Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater Treatment Exam Prep — Grade I

A clear introduction to wastewater treatment for operators taking the Grade I certification exam.

Course overview

Wastewater Treatment Exam Prep — Grade I is a 34-contact-hour entry-level certification-review course for new operators, operators-in-training, and first-time certification candidates. It organizes a broad exam outline into a deliberate sequence covering wastewater characteristics, sampling, preliminary and primary treatment, biological processes, solids handling, disinfection, laboratory control, safety, regulations, and process mathematics.

Major study areas include Characterization of wastewater, Wastewater sampling and flow measurement, Preliminary treatment and screening, Grit removal, Primary treatment and clarifiers, Activated sludge fundamentals, Aeration and dissolved oxygen control, Return and waste activated sludge, Secondary clarification, and Trickling filters, followed by additional grade-specific review and application.

The course emphasizes plain-language fundamentals, essential terminology, basic equipment, safety, and the calculations expected at the first certification level. You will repeatedly connect technical concepts to operating decisions such as reading process indicators, correcting treatment problems, balancing biological systems, managing solids, and documenting compliant plant performance. Operator math is placed beside the process or system topic where it is used, making formulas easier to understand and recall.

Study is self-paced during the access period. Work through the lessons in order, revisit difficult material, use knowledge checks to identify weak areas, and finish with focused review and certification-style practice where provided. Progress is saved in the classroom, and the student Support area is available when you need help using the course.

This course prepares you to study more effectively; it does not issue a state license or guarantee an examination result. Compare the curriculum below with the latest exam bulletin from your certifying authority.

Who it is for

New operators and first-time certification candidates building a dependable technical foundation.

How you will study

Self-paced lessons, operator math, knowledge checks, focused review, and certification-style practice.

What you take away

A more organized understanding of the exam outline and a clear plan for reviewing weaker topics.

Course details

Program trackWastewater Treatment
Course typeCertification Exam Prep
Grade or levelGrade I
Contact hours34 hours (3.4 CEUs)
Curriculum18 clearly listed modules
Access period180 days from first classroom login
Learning accessAvailable online on phone, tablet, or computer during the access period
Refund policyAll sales are final except where a refund is required by applicable law.
Certification contextSWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification Program
This course is being prepared in the classroom. Enrollment opens as soon as its lessons and final exam are published. Ask us to be told when it opens.

What you will study

The curriculum is shown before enrollment so you can compare it with your current exam bulletin, job duties, or renewal needs.

  1. Characterization of wastewater
  2. Wastewater sampling and flow measurement
  3. Preliminary treatment and screening
  4. Grit removal
  5. Primary treatment and clarifiers
  6. Activated sludge fundamentals
  7. Aeration and dissolved oxygen control
  8. Return and waste activated sludge
  9. Secondary clarification
  10. Trickling filters
  11. Rotating biological contactors
  12. Wastewater ponds and lagoons
  13. Nutrient removal — nitrogen
  14. Nutrient removal — phosphorus
  15. Disinfection of effluent
  16. Solids handling and thickening
  17. Anaerobic digestion
  18. Dewatering and biosolids