This has been a busy month getting ready for the Indiana Department of Management’s Wastewater Operator Certification Examination on Thursday, October 2^nd.

Last week saw us in Gary, Indiana at the beginning of the week for the employees at the Gary Sanitary District. Again, in the morning was the Wastewater Operator Certification session including math.  The afternoon was set aside for the Collection System Operator Review session.

Wednesday and Thursday was spent in Peru, Indiana with the Operators at the Armour-Eckrich plant in Peru. Again, this was a Wastewater Operator Certification session however; it was for the industrial/municipal side. One student was studying for their A the other for their D.  It is always an interesting class for the Armour-Eckrich guys.  They always have great questions and even better, after classes they go back to the plant and try things they learned throughout the two day sessions.  With the amount of fats, oils and grease that is inherent to their wastewater plant they have their own set of problems that many others don’t, so their questions are always thought provoking.

Then Thursday and Friday evening the Wastewater Operator Certification session wound down. This time we had people from Richmond, Lapel, Geneva, Union City and Muncie.  Students were studying for their municipal Class I, II, III and IV as well as the industrial Class B.  The course officially ended on Friday, but Saturday we had a last minute test day.  They came in at 9:00 a.m. and took tests until 12:00 noon.  They even practiced using the bubble answer sheets.

I want to wish all the students from the Fall Sessions the best of luck on their exams. I would also like to remind you of a few things:

1. Take your picture ID with the letter of acceptance.
2. Take your calculator and at least 2 sharpened pencils with GOOD erasers (be sure to make sure the erasers don’t leave black marks or tear the paper).
3. Take an ink pen to draw your conversion boxes and pie chart.
4. Take your glasses if needed.
5. Take gum to chew (both smokers and non-smokers) – get peppermint flavored – chewing gum helps to stimulate memory.
6. Don’t eat carbohydrates (pancakes, gravy, biscuits, waffles, toast, etc.), eat protein only the day of the test until after the test.
7. Don’t cram the night before – you can review but don’t cram. Do something you enjoy (that doesn’t change your perception).
8. Take your time and read ALL ANSWERS.