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Wastewater Operator Certification Program

Certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The coursework prepares entry-level operators for certification and employment. The successful candidate must enroll for Wastewater Treatment Operator certification Level 1 and Level 2. The training is divided into two 90-hour sessions.

Wastewater Treatment Operators are essential in the treatment and transferring of water and wastewater. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for Wastewater Operators is $54,890 and the field is projected to grow by 6 percent over the next decade. 

Highlights

– Program offers all of the coursework, hands-on training in labs, and module tests necessary to pass the final exam for DEP certification
– Program can be applied toward experience required for licensing
– Individual modules can be taken to meet Continuing Education hours for currently certified operators
– A need-based scholarship is available and provided by the Eastern Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Operators Association (inquire when registering)

Wastewater Treatment Level 1&2

PDS 1200 / Length: 180 hours

LOOK FOR NEW CLASSES BEGINNING AUGUST 2026

Cost: $2,395

CRN 1616

Mon. & Wed. August 26 2026-May 5, 2027

6-9 p.m.

Hybrid, Marple Campus

Wastewater Treatement Level 1

Wastewater Fundamentals

  • Introduction to Wastewater
  • Fundamentals of Wastewater Treatment
  • General Chemistry
  • General Math
  • Test

Wastewater Collection Systems

  • Collection System Part 1
  • Collection System Part 2
  • Pumps and Hydraulics
  • Flow Meters
  • Chemical Feed Systems
  • Infiltration and Inflow/Wet Weather
  • Test

Wastewater Core Basics

  • General Safety
  • Ethics & Regulations
  • Applied Biology
  • Test

Wastewater Miscellaneous Topics

  • Energy Efficiency
  • SOP Preparation
  • Industrial Pretreatment
  • NPDES Permits
  • General Administration of Treatment Plants
  • Review & Preparation for Cert. Exam

Wastewater Lab & Maintenance

  • Wastewater Lab Basics & Troubleshooting
  • Treatment Plant Maint. & Troubleshooting
  • Test

CRN 1615

Monday & Wednesday
Aug 26-Dec 14, 2026

6-9 p.m.

Hybrid/Marple Campus

Wastewater Treatment Level 2

Wastewater Treatment Types – Ponds, RBCs, & Trickling Filters

  • Ponds and Lagoons
  • Trickling Filter Process
  • Rotating Biological Contact
  • Introduction to Activated Sludge
  • Test

Wastewater Land Application & Solids Handling

  • Land Application of Wastewater
  • Solids Handling & Disposal
  • Test

Wastewater Activated Sludge Basics & CBOD Removal

  • Activated Sludge Part I
  • Activated Sludge Part II
  • Activated Sludge Math

Wastewater Activated Sludge – Nitrification & Denitrification

Activated Sludge Part III
Activated Sludge Part IV
Test

Wastewater Advanced Topics

  • SBRs
  • Filtration
  • Disinfection
  • Advanced Wastewater Treatment

Students in classroom

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Your future begins with the right education. Don’t wait—register for classes today to gain the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your dreams. Explore flexible options, supportive faculty, and a variety of programs designed to help you succeed.

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