clean water

Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator-in-Training Certification Preparation

About the Wastewater Operator-in-Training (OIT) Certification Preparation Program

This program provides students with a practical foundation in wastewater collection and treatment and prepares them for entry-level work in the field. Topics include wastewater treatment processes, unit conversions, applied mathematics, chemistry, hydraulics, electricity, pumps, motors, and other equipment and support systems used in wastewater operations. Students also examine how physical, chemical, biological, hydraulic, and electrical principles influence treatment performance and plant operation. Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to write the Operator-in-Training certification examination administered by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The program is intended for starting-level operators, recent graduates, career changers, and employees of municipal, industrial, and environmental organizations seeking to build practical knowledge of wastewater systems. Emphasis is placed on safe work practices, process monitoring, system awareness, equipment operation, and the basic calculations required in wastewater treatment. The program supports entry into positions such as wastewater treatment plant operator, collection system operator, utility operator, and environmental technician, while also providing a solid base for progression toward higher-level wastewater operator certification.

Highlights

  • Flexible, self-paced online learning that allows students to study anytime, anywhere.
  • The average completion time of the program is approximately 10 weeks of part-time study, totaling about 60 hours.
  • Credit-bearing course with three modules worth 2 CEUs each, for a total of 6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
  • Earn a Certificate upon successful completion of the program.
  • Extended student support hours with live help.
  • Provides a strong foundation for individuals seeking to begin or advance a career in wastewater collection and treatment, particularly entry-level operators, recent graduates, career changers, and employees of municipal, industrial, and environmental organizations.
  • Prepare for entry-level employment in municipal and industrial wastewater operations, including positions such as wastewater treatment plant operator, wastewater collection system operator, utility operator, and environmental technician. 
  • Supports experienced operators who wish to refresh their knowledge, enhance their technical skills, or meet annual professional development and training requirements.
  • Provides a foundation for obtaining Operator-in-Training certification and developing the practical knowledge needed to progress toward higher-level wastewater operator certifications and career advancement.

Program Outline

Module 1 – Introduction to Wastewater Treatment Systems

This module introduces the fundamentals of wastewater treatment systems, including major treatment stages, collection systems, common contaminants, operator and technician roles, process monitoring, and basic safety and regulatory responsibilities. Students learn how wastewater is collected, treated, monitored, and discharged, while developing an understanding of the equipment, processes, and operating practices that support reliable wastewater treatment and environmental protection.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this Module you will be able to:

  • Name the main components of wastewater collection systems.
  • List the main stages of wastewater treatment and contaminants removed.
  • Differentiate between municipal and industrial systems and their challenges.
  • Describe the functions of collection systems and lift stations.
  • Identify causes and impacts of inflow, infiltration, blockages, and overflows.
  • Explain operator and technician roles and the differences between them.
  • List key safety practices such as PPE and hazard awareness.
  • Explain regulatory compliance and the operator’s role in monitoring and reporting.
  • Describe the role of laboratory analysis and process monitoring.
  • Identify consequences of system failures on health, environment, and compliance.

Module 2 – Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Math

This module introduces the physical, chemical, biological, and mathematical principles used in wastewater treatment. Students learn key process parameters such as pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, and TSS, along with basic hydraulics, electricity, sampling, laboratory practices, unit conversions, and operator calculations for flow, volume, detention time, loading, and chemical dosing. The module emphasizes applying these fundamentals to interpret operating data, evaluate treatment performance, and support sound process-control decisions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this Module you will be able to:

  • Explain the roles of physics, chemistry, biology, and math in wastewater treatment. 
  • Define key wastewater parameters such as pH, alkalinity, DO, BOD, COD, and TSS. 
  • Describe how pH, alkalinity, DO, and nutrients affect biological treatment. 
  • Identify the roles of bacteria and protozoa in wastewater treatment. 
  • Explain basic electrical and hydraulic principles used in wastewater operations. 
  • Perform unit conversions for flow, volume, mass, concentration, and time. 
  • Distinguish between grab and composite sampling methods. 
  • Describe proper wastewater sample handling, preservation, and holding times. 
  • Explain the purpose of basic tests such as pH, DO, TSS, and VSS. 
  • Calculate flow, volume, detention time, loading, and chemical dosing. 
  • Apply calculations to evaluate wastewater treatment performance. 

Module 3 – Equipment and Systems

This module introduces the major equipment and operating processes used in drinking-water treatment, including pumps and hydraulics, valves and piping, aeration, clarification, instrumentation, and SCADA. Students learn how these components work together, how to recognize normal and abnormal operating conditions, and how routine inspection, maintenance, reporting, housekeeping, and safe work practices support reliable plant operation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this Module you will be able to:

  • Identify major treatment plant equipment and systems. 
  • Explain how plant equipment works together as a system. 
  • Describe the basic operation of pumps and hydraulic systems. 
  • Discuss the function of valves, piping, and flow control equipment. 
  • Explain the role of aeration and air systems in treatment. 
  • Describe the purpose of clarifiers and sludge handling systems. 
  • Identify the purpose of instrumentation and SCADA systems. 
  • Recognize normal and abnormal operating conditions. 
  • Explain the importance of maintenance, reporting, and housekeeping. 
  • Apply safe work practices around plant equipment.

Program Costs

The total cost of this program is $650 (ILP cost: $290 / Module cost: $120/module). Material fees is non-refundable.

Additional Information 

  • The program curriculum is web-based. Once a registration is confirmed, students will receive a confirmation email with a URL and login information from which to access the web-based curriculum.
  • This online program is device and operating system independent, so you are free to access the program with any device, anytime and anywhere, via the Internet. All students need to do is connect to the cited website to start the program.
  • Each module includes text lessons, animations, mini audio lectures, illustrations, review questions, and practice exams online to prepare students for computer-based final exams.
  • Exams are written online using a computer-based testing package. A timed, 90-minute exam is taken to complete the module exams. 
  • The program is successfully completed once all 3 exams are written with a 70% or greater grade.