

Chemistry - Chemical properties

Fluid mechanics Knowledge of lab equipment (beaker

vs. flask, pH probe) Physical Science Sampling procedures


Measurement principles Mechanical principles


7 items



10 items







operators.


15 items

Algae control Analysis of water Water treatment processes Watershed protection


10 items

Backwash aids Chemical coagulants Chloramines Chlorine dioxide disinfection Chlorine disinfection Coagulation aids Corrosion control Flocculation tanks Flow measurement

Gravity/rapid sand filtration Fluoridation Iron and manganese

sequestration/removal Leak detection Pretreatment Rapid mix units Sedimentation basins Slow sand filters System flushing


8 items

Backflow prevention devices Blowers, compressors, pneumatics Chemical feeders Computers Electronic testing equipment Facility maintenance Fittings and Piping Generators Inspect equipment for abnormal

conditions

Instrumentation Laboratory equipment Plant equipment Power tools Prime movers/drives (engines & motors) Pumps Read charts Startup/shutdown procedures Traps and Drains Valves


11 items

Arc flash Chemical handling Confined space entry Electrical hazards Ensure compliance with emergency

preparedness and safety programs Facility upset Fire safety

Lock-out/tag-out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Pathogens Personal protective equipment Respiratory protection Source contamination Spill Response Toxic atmosphere



2 items

Biology Chemistry

- Chemical properties Fluid mechanics Knowledge of lab equipment (beaker

vs. flask, pH probe) Mathematics

- Basic arithmetic - EPA approved analytical methods - Unit conversions - Usage of formulas

Measurement principles Mechanical principles Physical science Sampling procedures


5 items



9 items







operators.


15 items

Analysis of water Water distribution repair Water treatment processes Watershed protection


9 items

Chlorine disinfection Corrosion control

Iron and manganese sequestration/removal

Leak detection System flushing


7 items

Backflow prevention devices Chemical feeders Computers Electronic testing equipment Facility maintenance Fittings and piping Inspect equipment for abnormal

conditions

Instrumentation Laboratory equipment Plant equipment Power tools Pumps Read charts Startup/shutdown procedures Valves


8 items

Chemical handling Confined space entry Electrical hazards Ensure compliance with emergency

preparedness and safety programs Fire safety Lock-out/tag-out

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Pathogens Personal protective equipment Respiratory protection Source contamination Spill response Toxic atmosphere


4 items


Knowledge of lab equipment (beaker vs. flask, pH probe)

Mathematics - Basic arithmetic - Unit conversions - Usage of formulas

Measurement principles Mechanical principles Sampling procedures Fluid Mechanics Physical Science



6 items



11 items







operators.


17 items

Analysis of water Water distribution repair Water treatment processes Watershed protection Sanitary Surveys


14 items

Chemical coagulants Chlorine disinfection Coagulation aids Corrosion control

Flow measurement Leak detection System flushing Well inspection


9 items

Chemical feeders Computers Generators Electronic Testing Equipment Hydraulic equipment Inspect equipment for abnormal

conditions Instrumentation

Plant equipment Prime movers/drives (engines & motors) Pumps Valves Facility Maintenance Fittings and Piping Laboratory Equipment Read Charts


6 items

Arc flash Chemical handling Confined space entry Electrical hazards Ensure compliance with emergency

preparedness and safety programs Facility upset Fire safety Pathogens

Lock-out/tag-out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Personal protective equipment Respiratory protection Source contamination Spill response Toxic atmosphere


2 items



Measurement principles Sampling procedures Biology Fluid Mechanics Mechanical Principles Physical Science



4 items

Monitoring/Reporting requirements Recordkeeping


8 items







operators.


14 items

Analysis of water Hydrology Water distribution repair Sanitary Surveys


9 items

Chlorine disinfection Corrosion control Flow measurement Leak detection Well inspection


6 items

Chemical feeders Inspect equipment for abnormal

conditions Instrumentation Plant equipment Backflow Prevention Devices Blowers, compressors, pneumatics Facility Maintenance Laboratory Equipment

Power tools Prime movers/drives (engines & motors) Pumps Startup/shutdown procedures Traps and drains Valves Computers Electronic Testing Equipment Fittings and Piping Read Charts


10 items

Chemical handling Confined space entry Electrical hazards Ensure compliance with emergency

preparedness and safety programs Facility upset Fire safety Pathogens

Lock-out/tag-out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Personal protective equipment Respiratory protection Source contamination Spill response


2 items

Chemistry - Chemical Properties


Measurement principles Sampling procedures Mechanical Principles



9 items

Monitoring / reporting requirements Recordkeeping


10 items



P R A C T I C E Q U E S T I O N S

Questions on the exam are followed by four answer choices with only one correct answer. Review the sample

questions and answers below.

1. Which of the following chemicals will effectively increase pH when added to water being treated?

a. Sodium carbonate

b. Sodium hexametaphosphate

c. Sodium thiosulfate

d. Sodium hypochlorite

2. A Class 6 waterworks licensee may operate any waterworks classified as a Class 6 waterworks or any waterworks providing no treatment and serving fewer than

a. 400 persons. b. 1000 persons. c. 5000 persons. d. 50000 persons.

3. Chlorine demand can best be defined as the amount of chlorine

a. that is measurable but combined with some other material.

b. consumed by impurities in the water prior to the formation of a measurable residual.

c. measured at the most remote sampling location in the distribution system.

d. required in the distribution system by the Virginia Department of Health.

4. What is the maximum allowable filtration rate through a rapid sand filter?

a. 0.1 GPM/sq ft.

b. 2.0 GPM/sq ft.

c. 4.0 GPM/sq ft.

d. 8.0 GPM/sq ft.

5. You are required to dose 2 million gallons of water with a chemical to obtain a concentration of 2 mg/L.

How many pounds of chemical must be added to the water?

a. 16.7 pounds

b. 17.1 pounds

c. 33.4 pounds

d. 66.7 pounds

Answers: 1. a. 2. a. 3. b. 4. b. 5. c.

Virginia Waterworks Operator Classes 1-6 Exam · NTN before you can schedule your exam. Photo...

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