In coordination with the unveiling of its new Modular Education Program (MEP), the Water Quality Association is proud to announce some important changes to its professional certification scheme, which will take effect in approximately one year’s time.
Beginning in March 2015, WQA will offer two advanced-level certifications—Master Water Specialist and Master Service Technicians—and four core titles, Certified Water Treatment Representative, Certified Water Specialist, Certified Installer and Certified Service Technician.
While the title will live on, the Certified Water Specialist (CWS) designation will cease to exist in its current form. Certified professionals holding the titles of CWS-V and CWS-VI will be re-designated as Master Water Specialists, and professionals holding the titles of CWS-I, CWS-II, CWS-III and CWS-IV will be re-designated simply as Certified Water Specialists. All Certified Water Specialists will be able to work through the advanced curriculum of the new MEP program to achieve the Master Water Specialist title.
Individuals currently holding the Certified Installer (CI) designation will retain that title. They will also have the opportunity to progress to the level of Certified Service Technician and subsequently to the Master Service Technician level.
Individuals currently holding the Certified Sales Representative (CSR) title will be re-designated as Certified Water-Treatment Representatives (CWRs). Certified professionals may also pursue any other core certification title through the MEP.
Through the MEP, WQA will offer a variety of educational pathways designed for non-technical office staff, sales and marketing personnel, equipment installers, service technicians and system designers. Upon completion of any education pathways, the learner will receive a certificate of completion, which differs from a title-bearing certification.
Beginning March 2015, to become eligible for certification, all non-certified enrollees will be required to complete the foundational learning activities, which consist of the Basics curriculum badge followed by the Fundamentals curriculum badge. Once the Fundamentals badge is achieved, the learner may proceed to the core material, where they can choose from four different certification paths, including:
1) The Certified Water Treatment Representative path, which is appropriate for office staff, sales and marketing personnel;
2) The Certified Water Specialist path, which is intended for system specifiers and designers;
3) The Certified Installer path, which is geared toward equipment installers; and
4) The Certified Service Technician path, which is intended for service technicians.
Questions about the new MEP and professional certification structure may be directed to the WQA Education Department at 630-505-0160.