In the 1980's, OWEA recognized that quality people made quality effluent and other professions in the field of clean water, in addition to the operator, needed recognition and professional standards to be measured by. The first was the Voluntary Laboratory Certification Program, which is now recognized throughout the State of Ohio and has become the standard in job descriptions.
In recent years, several members took it upon themselves to develop programs for the Voluntary Certification of Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Operators and Industrial Waste Inspectors (also known as Industrial Pretreatment Inspectors). These certifications are offered to improve water quality within Ohio and to further the knowledge of individuals engaged in wastewater treatment and in the inspection of those facilities.
Program Director: Kathy Beckett
Beginning September 1, 2021, candidates will be able to schedule an electronic exam at a location and time of their choosing. You will still need to apply and per approved to take the examination through OWEA. Once approved you will receive electronic communication containing details concerning this scheduling.
The costs for this program are as follows:
Application Fee*
$30 - OWEA members
$45 - Nonmembers
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst Testing Fee**
$104 - this is paid directly to the testing center when scheduling the exam
Industrial Waste Inspector Testing Fee**
$124 - this is paid directly to the testing center when scheduling the exam
*This fee is only paid once per testing level. I.e. if you do not pass the Wastewater Analyst I exam on your first attempt, you will not need to reapply with OWEA or repay the fee for additional attempts. You will need to apply and pay the application fee once you move onto the Wastewater Analyst II exam.
**This fee must be paid (directly to the testing center) with each attempt. I.e. if you do not pass the Wastewater Analyst I exam on your first attempt, you will need to repay the testing fee to the testing center for each additional attempt.
Please review testing criteria to confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
Wastewater Analyst Testing Criteria
Industrial Waste Inspector Testing Criteria
In some cases the OWEA Industrial Waste Inspector has been referred to as the Industrial Pretreatment Inspector. This is the same test and qualifications and is referred to by WPI (formerly ABC) as the OWEA Industrial Waste Inspector.
Qualifications for the industrial waste inspector are as follows:
| Education | Related Experience |
| High School/GED | 3 years |
| Associates degree or equivalent in related field | 2 years |
| Bachelors degree or equivalent in related field | 1 year |
Membership status will be verified. Please email info@ohiowea.org or call 614.488.5800 if you are unsure of your membership status.
Renewals for the 2024-2025 cycle are now open. The renewal fees are as follows:
Renewal by 1/31/2024 | Late Renewal 2/1/2024-12/31/2025 | |
Member | $40 | $95 |
Nonmember | $50 | $105 |
Renews for the 2024-2025 cycle are now open
OWEA members must log into their account to receive the discounted member rate. Please contact the OWEA office if you are having trouble getting into your account.
Please note some important details about this renewal:
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Chelsea Cameron.
This form is NOT a renewal. Please complete this form if your email address has changed since your last renewal. This is necessary to receive information on your lab analyst certification, including renewals.
Lab Analyst Contact Information Update Form
No. Please carefully review the criteria to set for your respective exam to assure you have met them PRIOR to applying. If you have a specific question about requirements, please contact Kathy Beckett.
Please allow 10 business days for your exam application to be accepted. After acceptance, you can expect to be receive an email from our testing partner, PSI within 5 business days.
You have 18 months to complete your first attempt at the exam after your application is accepted.
The tests are given at PSI testing centers located throughout the state. You can schedule your exam when and where is most convenient for you.
Yes, a new application will need to be completed for each level of testing.
You receive results upon the completion of your exam! This flexibility and quick turn around is why we have moved to electronic testing.
Your certificate will be emailed to the email address listed on your initial application within one month of pasting the exam. Please contact the OWEA office if you have not received your certificate after this time.
You must wait 30 days to test again.
No. You only need to pay the application fee once for each level. You will have to pay our testing partner, PSI each time you sit for the exam.
No. Once you have applied you don’t have to apply again to test or retest.
No, the requirement is a minimum of one year experience in a wastewater lab to be eligible to test. There are no substitutes for this one year. Substitutions may be made in the experience requirements for the higher level exams. Please contact Kathy Beckett to discuss.
No. All LA exams are now administered electronically through PSI. The exam itself is just like the previous exam, just the delivery method has changed to allow for more flexibility.
That is up to the individual employer. Many employers do require and pay for the certification, but that is not guaranteed.
Yes. PSI testing centers will accommodate special needs with proof of disability and the request for reasonable accommodations. Please contact PSI directly concerning this.
Yes. You have until 12/31/2021 to renew at an increased cost of $95 for members. You will then have to renew again for the 22/23 cycle.
Renewal notices are sent electronically. Please contact OWEA to ensure we have your most current email.
Yes. Please contact OWEA regarding this.
The tests are given at PSI testing centers located throughout the state. You can schedule your exam when and where is most convenient for you.
Please go to the contact information update form to update your contact information.
You receive results upon the completion of your exam! This flexibility and quick turn around is why we have moved to electronic testing.
Please contact the Ohio Water Environment Association with any questions.
Wastewater Voluntary Laboratory Analyst Program Director - Kathy Beckett
Please contact Kathy with any questions related to testing criteria & eligibility for the wastewater voluntary laboratory analyst exam.
Ohio Industrial Waste Inspector Contact - Fred Neugebauer
Please contact Fred with any questions related to testing criteria & eligibility for the Ohio Industrial Waste Inspector Exam.
OWEA Staff Contact - Chelsea Cameron
Please contact Chelsea with any other questions, including renewals.
