Water Quality Technician Certification

Water Quality Technician Certification Program

The Henry County Water Authority has partnered with Southern Crescent Technical College to recruit future water and wastewater plant operators.  The Authority’s own Sheila Kern, a Class 1 Operator at the HCWA Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant and 2020 winner of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) District 3 Top Operator Award, has attained the credentials to serve as the Instructor of the Program at Southern Crescent. 

The courses that make up the Water Quality Technician Certification Program at SCTC include:

  • ESCI 1010 Occupational Safety & Health Regulations
  • ESCI 1120 Water Treatment Processes
  • ESCI 1140 Wastewater Treatment
  • ESCI 1260 Water Supply

The certification program is a total of 12 credit hours and 2 semesters.

Once students complete the four courses, the Program under Kern’s guidance then prepares them to take the state exam for the Water or Wastewater Class 3 License, which is the first level of professional accreditation for water and wastewater plant operators, respectively. 

After passing the state exam, students then need at least three months of on-the-job training in order to complete the final requirements to obtain their license. The Authority hopes to be able to provide students with that training through internship or employment at the HCWA, or with other program partners. 

Admission Requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • High School diploma or GED are NOT required
  • Completed application and fee
  • Meet assessment requirements

Water Quality Technicians are essential workers that monitor our water resources 24 hours a day to ensure safe drinking water for the public.  Careers in the water industry provide many growth opportunities and are also very rewarding.   

For more information on the SCTC Water Quality Technician Certification Program, potential students can contact Instructor Sheila Kern at 770-914-4431 or sheila.kern@sctech.edu (please leave your call back phone number if you need to leave a message on the office phone).