The Colorado operator certification program is seeing an increase in the submission of false or misleading certification application information by those applying to take exams. Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) office staff are seeing:
- Expired identification information;
- Forged education documentation; and/or
- False work experience information, such as:
- Inaccurate start/end dates.
- False employers.
- False self-employment information.
- Misclassification of job roles (such as incorrect percentages applied or claiming small water or wastewater system experience when one’s work history is not reflective of that).
- Misrepresentation of duties performed.
- Providing false, outdated, or incomplete supervisor contact information.
Keep in mind that…
Submitting false or misleading application information on any relevant document provided to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (Department), the Water Quality Control Division (Division), the Water or Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (Board), or its contractor (CCWP) is grounds for disciplinary action.
Every time you submit an application through the CCWP Portal, you must affirm your agreement with the Colorado Certified Water Professionals Code of Conduct and with the Terms and Conditions, which includes your agreement to a thorough review of your application material. CCWP staff thoroughly review each and every application submitted by an operator to sit for an exam or to renew a certificate, and are obligated to submit a formal complaint of operator misconduct to the division upon identifying the submission of such false or misleading information.
Disciplinary action can have serious consequences for an operator, not only negatively affecting their standing in the workplace and the community, but potentially their livelihood as well.
How to Avoid Submitting False or Misleading Application Information?
CCWP staff are extremely knowledgeable and more than happy to assist you in understanding the portal application process or to answer any questions you may have, including whether or not the information on an application is being accurately represented. If you’re not sure whether you’re accurately representing information on your application, don’t hit submit just yet. Contact CCWP for assistance.
You can reach CCWP staff at (719) 225-7339 or info@coloradocwp.com.
Set a Good Example and Uphold the Operator Profession
To become certified you had to meet specific regulatory requirements, demonstrate your special knowledge by passing an examination, agree to the Colorado Certified Water Professionals Code of Conduct, which insists that you protect the environment and the public health of the people you serve, and to maintain your certification by obtaining continuing education credit in the form of training units. If you hold an operator certificate, you are a professional and the Board holds operators to a high standard of professionalism. It also views as unacceptable any misconduct that undermines the integrity of the certified operator profession or puts the public health or the environment at risk.
Be a good example for your fellow colleagues. If you see someone walking that fine line, stand up and say something; don’t turn a blind eye. The Board, CCWP, and the Division are your allies and we’re here to help you be successful, and we all want to uphold the operator profession.
➽ Jessica Morgan, Facility and Operator Outreach and Certification Board Liaison
