The CERTIFIERFall 2015

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the latest in certification news and events, including:

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THE Newsletter for Environmental Certification Authorities®

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The “End of Year” message…it’s a love/hate relationship. For those of you who know me – you know I’d much rather talk about the future and all its possibilities, rather than dwell in the past no matter how great it has been. However, I recognize, as you do, that reflecting on our past gives us perspective on the paths we will consider taking in the years ahead.

The one constant I have come to realize is that this organization is in a period of dynamic change. I’ve noticed that’s been a theme over the past few years, but it is worth highlighting again, because just as we humans go through periods of change and growth, so do associations. Relatively speaking, ABC is a young association at the ripe age of 43. Not unlike a twenty-something adult deciding what career path or dream to follow, you, the members of ABC, must decide if we are going to be an association that takes the path of least resistance or an entity that embraces the challenges that come from pursuing a goal of excellence and service to the greater good. The latter is a road less taken and

fraught with disappointment, but it also has the potential, in the case of ABC, of truly impacting the future water environment workforce. Not many organizations can say they have that potential, but then again there aren’t many organizations that will even entertain the notion of change or risk. ABC seems to be an organization poised to leave a lasting legacy.

Our change and risk began with the 2015 Annual Conference where we changed the look, the format, and even the way we network with each other. It was exciting to witness the difference in our conversations and the amount of collaboration taking place. So, what did we do for 2016? Instead of sitting back, we challenged ourselves by picking a destination north of the Mason-Dixon Line – Denver. Yes, Denver. Oh, and have you heard? We changed the name – no longer will it be the ABC Annual Conference. Instead it will be known as ABC Innovation in Certification, because that is what you, our members, and this association are all about. The conference is embracing the challenges that we all face in improving our certification processes when surrounded by an environment that abhors change! So whether we are in 70 degrees and sunny weather or experiencing the blizzard of the century at this year’s conference, you are going to experience great speakers, along with collaborative forums and social activities, that will provide opportunities to learn and grow.

The 2015 conference was followed by an amazing Professional Operator pinning ceremony that took place at AWWA’s ACE15 in Anaheim, California. Industry leaders from around the world gathered to recognize eight amazing individuals that went through our Professional Operator Certification and Designation Program. The Program and Ceremony were hailed as true hallmarks of innovation, changing the way water and wastewater operators will be viewed for generations to come. The future vision of these ceremonies

and the program is going to directly affect our members, and its potential is exciting. Stay tuned for how you can be a part of that change and directly impact the recognition your certification program and its operators receive from our industry.

This past year saw an increase in the interest of the Model Standards Conformity Assessment Service (MSCAS) with three programs using the MSCAS, including two Canadian programs. The ABC Board will be considering a “scholarship” program to assist members with paying for the assessment service. We’ve heard that the MSCAS fee can be challenging for some programs, so the Board has approved the development of a scholarship-type program that will utilize ABC reserves to offset the costs. States will apply, be reviewed and considered, and then funds may be allocated from ABC reserves to cover the expenses of conducting the MSCAS. Look for details and criteria to be announced at the Innovation in Certification conference in January 2016.

Beyond the incredible things mentioned already, this past year was also about realigning our staff functions, association branding, and services to focus on the needs of our ABC members. We understand that we represent you and we want your voice to be heard by ABC leadership and staff. We want to be known as an organization that is driven by our members and our mission of serving operator certification programs. In the coming months you will see the implementation of our new infrastructure and the lessons of 2015 guiding us into uncharted but exciting times in 2016. Hold on to your seats as you are in the front row and have an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your industry.

I thank you for your continued support of ABC and look forward to seeing you in Denver, come snow or sun!

Paul “the ever optimistic CEO” Bishop

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C E O P a u l D . B i s h o P , C a E

CA-NV AWWA Member Spotlight

POWER - An industry event celebrating Professional Operators

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I N N O V A T I O N C E R T I F I C A T I O N

IN

2016

ABC’s Annual Conference & Trainers WorkshopRegistration Open!

Conference & Trainers Workshop Member Rate $808 $738* Non-Member Rate $1058 $988*

Conference Member Rate $569 $519* Non-Member Rate $790 $730*

Trainers Workshop Member Rate $239 $219* Non-Member Rate $489 $469*

Conference One Day Member Rate $239 Non-Member Rate $380

Embassy Suites Denver-Downtown Convention Center

1420 Stout StreetDenver, Colorado 80202

Hotel reservations: +1 (303) 592-1000

*If registered by December 18, 2015

We’ll see you in Denver January 19-22, 2016!

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The CERTIFIERFall 2015 3

addressing threats from microbes, and from the very byproducts of disinfection. Contaminants are measured in parts per trillion. Instrumentation in operating systems is ubiquitous, like SCADA and before long AMI. And so on. Through it all, utilities and the operators they employ have learned and adapted, and they will continue to do so. Certification is actually a lagging indicator of change, but in our program we try to keep our eyes on the horizon. Co-hosting aCE15 (awwa’s annual ConfErEnCE anD ExPosition)Our Section’s involvement in ACE as a real partner with Association staff and volunteers was so rewarding! The experience brought us closer together as one AWWA, to the point that our Section staff and leaders were personally and emotionally invested in its success. And we share in the feelings of pride when people compliment this ACE as one of the best ever. We were able to try some new things, and I am so thankful for the Association’s openness to our ideas. A strong California-Nevada technical track was well-attended, and the special tracks for small systems and for operators were very successful. From the staff interactions, I think we learned a lot from each other, and it tested our ability to be open-minded and flexible when slight differences cropped up in how we operate. California’s watEr CrisisAs an organization, we don’t face even a fraction of the challenge our member utilities have to confront. But we have been busier than ever, and the drought is a big reason for that. We started with some basic workshops on effective drought responses. This summer we got a contract from the California Department of Water Resources to raise the bar for utilities’ water loss control and leak prevention programs. That prompted us to develop a truly comprehensive statewide program, similar to the state of Georgia’s recent groundbreaking effort. There’s a regulatory push for this, but we keep emphasizing that validated water audits, following the AWWA water balance and auditing approach, is actually a fundamental aspect of effective utility management. I’m hoping that 100 percent of our utilities will join in our collaborative program.

ProfEssional oPErator ProgramAs the PO program matures and expands to its full potential it will elevate awareness and desirability of “water operator” as an occupation. Many water utilities have a challenge attracting enough highly qualified job applicants, so shining a spotlight on the professionalism of these unsung public servants will be a good thing. We should also look forward to the day when there is more universal reciprocity for operators across North America, and the PO program holds that promise.

Ca-nv awwa’s futurE with aBCThere are many possibilities as we look to our relationship with ABC. Some of the certification programs we have developed are relevant in other regions, and ABC has the broad reach to potentially offer testing in such fields as water conservation, or with the new program we are just developing in Advanced Water Treatment. However those ideas may develop, we will continue to rely on ABC as our principal partner for computer-based testing and as a source of validated items to supplement our own certification committees’ work.

The California-Nevada (CA-NV) Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has been a trusted ABC member for more than 25 years. Dr. Tim Worley, Executive Director of CA-NV AWWA, recently took the time to share with ABC some of the history, challenges, and successes of the association. aBC mEmBErshiPOur membership with ABC goes back several years before my four and a half years as Executive Director of the California-Nevada Section of AWWA. But I think I can assume that the decision revolved around getting the same kind of benefits that we currently enjoy: The availability of valid items and forms; skilled operations staff providing a high level of customer service; and belonging to a community of professionals with closely related interests.

Ca-nv awwa ExPansionI don’t know that anyone would have guessed that backflow prevention would be our largest program, for one thing. Over the years, operator certification has tracked with regulatory developments. For example, our operator certification numbers peaked before our states needed to bring these programs more in-house. But technology is driving new changes, and again we seem to be pushing the envelope as we respond to members’ demands for operators certified in advanced water treatment processes such as micro- and ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, and disinfection with ozone and ultraviolet light. Less than 10 years ago, water utilities needed personnel knowledgeable in conservation -- or as we prefer, “water use efficiency” -- and we created that. I don’t expect certification to ever become our largest program, but I do think it meets some vital needs.

inDustry ChangEsSince we trace our starting point back to 1950, it is difficult to say exactly what topped the agenda at that time. But it seems that the main changes have come from technology and regulation, which seem to be on a reinforcing spiral. Dr. Mike McGuire and Alan Roberson have noted this phenomenon. Advances in one arena drive changes in the other -- back and forth, around and around. Conventional water treatment has had to respond to regulations

M E M B E R S P O T L I G H T C a l i f o r n i a - n E v a D a s E C t i o n o f a w w a

The program first published rules for the certification of water treatment operators in 1950.

CA-NV AWWA has grown to include the certification of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers, Cross-Connection Control Specialists, Water Use Efficiency Practitioners, Water Quality Laboratory Analysts, Drinking Water Treatment Operators, and Distribution Operators throughout California and Nevada.

CA-NV AWWA has certified a combined nearly 10000 Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers and Cross-Connection Control Specialists.

CA-NV AWWA - AT A GLANCE

The CERTIFIERFall 2015 4

On Sunday, June 7, 2015, Luis Cuellar and seven fellow Professional Operators (POs) walked across a PO Pinning Ceremony stage in Anaheim, California. They had completed the experience needed, passed their exams with flying colors, and now stood proudly in front of their peers and industry leaders as being among the first to earn the Professional Operator certification and designation.

Now, back up 23 years to a mailroom at the Alameda County Water District in Fremont, California where 17-year-old Luis found himself surrounded by water treatment operators and intrigued by the career, but lacking the confidence to pursue it. “One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome in this journey has been overcoming my own self-imposed limitations,” Luis says, “I’ve learned that there’s nothing I can’t do as long as I want it bad enough and take the time to work for it. Just as Rome wasn’t built in one day, neither does one become an operator in one day.” That hard work and patience paid off, as Luis earned certifications in Water Treatment and Distribution, and even better, a promotion out of the mailroom to Water Treatment Plant Operator in 2005. Today, typical duties for Luis include SCADA operation, grab sample analysis, daily equipment inspections, and running the distribution system.

Fast forward to that stage in Anaheim, and the recognition that Luis hopes will bring more attention and resources to his profession. “The PO designation has given me a sense of validation for all the time and effort I’ve put into my career,” Luis says, “I strongly believe it will have a greater impact on future operators who may have never thought of water treatment as a career path if not for the PO designation bringing more attention to the profession.” Luis’ ambitions expand beyond simply wishing for operators to pursue a Professional Operator certification and designation; he

would also like to begin mentoring those expressing interest in water treatment careers and help them overcome the intimidation that he knows about first-hand. His advice for current and future operators is to always stay involved with the industry by attending conferences, joining a committee, connecting with other operators through social media, and participating in events such as Top Ops. “Through it all, be willing to work hard and be patient,” Luis says, “Great achievements are not accomplished overnight. They are done in carefully crafted small steps that lead toward the finish line.”

P R O F E S S I O N A L O P E R AT O R S P O T L I G H T: L U I S C U E L L A R

From the first Professional Operator Pinning Ceremony & Reception in New Orleans, to the second ceremony in Anaheim, these events have been a unique opportunity from the very beginning for POs to be recognized for their accomplishments.

ABC and C2EP are now proud to announce a new level of operator recognition with POWER – an industry event celebrating Professional Operators. “POWER” comes from the knowledge that POs are a powerful presence in their communities. They provide us with clean water, safety, and peace of mind; preserve life, Earth, and the environment; and protect our health, families, and communities. With this in mind, POWER events will bring the recognition of Professional Operators “on the road” as we travel to their individual communities, giving their fellow operators, family, friends, and industry leaders the opportunity to congratulate them on earning the PO certification, and publicly thank them for their service to the community.

Join ABC and C2EP for our inaugural POWER event, held in conjunction with WEFTEC, Sunday, September 27. Take in the spectacular views 80 stories above the Windy City at downtown Chicago’s Mid-America Club, learn about each operator’s background, and hear from industry leaders as the operators receive their certificates and are pinned as Professional Operators.

Please RSVP for POWER Chicago at https://powerchicago.eventbrite.com.

INTRODUCING POWER – AN INDUSTRY EVENT CELEBRATING PROFESSIONAL OPERATORS

PROVIDE P R ES E R V E PROTECT

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After much analysis and debate, our Job Analysis Advisory Committees have finalized new examination content outlines for the next generation of standardized water treatment, wastewater treatment, collection, and distribution examinations anticipated for release in the summer of 2016.

Based on the data provided by more than 7,000 survey participants, the new outlines were developed in a format to more clearly and concisely convey important exam information. Users will find more specific task statements (e.g., “Measure static water levels and pumping water levels”) are organized into 4-5 general domains (e.g., “Equipment Installation, Operation, and Maintenance”) for each discipline. Each of the domains will be clearly labeled with the number of exam questions that the examinee should anticipate for each level of complexity (recall, application, or analysis). The content outlines will also identify the number of calculation-based (math) questions that will appear on each exam form.

Under continued refinement is expression of the linkage between each of the domains and related knowledge statements. We hope to share this information with new indications of the type and depth of knowledge needed for each statement. Once this is finalized, we look forward to sharing the next edition of Need-to-Know Criteria as we know many of you are anxious to begin preparing for implementation of the new exam forms.

NEXT STOP: “POOL CONVERSION” & ITEM WRITINGThe coming months will be focused on reviewing thousands of existing exam questions to determine their alignment with the new content outlines, as well as authoring brand new exam content. These efforts will require many more volunteer hours from qualified operators – we hope you will watch for the next Call for Volunteers and nominate an operator from your program!

Paul was recently appointed Vice Chair of the American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) Certified Association Executive (CAE) Professional Conduct Committee. In this role, Paul will assist the committee in responding to, and bringing to resolution, complaints against certificants. Paul was also elected to a 4-year term on the Iowa Society of Association Executives’ (ISAE) Board of Directors, a position that will ultimately lead to Board President.

A B C S TA F F E A R N P R O F E S S I O N A L R E C O G N I T I O N

EXAM DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: NEW CONTENT OUTLINES COMPLETE!Megan M.L. Baker, CAE ABC Director of Operations

Megan successfully passed her Certified Association Executive (CAE) exam, earning the CAE designation. In August, she traveled to the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Detroit, Michigan to be recognized for this achievement during the Conference’s Awards & Recognition Breakfast.

Gavin completed the Credentialing Specialist certificate program in August through the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) Academy by completing a series of online training courses focusing on accreditation standards, policies and procedures, and exam development.

IAWEA Operators ConferenceABC presented on the “Importance of Certification”Sept. 9, 2015 in Marshalltown, Iowa.

WEFTEC 2015Visit ABC/C2EP at booth 2662 in Chicago Sept. 28-30.

ASDWA Annual ConferenceABC will be speaking Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015 at the Fort Worth Hilton in Fort Worth, Texas during the 3:30 p.m. session, “Bridging the Reciprocity Gap for Operator Certification.”

SHUKALB Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania WorkshopsABC is jointly working with SHUKALB to organize workshops with the purpose of raising awareness for the test-based certification program for operational managers in the water supply and sewerage services sector in Albania.

2015 State/EPA National Cap Dev/Op Cert WorkshopABC will be looking to meet members at the EPA Workshop Dec. 8-10, 2015. Look for a special reception invitation in the coming months.

R E C E N T / U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

Paul D. Bishop, CEO

Megan M.L. Baker, Director of Operations

Gavin Moore, Certification Manager

More detailed task statements Number of recall, application, and analysis level items specified for each domain Number of math questions identified for the exam

CONTENT OUTLINE ENHANCEMENTS

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For the past 32 years, Kathy Abramowski has dedicated her time and talents to the water certification industry as Program Lead for the Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program. In addition, she has served as ABC’s Director-at-Large, Chair of the Membership Committee, Chair of the Canadian Certification Committee, and member of the Communications Committee.

how DiD you gEt your start in thE inDustry?I actually did not start out in my career to work for the Government. After high school I went to college for two years. I wanted to become a travel agent. But by the time I graduated the economy in Alberta had taken a turn for the worst (first oil bust), and people were not traveling. I had just gotten married, and I heard that there was a position open with the Government, it paid more than travel so I applied and I have never left! how long havE you BEEn in your CurrEnt Position?I have worked for the Certification section for my entire time with the Government of Alberta. I started in 1983 as the administrative support for the program and over the years I became the team lead for the certification program. I will retire with more than 32 years of service. how long havE you BEEn involvED with aBC?While I have only been on the ABC Board for four years, my former boss, Gerald Samuel, was Board President in 1996. While he was involved, I got to see a lot of the behind the scenes activity and I know that during his term on the Board he made quite a few lifelong friends. Before being elected to the Board, I also served on a couple of ABC committees. I find that working on the Board gives you a really good understanding of the “certification business.” You have to think of certification as a whole vs certification in your own little world.

how Do you fEEl your sErviCE with aBC has BEnEfitED you PErsonally anD ProfEssionally?ABC has been great. Personally I have really enjoyed my time with the ABC staff and Board of Directors. We do a lot of work, but at the same time whenever we get together it’s like seeing old friends. I know ABC staff learned a lot more about Canada since the Canadian invasion of the Board started. Sadly when I leave, there will only be one director that is Canadian, but he will be the President Prime Minster.

Professionally, I believe ABC’s services have given the Alberta program credibility. We use ABC exams and marking, and in doing so, it gives us an arm’s length. We also align with the other Canadian programs really well, with the exception of Quebec.

what was your most mEmoraBlE momEnt with aBC?

In 2013 I was honored to be the recipient of the ABC Robert C. McAnespie O u t s t a n d i n g Certification Officer Award, which was THE highlight of my certification career. One other memory I have is when Gerald Samuel

and I did a joint presentation on Regional Water Operators’ Consortiums - Solve the Problem of Finding Certified Operators for Small Systems at a Conference. In the presentation, we mentioned that a recent study had shown that Alberta operators working for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (City of Fort McMurray), were the highest paid operators in North America. The City of Fort McMurray is the heart of the oil industry in Alberta. After our presentation I had a couple of operators from Hawaii approach me about employment in Alberta, and ask me what the wages were. I told them, and they indicated that they were interested in maybe seeking employment there. Given that these operators were from Hawaii I told them to go home and research the weather in Fort McMurray. I never did get a request for reciprocity from them!

what was your favoritE ConfErEnCE or BoarD mEEting loCation?I can’t say which Conference has been my favourite. Each Conference is different and I learn something new at each one. I will say though that when I attended my first Conference, I was in awe that everyone, or at least nearly everyone, did the same job that I did and I did not once have to explain what a CEU was! As for location, anywhere that gets me out of a cold Alberta winter is great. My least favourite location was Norfolk, because it was just too darn cold! I was stuck at the airport for more than 12 hours waiting for a huge snowstorm to pass, lugging around car parts that my husband had ordered. It was also shortly after 9/11 and the security there was unbelievable. Do you havE any aDDitional fun storiEs aBout your involvEmEnt with aBC or alBErta?It is a known fact to the ABC Staff and Board that I like to shop. For that matter, so does my husband. So each year when we come to the Conference, or when I attend a meeting, we do our utmost to spur the American economy. We seem to have done a pretty good job of late. I jokingly ask ABC to book hotel rooms in close proximity to good shopping! what arE your Plans aftEr rEtirEmEnt?When my husband retires the plan is the lake in the summer and in the winter to point our motorhome south, and leave the snow behind. We also became grandparents for the first time this year, so I plan on spending more time with my little munchkin.

R E T I R E M E N T S P O T L I G H T K a t h y a B r a m o w s K i

“I find that working on the Board gives you a really good understanding of the ‘certification business.’ You have to think of certification as a whole vs certification in your own little world.”

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S For the most current information, visit ABC’s Online Calendar >>

CLEAR Annual Educational Conference - Sept. 17-19, 2015; Boston, Mass.

WEFTEC - Sept. 26-30, 2015; Chicago, Ill.

POWER Chicago - An industry event celebrating Professional Operators - Sept. 27, 2015; Chicago, Ill.

ABC Board of Directors Meeting - Sept. 27, 2015; Chicago, Ill.

ASDWA Annual Conference - Oct. 20-23 2015; Fort Worth, Texas

Balkans Joint Conference and Exposition - Nov. 4-6, 2015; Pristina, Kosovo

Operator Certification Workshop - Nov. 9-11; Albania

Joint National Capacity Development and Operator Certification Workshop - Dec. 8-10, 2015; Dallas, Texas

ABC Board of Directors Meeting - Jan. 18, 2016; Denver, Colo.

ABC Innovation in Certification - Jan. 19-22, 2016; Denver, Colo.

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ABC STAFFChief Executive Officer Paul D. Bishop, CAE515.232.3623pbishop@abccert.org

Director of OperationsMegan M. L. Baker, CAE 515.963.5912mbaker@abccert.org

Certification Manager Gavin Moore 515.963.5914 gmoore@abccert.org

Communications & Membership Manager Sheena Kennedy, CMP515.963.5915skennedy@abccert.org

Financial Services Manager Sarah M. L. Cronk, CPA, CFM 515.963.5918 scronk@abccert.org

Publications & Content ManagerEmily Dalthorp515.963.5917edalthorp@abccert.org

Testing Services AdministratorAnn Eddy515.963.5916aeddy@abccert.org

Certification Services Specialist James Hilchen 515.963.5920 jhilchen@abccert.org

Office CoordinatorKelly Joebgen515.232.3623kjoebgen@abccert.org

F U N F A C T S

General Inquiries abc@abccert.org

Annual Conference conference@abccert.org

Communicationsabccommunications@abccert.org

Exam Orders testing@abccert.org

Professional Operator Info@ProfessionalOperator.org

Scoring scoring@abccert.org

Continuing Education Review ContEd@abccert.org

ABC Certification certification@abccert.org

ABC Website www.abccert.org

Professional Operator Website www.ProfessionalOperator.org

A B C R E S O U R C E S

Do you remember how much fun backyard water slides were as a kid? You careened down the slippery plastic, got soaking wet, and ran back to the beginning to do it all over again. Now imagine this on a bigger scale. A MUCH bigger scale. Slide the City brings their 1000-foot slide (the length of three football fields!) to cities across the United States and Canada with not only a day of slip-and-slide fun in mind, but also the mission to raise awareness of water conservation. Participants can show their support through an online pledge, promising to reduce shower times, wash their cars less often, and promptly fix leaking sinks.

The slide itself re-circulates the water throughout the day, and at the end of each event, city officials can choose to have the water recycled back into the community by returning it to local reclamation centers, treatment plants, or city parks. Slide the City also focuses on providing assistance to the global clean water crisis by giving part of their proceeds to Generosity.org, “a 501c3 humanitarian organization dedicated to ending the clean water crisis in developing countries, one community at a time.”

Visit www.slidethecity.com for upcoming events and more information on their role in water conservation.