www.watersifu.com There are six common mistakes many people make over and over that stop them from passing the state water treatment or distribution exam. I want cover those in detail here so you can avoid them.
Great advice. Some people just don't test well. doesn't meant they don't know it or came unprepared. I have a college educated kid working for me ,he's on his third attempt . These tests are hard by design and they should be.
Dude thanks to your podcast I was able to answer 11 questions that were not on the study guide they gave me. If it were not for you I would have not passed the test. Thank You!!!!!!
Its really applicable to all... For years now I have been talking with people in all states across the country that have used this material to pass their certification exams with great success. Ironically, I have found that even people in Canada have found this information very helpful in passing their exams. (I didn’t even know they had certification exams up there when I started) What I have learned is that it is not the certification material itself that is different from state to state, it’s just that every state calls their own levels of certification by different names…. some go A,B,C with A being the highest. Some go A,B,C with C being the highest. Here in CA we go 1-5 with 5 being the highest. Some states group distribution and treatment together. Others, like California, have different lines of certification for each. Having said that, regardless of what they call their certifications, the subject matter is all the same. No matter what you call the test, a pump is still a pump, a well is still a well, treatment techniques are still the same, methods of calculating dosages are all the same, etc.
I just got hired at a local water treatment center as plant operator 1 trainee. They said only one plant operator trainee passed the initial test on the first try there. I definitely plan to be the second one in their history. I'm looking forward to listening to your podcasts to prepare for the test.
Right on. I wish you all the best with that! Please take at the answer to the question "what should I study for my exam?" on the Questions tab of my website. I don't want you to miss anything.
Thanks sifu. My orientation starts tomorrow, I'm stoked. I finally feel like I found my career. I appreciate all the material you're sharing & I will absorb as much as possible.
I have a question for you sir that no one seems to know at the water plant. We are getting this black material in one of our accelerators that is binding to each other and accumulating near the bottom of the accelerator in small to large odd shaped clumps. When wet the black substance feels and flexes like rubber. When dried out, it becomes rock-like and shiny black in the middle when you break it apart. We originally thought it was manganese but our Hach couldn't verify that. Was wondering what your thoughts are on this? Our maintenance guy thinks its some kind of seal they use at the well sites.
Hi Phil, I commonly get questions from people asking me to troubleshoot issues with their plant or system. To be totally honest, I'm not really comfortable answering them in this capacity. Every plant and every system is a little different, and there are hundreds of parameters that can come into play. It's very difficult to give advice that I could be comfortable with based only on an email I get, without having personally worked there myself, or even actually looking at or knowing the system at all. I always try to refer people to local or in house sources rather than myself (especially when there are office politics involved which there often is). I do wish you all the best with everything and am sorry I could not be of more help. Ty
@@saltychristian2528 sounds like manganese. but youre in a different state. Plus im not sure if your facility is groundwater or surface water. I am in indiana. Keep in mind these yests are hard for a reason. My boss and I are the only ones who passed the state exam on first try. I have a college educated kid here now that is on his third attempt. but, we dont look down on them. we know its hard and it should be!
Water Math dvd was fantastic. After attending a short school in Colorado I was completely confused as I am not a math geek. Ty explained it in a very easy to understand method. Best time and money I spent. I can hardly wait for his advanced dvd for my next exams. Make sure you check out his podcasts. Thx Ty...Mike Coloradao
When I took my Class D license test here in Missouri, the math was what worried me. I got a 97% on that test. THEN I took my Class C license test, studied the math hard, and there was virtually no math on it! It was hardcore heavy on REGULATION and compliance. I still got a 77% passing grade on that, but I'll have to really work for the B & A tests, when I have the required years in to take them. MO requires almost 6 years actual in-plant experience to earn a Water Treatment A license.
Thank you!!!! Your shows on podcast are incredibly helpful!!! Recommend anyone who is new to the water industry to check out! Very much appreciate it bud! 👍
Yeah, definitely for your D4. Not only will the flow and dosage problems on your D4 exam need the more advanced material, but the advanced DVD covers calculation of pumping costs, horsepower, and pressure and force problems that you will likely see.
I'm a cross connection guy with my backflow tester/ surveyor. I got a D1 going for my D2. N I'll tell ya what. Massachusetts certainly doesn't hand em out easy
Danny Escobar as far as getting into a water treatment job like calwater, what is the requirement to get in? T1 or you gotta pass all the test. I have experience as far as piping.
Sikkr6 the requirements depend on the employer. Some employer hire people with ought any certification as long as they are able to pass the exam within for example 18 months. My advice will be to apply to every water position around your area and take and pass your T1 and D1 then if successful go for T2 and D2. A plus would be to also try and volunteer if possible to try and get a little experience
This may sound cliche, but the math you don't know will be the hardest. Really, if you take the time to study it, none of it is hard... It's just a matter of learning the principles and then working with different types of problems until you are comfortable with all the different ways they can throw a particular problem type at you.
Hey Chris, Pretty much the only negative I can think of is goofy hours, and if you are actually running a distribution system, that can apply to you as well as a treatment operator running a plant. Other than that I have done both and absolutely love both. For a little more info on industry jobs (space limited with typing here) I'd recommend you check out my introduction podcast #1 at the WaterSifu website URL in the above video description box.
Tim. For some reason I cannot "reply" to your particular question, from your question. The short answer is that exams really vary. I would recommend you listen to my podcast #24 through the above link in the info section for this video. I answer your exact question in detail there. Best of luck!
Fantastic info. I just recently got my t1 cert. Workings towards my t2 and D2. I'm also done with college as well .. The thing is I have no work experience in the field and I feel that puts me in less of a chance to get called in for an interview, do you have any recommendations on how to impress future employers? Anything I can put on my resume or cover letter?? I'd hate to see me not go anywhere in this career path I choose for myself.
Check out my website in the link I posted above in the description for this video. The free podcasts and videos there have been helping operators pass their exams for years.
Thanks! I get this question often and it's a tough one to answer. Depending on the position and organization, your exam could vary widely. If you go to the above "WaterSifu" link listed in the "about" section below the video, and listen to the very beginning of Podcast Episode #28, I actually answer your exact question in detail at the 4:20 mark. Best of luck with everything!
Great job.. i suggest your podcast to all i can. Wondered if you knew the answer to a test question on grade III.. how to adjust the chain on a bar screen ? Possible answers were like horizontal bolt , vertical bolt , and 2 others i cant remember.. not in awwa or other books.. just thought id ask.. thanks for everything.. Skeeter
So I feel really good about The t2. There was 2 specific gravity math, detention time, filter rate, 1q-a-v, and some others easier ones. I'm pretty sure I passed. Your podcast and videos helped alot. Thanks alot, now I'm gona start studying for my d4! Would you suggest getting the more in depth math DVD?
ya iv been strudying quit a bit, and been listening to you podcast while driving around at work. Theres lots of good usefull information. Im feelin alot more confident, thanks for your help. takin the exam in 5 days1!!
Hi Ty, first off thank you so much for all the study matieral and podcasts you have made, it has really helped me. I have just finished my T2 exam and feel so-so about it. I was wondering what percent is considered a passing grade?
Phoebe, In CA you need 70% to pass. Most people that leave feeling "so-so" usually end up doing a little better than they thought. Let's keep our fingers crossed for you. :-)
Hey ive looked at some of your videos and so far they are very informing. Im going to take the water 4 treatment exam for the state of maryland. You have any advice....
One of the same comment is enough, my friend. I get posting it on every video because you want me to see it, but I see them all. :-) Here's the thing about "management" questions on the exams... Give me an example of one? Most the the time, what they call "management" is reporting, or dealing with water quality issues, which I do cover in the podcasts. If the question is something like "an employee shows up drunk at work....", that's just not really something I feel compelled to cover.
Hi thanks for th video, I noticed this video was posted a few years ago is it still pretty relevant for today's Water Jobs? If not Do you have an updated video here on RU-vid? I'm looking to get a job but wanted to get certified first. Thanks in advance . And thanks again for the Video
Hey great video,I currently applied to american water here in NJ and got invited to take a pre employment test which i need to pass in order to be considered for the job. Is what your saying for licensing examination only or pre employment as well. The position is operator maintenance mechanic, I also have no knowledge in this craft. Any info will be appreciated.
Spend some time with the podcasts.... "The Water Sifu" in iTunes or at the website above. You can even download them and listen to them on the go.... They will help you a ton. Best of luck on the exam! let me know how it goes.
So I might be in over my head, but I have been selected through CalOpps to take the Operator ( Trainee ) test for the City of Hayward. After visiting a local treatment plant today in Livermore I found that there is more to this test than I thought. I'm guessing this test is to weed people out before phase 2. Any tips on what to look for on this one ? Help !
How difficult would you say it is to get a job as a Water Quality Technician 1 in Southern California when the minimum is a grade 1 water treatment certificate and I will need to get a grade 2 water distribution certificate, and as grade 1 lab analyst certificate is desirable?? Please let me know because I want to know how long it will take to study for those exams and get certified. Would you say I would need much more than the minimum requirements in southern California (Orange County or san diego County)??
how you...i want to get my distribution 1 do you think i should order the ken kerry work book to get started...i had my dist 1 years ago but i let it go ....thank you hope to hear from you soon..
Every bit of it Maurice. If the day ever comes where I can't stand behind any of the videos here I will edit them or take them down. As far as my podcasts go, don't let the date of the podcast posts fool you. As anything should change from time to time (and I have already done this a few times) I simply edit and re-upload the original media file to my media hosting site. Although this causes changes to the audio podcast you listen to, it does not effect the original release date of the podcast or post.
@ calstate and 3662mick... Thank you very much! I appreciate the comments. @ epakerd... Good question, but too much to answer here and give it justice. I'm going to talk about the job market in my next podcast. (see above link) I recommend you listening. (it's free) I'll answer your question in detail there. Thanks.
good morning, time is running short for sept 1 registration. the state course has exams you must complete. do you know where I can find any practice exams to help me out. thanks
This information is spot on! Wish I found you before spending weeks doing my own research :P BTW, I definitely recommend going to his website and listening to his podcast...It's the best stuff there is.
You don't technically have to memorize them. They give you a formula sheet, but like I say in the beginning of my math course, I believe you should know the math problems well enough that you do know them. In my experience, If you don't know the formulas well enough that you need that sheet, the math is going to kick your butt.
hi, the video was great alot if information. my question for someone like me who's trying to get into meter reading but requires grade D1 certification, what would I need to do especially sins i have no experience in any of it. thanks
There is no special requirement to take the d1 or t1 exams except for a diploma or ged.anything after though you will need to take a 3 or 4 unit course in order to advance in higher levels. I recommend his podcast for d1 and t1 but if you want to advance higher the water Sifus math dvd's are a must!
Is there any practice exam books specifically for water distribution grade 3 state exam for California? I used ken tesh practice for grade 2 and i loved it. Sadly its only for a grade 2. And now I am taking grade 3 in a few months and I am not sure what specifically I should be expecting
Hey ty, I just got my results back on my first swing at the abc grade 3 water treatment test. Didn't do the best. I've ordered the awwa water treatment operators study guide volume 6. That's the only thing abc recommends to study. What else should I look into?
Hello, Thanks for reaching out and I'm sorry your last shot at your exam didn't go so well. I'm not a huge fan of the guide you talk about because I think people often use it wrong, although when used properly it can be a very good aid. I talk about that particular guide in detail on the "links" page of my website. (listed in the above video). I also mention many good study guides in the above video that I highly recommend. Other than that, if you have not checked out the material on my website, you definitely should. Most of it is totally free, and the podcasts, videos, and DVDs on the website have been helping operators all across the country to pass their exams for years. I would recommend going there, watching the "start here" video, and then checking out the question "what should I study for my exam" on the questions page. That should get you started on the right path. Best of luck with everything going forward.
TheWaterSifu thanks ty. Being in Tennessee our fail rates are high because abc is lock tight on giving study info. I'm just realizing I'm going to have to think outside the box on study material because our state classes don't know what to teach.
I have my T2 and D2 certifications with 60 hours volunteer time. I is very difficult to find a job without 2 years paid experience. My question is how do I get a job when I have my Certifications but know experience?
Hi Rodney, Your question is a common one, so you are not alone. I actually did a whole Q and A podcast related to it. I would invite you to give it a listen. (Water Sifu #24 - Your Questions About Certification and Hiring) If you click on the link in the above description it will take you to the website, or you can just look up The Water Sifu to find the website, or in iTunes to find the podcast. I wish you all the best with everything!
This video shows the extras sources of study that I recommend, in addition to the material on my website. If you are asking for a specific guides for your D2 or T2 exams, I'm not a fan of specific exam-level-study-guides as a general rule. I think that is just something people do to sell extra stuff to people, and its not particularly useful. I explain why in detail on the water sifu website's "questions" page, under the question "what should I study for my exam". www.thewatersifu.com/what-should-i-study-for-my-exam/
What is the average income of a water plant operator? I’m thinking about this career but I’m not sure if it pays well enough, lots of places seem to have pretty low pay to me
That's gonna depend on the company, where the company is located, the exact position, and also the level of certification one has attained. My last job in the central valley of California paid about $50 per hour, but I've seen positions in other places, even high income places like Hawaii, that are a small fraction of that. Overall, however, it's generally a well paying job for the area.
TheWaterSifu ah thank you. I’m in rural Virginia making $14 as a class 4. Looking to move somewhere else more urban, or maybe a federal job which pays at least double that from what I can gather.
Sorry I cant help you with that one bud. All of my experience and certification is in potable water treatment and distribution. Let me cut and paste this slightly longer explanation from my websites "questions" page: I have talked with many people searching for wastewater training information and always feel a little bad in telling them that this site does not focus on wastewater. The entire focus of this material is on potable (drinking) water treatment and distribution. Although I am very highly certified in potable water treatment (T4) and distribution (D5), I have never worked in wastewater, nor do I hold any certification in it. I do know from talking with people in that field, that many people in wastewater have had very good success with my water math courses, especially with learning the math basics, but having never worked in the field I can’t personally vouch for it. I also know from seeing some wastewater practice questions that there are certain problems they will not cover. Unfortunately, having never worked in that industry or tested for a certification, I’m not familiar with any place to refer people to for that information.
TheWaterSifu thank you very much for responding, I appreciate it. I’ll keep on searching until I find something. I’ll keep the math part in mind. You have a blessed day.
I do Daniel. Check out the link at the beginning of this video and it will take you straight there. As for your D1 specific exam, please go to the "questions" page of the website and read the answer to the question "What should i study for my exam". I address the concept of exam specific study material there, as well as show you which resources you should be studying. Best of luck with your exam!
How hard is the exam? am thinking of doing the entry level job. Am also in college for engineering technology, not great in math but made it trough all algebra classes. COuld i take multiple classes in cillege and study for this and be succesful?
Its not easy and will take some applying yourself. The exam has about a 50% pass rate, but it seems like people who use my study material seem to do much better than that. Good news is that its much easier than getting a colege degree. You can take one home study course, test for the exam, and find a good paying, and fun, job in the industry. For more info on the industry, use the above link to go to my home page, and check out podcast #1.
Looked at your podcasts they seem cool will lisen to them deftly. If i were to get my associates would that be enough for advancements or would i need to get the bachelors as well. Thanks
You don't need a degree at all to advance and make good money as a water treatment operator, or in many other postions in the water industry. You only need state certification, which does not require a degree. Most operators at my last position made 100K + and I do not believe any of them had a degree. There are one or more classes you need to take prior to attaining certification, but those can usually be done through a home study course. Please give podcasts #1 and #2 a listen.
Hi Ash, I can't know about the rules as they pertain to every place in the world, so when it comes to a place like the Bahamas I take the approach of "Its my job to provide you with the information you need to pass the test. It's your job to know what those testing rules are and what you need to study." I would recommend looking up your department of health or governing agency and asking them what is required. Best of luck my friend.
That could vary from state to state, but in California there are 100. If you go to the linked website in the info for this video, and then click on the "links" page, I have links to every states testing information.
I mention all the titles and authors in the video (right around 6 minutes) . As for the editions, they do have new editions but with the AWWA books the text hasn't really changed at all, so for the cost I would recommend just getting older ones on Amazon. With the books through Sacramento State University, the major change with the editions is with the quiz questions they ask you at the end of chapters (for people enrolling in the courses that accompany them). If you going to enroll in a course my mail, you would get the new one automatically. If you are not going to enroll in a course the edition does not really matter.
@@TheWaterSifu thanks tons om a newbie but the way break it all down its awesome and I deliver cylinder gases to a couple of plants and I totally understand what I see and smell lol it's crazy I love it thanks when I get my D1 I'll send you lunch!!!🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Hi Paul, I have talked with many people searching for wastewater training information and always feel a little bad in telling them that this site does not focus on wastewater. The entire focus of this material is on potable (drinking) water treatment and distribution. Although I am very highly certified in potable water treatment (T4) and distribution (D5), I have never worked in wastewater, nor do I hold any certification in it. I do know from talking with people in that field, that many people in wastewater have had very good success with my DVDs, especially with learning the math basics, but having never worked in the field I can’t personally vouch for it. I also know from seeing some wastewater practice questions that there are certain problems my DVDs will not cover. Unfortunately, having never worked in that industry or tested for a certification, I’m not familiar with any place to refer people to for that information.
I have talked with many people searching for wastewater training information and always feel a little bad in telling them that this site does not focus on wastewater. The entire focus of this material is on potable (drinking) water treatment and distribution. Although I am very highly certified in potable water treatment (T4) and distribution (D5), I have never worked in wastewater, nor do I hold any certification in it. I do know from talking with people in that field, that many people in wastewater have had very good success with my DVDs, especially with learning the math basics, but having never worked in the field I can’t personally vouch for it. I also know from seeing some wastewater practice questions that there are certain problems my DVDs will not cover. Unfortunately, having never worked in that industry or tested for a certification, I’m not familiar with any place to refer people to for that information.
There is A TON of information that can be covered on these exams. I try to narrow it down to the most important things with my website, videos, and podcasts.
NascarFan... In my opinion, posting a message here, and then expecting people to hunt you down through RU-vid and offer you a job, is far from the best method of finding one. I would seriously recommend you going to my website and listening to Podcast #24 "Your Questions About Certification and Hiring". It's totally free, and you should find some very valuable information there that should help your search. Best of luck.
For years now I have been talking with people in all states across the country that have used this material to pass their certification exams with great success. Ironically, I have found that even people in Canada have found this information very helpful in passing their exams. (I didn’t even know they had certification exams up there when I started) What I have learned is that it is not the certification material itself that is different from state to state, it’s just that every state calls their own levels of certification by different names…. some go A,B,C with A being the highest. Some go A,B,C with C being the highest. Here in CA we go 1-5 with 5 being the highest. In Hawaii they only go 1-4 with 4 being the highest. Some states group distribution and treatment together. Others, like California, have different lines of certification for each. Having said that, regardless of what they call their certifications, the subject matter is all the same. No matter what you call the test, a pump is still a pump, a well is still a well, treatment techniques are still the same, methods of calculating dosages are all the same, etc.
The videos and podcasts are all still current. If the videos ever became outdated I would redo them or take them down. As for the podcasts, do not let the date of the last podcast post fool you. As anything should change from time to time (and I have already done this a few times) I simply edit and re-upload the original media file to my media hosting site. Although this causes changes to the audio podcast you listen to, it does not effect the original release date of the podcast or post.
I'd be happy to talk with you! Just in case we don't touch base, all my contact info is listed at the website linked in the above comments for this video.
I apply for California water services in my area and I was offered the job of utility worker but after learning that you have to get the water distribution grade 2 certificate I say to my self fuck that I’m not doing all the crap I don’t even like school
If you are one of those people that are capable of whizzing through them, more power to you. You make the rest of us sick! lol... just kidding. Congrats on your success with your tests. I would encourage you, however, if you have not tested all the way up, to not take your next test lightly based on the fact that the last test or tests you may have taken did not pose you much of a problem. You never know when they can bite you.
Damn those books are huge! Would take me all year to read either one of them ! No way I’m getting certified out here we’re I live. To hard to get anywhere with water anyways out here
+Timesmanify how did you do it? i'm trying to get hired at cal water, and my dads friend who retired from there told me i'd have the jump on alot of other applicants if i had my d1/2 certification. they have a class at the local community college for d1/2 but you need to take the class, and then go somewhere else to take the exam to actually get the certification right???
How could you not know about the requirements to apply for a d1/2? You could search google and figure that out on your own. If you don't know how to get your license you should probably look for other work.
I'm more looking for leads on openings... Sorry if you misread that. Also it's not about knowledge, it's about critical thinking as in... You're about as likely to get a solid info on RU-vid than looking up on Google. But yeah if you're going to fly off the handle for asking stupid questions and getting an appropriate response, don't ask them. Also practice on your grammar because that would not look good on you cover letter.
hahaha... I feel ya. Truth is, I actually cut out all "sugar" like two years ago. Haven't had a candy bar, or piece of cake, or ice cream, or anything like that. I don't even eat any food that says "corn syrup" or anything like that on the label. Having said that, the statement still holds. The sugar rush will help the brain process faster for the length of the exam... even if you do leave a little fatter. LOL
I would save yourself the headache. These tests are way overrated. The amount of knowledge you have to have for so little return is ridiculous. They act as though it's a coveted nuclear physicist position that you're testing for. In the end, you're still working with, you guessed it, shit. I hate this field and am looking to get out.
You sound like you've had a miserable time of it.... I can't help but wonder why someone in the field who wants out is watching and commenting on certification videos. I can tell you that the tests are pretty difficult (in California its about a 50% pass rate) but in my personal opinion I have LOVED working in the water industry. Having said that, it seems you are working in waste water. My specialty is drinking water and all my time has been spent there. I have never worked in wastewater, and have never had any desire. So personally, I could totally understand how someone could not be happy there.