Iowa's Drinking Water and Wastewater operators, pre COVID19, took proctored, standardized certification exams either at DMACC Southridge Computer Lab or, by appointment, at one of the IDNR Regional Field Offices.   Due to the ambiguity of when, and if, these venues will again be open to the public, Iowa is switching to "remote proctoring".  In early August an operator will be able to take their Drinking Water or Wastewater certification exam on any computer that has a camera and microphone. 

Once they log in on the link and put in their unique number assigned upon eligibility, their browser is frozen; a proctor from the company we are using can see them through the camera; their surroundings are monitored for extra materials or cheating; and the test session is recorded for future reference if there is any cheating suspicions or accusations. The testing company will provide a YouTube Video and live customer support for any technical issues arising during a "remote" session. Once we are up and running all our backlogged exams should be cleaned up pretty quickly, potentially within a couple of days, and if we have to shelter in place again down the road there will be no interruption in examination services. Post Covid19 our operators will have two options for exam delivery: "remote proctoring" and our traditional method of on-line at an IDNR Field Office or Community College computer lab. 

How do operators get signed up for a remotely proctored exam? IDNR will send out letters; utilize the DNR listserves and post on our website all information relative to an operator's new testing options when we have a more finite start date. Potential examinees should monitor our OpCert Static Webpage https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/water-quality/certification/water-wastewater-operators; all information will be posted here the minute it is finalized.  Also, if you are not signed up for the Drinking Water or Clean Water listserve, you should be. Drinking Water Listserve contact is  Diane.moles@dnr.iowa.gov and Wastewater is courtney.cswercko@dnr.iowa.gov. All you do is send them an email and they will add your email address to the distribution list. Stay tuned for more info!!! 

The Drinking Water Treatment, Distribution and Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Online Exams will no longer be given at the Wallace Building on the Capitol Complex in Des Moines, but will be offered at the DMACC Southridge Testing Center (1111 East Army Post Rd, Des Moines IA 50315), starting March 11, 2019.

Exams will still be offered, by appointment, at Field Office 1 in Manchester, Field Office 2 in Mason City, Field Office 3 in Spencer, Field Office 4 in Atlantic and Field Office 6 in Washington. However, if you wish to take your exam at the DMACC Southridge Testing Center, after receiving your exam eligibility letter, call Elizabeth at (515) 725-0463, and she will set you up with DMACC.

The advantages of using the DMACC Southridge Testing Center include:

• Extended hours of availability
• Convenient location availability and parking

Plus, once you indicate you want to use the DMACC testing center, you will be given a four-week window in which you can go take an exam. There will be no specific appointment date or time; you can just walk in with your eligibility letter and valid ID and take the exam. Although there are multiple workstations available, DMACC asks that you call the day before you are thinking about testing to assure an available testing station. You may call (515) 287-8720.

DMACC Southridge Testing Center: 1111 East Army Post Rd, Des Moines IA 

Southridge Testing Lab Hours are as follows:

• Monday – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday – 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday – 8 a.m. to Noon (All tests must be started by 9:30 a.m.)
  

Please call Southridge Testing Center 24 hours in advance to make sure spots are available. The contact number is (515) 287-8720. Please call Elizabeth at the IDNR at (515) 725-0463 with any questions.

Here is the link to DMACC's newest video featuring the Water Environmental Technology program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qKPPFCXKcg

Go to https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/water/Pages/welcome.aspx to learn more.