GAWP Maintenance Technologist Certification Program

Water Utilities have invested substantial sums of money in water and wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure. Recognizing that these investments need to be protected, the Georgia Association of Water Professionals has created and administers a voluntary certification program for Water / Wastewater Plant Maintenance Technologists that has three levels. The GAWP Maintenance Technologist (MT) Certification program is provided in partnership with Water Professionals International (WPI).

The goals of this program are to:

Insure the individuals maintaining/repairing the equipment and infrastructure components are competent to do so.
Elevation of the professionalism of the maintenance technologist position.
Training to help appropriately maintain the equipment & infrastructure of the community through proper stewardship.
Assist utilities in employee retention and further maintenance related career growth.

Once a Maintenance Technologist Certification is obtained, it must be renewed. Every Maintenance Technologist License expires on June 30th of every odd year (similar to other water and wastewater licenses in Georgia). Learn more about the certification and renewal requirements below.

Click Here to Learn More About the Renewal Process

CERTIFICATION STEPS

To obtain an initial Maintenance Technologist certification, please follow these steps.

STEP 1

Determine the level of certification you need

The GAWP Maintenance Technologist (MT) Certification follows the similar levels as the Association of Boards of Certification Plant Maintenance Technologist Certification and acknowledges full reciprocity. The GAWP Maintenance Technologist program requires that everyone start at the entry level (Class 3). Once a Class 3 certification is obtained, the next step is a Class 2, followed by the final certification level, Class 1.

Certificate Applied For	Current Certificate
Class 3	No prior certificate required
Class 2	Class 3 certificate required
Class 1	Class 2 certificate required

STEP 2

Obtain Experience

The GAWP Maintenance Technologist program requires that applicants have experience in actual hands-on maintenance prior to taking the examination. The amount of required experience is indicated below for each level of certification.

CERTIFICATION LEVEL	EXPERIENCE REQUIRED	EDUCATION REQUIRED
Class 3	90 days of hands-on experience (Lubricating, performing readings. conducting rounds, and performing routine preventive maintenance)	High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Class 2	1 year of hands-on experience (Tearing down equipment performing repairs, installing, and reinstalling)	High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Class 1	2 years of hands-on experience (Inspecting and managing Class 3 and 2 duties, and analyzing and performing predictive maintenance)	High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

The applicant will be required to document work history that includes the type of work performed and the approximate dates of employment. Maintenance experience outside of the water industry may qualify to meet this requirement. A reference that can verify experience is also required.

STEP 3

Obtain Training

The program requires that applicants complete course work prior to taking an exam. This course work must include Maintenance Technologist training. Georgia Water & Wastewater Institute provides the prerequisite training classes as well as a host of courses that are approved for CE points in the Maintenance Technologist Certification Program.

Cert. Level	Required Course Work	GWWI Course
Class 3	24 Hours	Maintenance Technologist Class 3 (Basic Training)
Class 2	24 Hours	Maintenance Technologist Class 2 (Advanced Training)
Class 1	None	No additional Course work required

STEP 4

Take and Pass the GAWP Maintenance Technologist Certification Exam

The Class 3, Class 2, and Class 1 certifications exams are offered through PSI Testing centers in Georgia and neighboring states. The applicant can register for and schedule an exam on the PSI Testing center website.

All exams are proctored, computer-based exams and are given at many testing centers throughout Georgia and the United States. Check the PSI website for exam schedules and the exam location nearest to you (GAWP Certification Exams).

STEP 5

Apply to the GAWP Maintenance Technologist Certification Program

Once a passing score on the certification exam has been achieved, the applicant can apply for a license online. The applicant must fill out the application and provide documented proof that steps 1–4 have been completed. Please note that your application may take up to 2–3 weeks to process. There is a $25 fee that we recommend you pay by credit card to not delay your application.

Apply for new Class 3 MT Certification

For individuals with existing GAWP Memberships, we will incorporate your MT License into that existing membership if possible.

Please email jpoff@gawp.org if you would like to become GAWP Individual Member. There are additional benefits and associated fees for this membership.

Click Here to Learn More About the Renewal Process