The previous version of the TU Topic Matrix (“the matrix”) had not been updated since 2018 and was due for a refresher. The Water Wastewater Operator Certification Board’s current contractor, Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP) sought and obtained board approval to update the matrix with two goals in mind:
- To update and streamline the tool to make it easier for operators and trainers to use and to ensure it aligns with Regulation 100; and
- To encourage further education on topics specific to an operator’s discipline.
There are two categories for TU topics: Core and Flexible (“Flex”)
- Core TUs are those course materials that cover topics that are directly applicable to aspects of water and wastewater facility operations that may affect public health and the environment, or the need to maintain compliance with established requirements. A few examples are physical, chemical, or biological treatment, disinfection, and hydraulics.
- Flex TUs are training that is not essential for an operator to perform their routine job duties but is useful in the performance of those duties. A few examples of these are safety courses (OSHA), natural and manmade disasters, and technical writing.
The updated matrix reduces the Flex TU topics down to these 3 categories:
- Administrative Related Topics - including but not limited to planning, customer service, computer software, technical writing
- Emergency Preparedness and Response - including but not limited to National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), natural and manmade disasters, threat and vulnerability assessments
- Safety Program Topics - including but not limited to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) topics, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), risk management
Effective January 1, 2024, all safety, management, and emergency management courses are now approved for Flex TUs instead of Core TUs.
Please note that all TUs earned prior to January 1, 2024, will retain the 2023-approved TU classification and values. For example, if an operator completed a PPE class in 2023, he or she will be able to use those 2023 TUs to meet the core training unit requirement for upcoming renewals.
This update to the matrix will be rolled out in three phases. The emergency management and safety courses were the first to be updated, the next phase will be general maintenance and equipment operators courses, and lastly, the final phase will be for those courses covering each individual discipline (water treatment/distribution; wastewater treatment/collections). The target for completion of all updates is October 1, 2024.
For questions on the updates to the TU matrix, feel free to contact CCWP info@coloradocwp.com or Jessica Morgan cdphe.facilityoperator@state.co.us.
➽ Jessica Morgan, Facility and Operator Outreach and Certification Board Liaison
