Virginia Onsite Soil Evaluator (Conventional & Alternative)

Transcription

1 INSERT COVER Virginia Onsite Soil Evaluator (Conventional & Alternative) Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 1

2 Introduction Thank you for participating in the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licensing process. To obtain your license, the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (DPOR) requires you to pass a written exam. Read this entire Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). It has information you need to complete the exam process. You can also find this information online at This Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) includes written exam information. National Testing Network is contracted to administer the exams and provide candidate services for the DPOR. To submit a question, click the Contact Support link on Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 2

3 E X A M R E Q U I R E M E N T S Requirements to Register for an Exam Required Identification Candidates must submit a Virginia Onsite Soil Evaluator License application to the DPOR. The application form can be found at All license requirements must be completed and approved by the DPOR prior to registering or taking the exam. For entry into your exam, you are required to provide originals of qualifying pieces of identification. Your name and date of birth on your identification are required to match your name and date of birth exactly as listed in your online account. Two forms of government issued identification (see below) are required. o One piece of identification must include a current photo. Your name is required to match on both forms unless you also bring documentation of name change (for example, official court document indicating name change, etc.). Your date of birth is required to match on a minimum of one piece of identification. If you are unable to meet the identification requirements noted above, please contact National Testing Network (NTN) at You are required to provide biometric authentication (fingerprint) and your digital signature when you check-in on exam day. Examples of Items Accepted as Identification Original Identification With Photo Original Identification Without Photo U.S. or foreign driver s license valid, or expired within one year U.S. armed services ID card with photo and signature U.S. or foreign passport valid, or expired within one year Federal or state employee ID card valid, shows your signature and photo State issued ID card with photo valid, or expired within one year Immigration ID valid, with signature from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization with signature and photo U.S. Permanent Resident Card valid, with your signature and photo Tribal ID card Certified birth certificate original or certified document Social Security card (not laminated) or Tax Payer ID Letter U.S. government-issued work visa valid Voter s card Medicare card Social Security Administration receipt of name change / replacement card Examples of Items NOT Accepted as Identification Copies of ID Credit cards Gun permit Bus passes Costco card Car insurance card Soil Evaluator License Jury summons Car registration Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 3

4 S C H E D U L I N G A N D T A K I N G T H E E X A M S Getting Started Your application must be approved by the DPOR prior to registering for an exam. The DPOR will notify you in writing of your eligibility to sit for the examination and include information on the examination registration process. You may register for the exam by visiting ntnlicensingexams.com, finding the program you are testing for and clicking the Create Account button. During the registration process you will be required to upload (or mail) a passport compliant photo as described below. Passport Photo Mail Option You need to upload or mail a professional passport compliant 2" x 2" color photo taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. This can be done on your online account. The photo must meet the following requirements: Sized so that your head is approximately one inch from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head Taken in front of a plain white background Be a full-face view, directly facing the camera with a neutral facial expression The photo you upload must meet these requirements and be approved by NTN before you can schedule your exam. Photo approval may take up to 10 business days. The passport compliant photo may be mailed to NTN at the following address: National Testing Network rd Avenue West Lynnwood, WA Mail submittal of information may delay approval process. Exam Locations and Scheduling Candidate Responsibility Once your photo has been approved you will be eligible to schedule your exam online at ntnlicensingexams.com. You may log in to your account to schedule your exam. Choose any available time and date at the location you prefer. You must schedule the exam yourself online. Walk-in candidates are not admitted to exams and testing centers cannot schedule candidates. As a candidate, it is your responsibility to: Read and be familiar with this Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). Once you receive your approval letter from the DPOR, create your own account, personal username and password at ntnlicensingexams.com. Go online to upload a passport compliant photo or mail one to the address above. Schedule your exam online. Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 4

5 S C H E D U L I N G A N D T A K I N G T H E E X A M S Payments The exam fee is $ All retests are $85.00 each. You can pay by credit card online (Visa, MasterCard). If you cannot pay by credit card, log into your account at ntnlicensingexams.com. Click on Pay by Check and print the form you need. Send the completed form, along with your money order or cashier s check, to National Testing Network (personal checks or cash will not be accepted). Within 10 business days you will receive a voucher via you can use to go back online and schedule your exam. Special Accommodations Requests For those requesting a special accommodation due to disability, such request can be considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You may request accommodations by completing the Request for Accommodations Form (Parts A and B) when you log into your account online for the first time. Submit all completed documentation to National Testing Network by mail or fax ( ). National Testing Network Accommodation Request rd Avenue West Lynnwood, WA Languages All sections of the form must be completed; if one of the forms does not apply, please mark as "not applicable." Requests must be made in advance and supported by documentation from a physician. Requests must be made and accepted prior to scheduling your exam with accommodations. You will be notified of the result of your request within 10 business days of receipt of your accommodation request. The exams are only offered in English. Arrival Time Make sure you have the correct date, time, and location of your exam. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time so you have plenty of time for check-in. Late Arrival Policy Getting Your License Need Help? Entrance to the exam closes at exam time. Candidates who arrive late will not be admitted. No exam will be delayed waiting for a late arrival. If you are late or do not show for your exam, you must go online to reschedule and pay for another exam to take at a later time. Once you have passed your exam, DPOR will be notified by NTN of your passing score. Applicants who successfully pass the examination should receive their license in the mail from the DPOR, with no additional action typically required on their part, within seven to 10 business days. If you need help with this process, please contact us anytime by clicking the Contact Support link on ntnlicensingexams.com, or call Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 5

6 E X A M R U L E S Study Materials & Calculators You may bring with you and use reference books and training manuals during the exam. All reference materials you bring to the exam must relate to the content outline found within this Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), pages Reference books and training materials may be highlighted, underlined, and/or indexed prior to the exam. Notes previously written in the margins are acceptable including any relevant formulas. Electronic references are prohibited (e.g. no laptops or tablets). Reference materials that include practice tests and/or test questions are not allowed. Handwritten notes, loose papers, legal pads or notepads of any kind are not allowed in the exam room; handwritten notes inserted into training manuals must be removed prior to entering the exam room. Handouts provided by the trainers and made part of the training manual are allowed. If candidates have written notes covering the inside covers and/or any blank pages in the reference books or manuals, they must be erased, scratched through or covered prior to entering the examination room or those references will be confiscated by the proctor. The following list of tabs may be used. Acceptable Tabs: Avery Swift Tabs Self-Adhesive Permanent Plastic Tabs Redi-Tag Self-Stick Permanent Adhesive Index Tabs Unacceptable Tabs: Post-It Index Flags Post-It Flags Non-programmable calculators are allowed in the exam room. NOTICE: Effective Feb 1, 2017, handwritten notes will no longer be allowed in reference books/training materials brought into the test centers. Personal Belongings No Digital Devices No Weapons Talking No wallets, purses, backpacks, hats, caps, visors (with the exception of religious apparel), hooded clothing, coats, shawls, heavy jackets or other personal belongings are allowed in exam rooms. Such items may not be accessed during the exam. National Testing Network (NTN) assumes no responsibility or liability for any personal items in the facility. No digital devices (cell phones, pagers, mp3 players, USB drives, cameras, voice recorders, digital watches, etc.), with the exceptions of required medical devices and a non-programmable calculator, are allowed in the exam room. Non-programmable calculators must be silent and battery-operated. Non-programmable calculators must not be able to print or have a keyboard containing the alphabet. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the facility. During the exam, speak only to exam proctors. Do not speak to other candidates. (Raise your hand if you need assistance during an exam.) Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 6

7 E X A M R U L E S No Cheating No Disruptions No Drinking, Eating, Chewing, or Smoking Stay Within Assigned Workstation Breaks No Companions or Visitors Rule Violations Appeals Process Cheating or falsifying information is not tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the exam site. In addition, the DPOR will be provided with all available information pertinent to the incident which may result in denial of your application for licensure. No disruptive behavior or unnecessary noise is allowed. No eating, drinking, gum chewing, toothpick chewing, or smoking is allowed. No food or beverages may be brought into the exam room. (Drinking water is available.) Accommodations will be allowed with appropriate documentation. Candidates and their test items must remain within the boundaries of their assigned workstation. Bending or leaning into someone else s workstation is not allowed. No timeout for breaks is given during exams. You must get permission from a proctor to leave your exam (e.g. restroom break). Candidates are not allowed to have companions or visitors in the building. Any candidates who violate exam rules or who do not show respect for the professional exam setting, will be required to leave the exam site. Their opportunity to sit for the exam will be forfeited. Their exam will be voided and will not be scored. The exam fee will not be refunded. Those who cheat may also be responsible for damages based on copyright/trademark law violations. Violations can result in additional suspensions from testing or affect receiving a license. National Testing Network (NTN) will consider appeals regarding significant procedural errors or adverse environmental conditions during exam administration. Please contact National Testing Network Customer Support within 15 calendar days after the date of notification of exam results. The appeal must be made in writing and can be sent to support@nationaltestingnetwork.com or to Appeals Process, National Testing Network, rd Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 7

8 F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S How and when do I find out about my exam results? What is the passing score? Your exam results, including your performance in each content area, will be posted on your online account page within 10 business days after you complete your exam. The employees at exam locations do not have access to exam scores and cannot answer questions related to your performance on any exam. Passing score for the written exam is 75. Candidates scoring less than 75 on the written exam must take the entire written exam again. When can I retake an exam? If you do not receive a passing score on your exam, you can immediately reschedule another exam. What is the cancellation and refund policy? Exam fees are non-refundable. Exams can be rescheduled up to 7 calendar days prior to your exam date by clicking the Contact Support link on ntnlicensingexams.com and submitting a request. Schedule changes are not allowed outside of the 7 day policy. What is the policy on extreme weather and emergency closure? In case of extreme weather conditions or other emergencies that warrant closure of any testing center, you will be notified by the testing center as soon as possible. When possible, you will be notified at least two hours before your scheduled time. After you receive notification from the testing center, exams can be rescheduled by clicking the Contact Support link on ntnlicensingexams.com and submitting a weather reschedule request. Do I have to take the exam for things that are not taught in my program? You must be prepared for testing in all areas outlined for the Conventional or Alternative Soil Evaluator. This information is found on pages of the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 8

9 Onsite Soil Evaluator Exam I N T R O D U C T I O N A N D R E F E R E N C E M A T E R I A L S The exam covers professional knowledge and laws that regulate onsite soil evaluators. Study materials for the Conventional AND Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator exams include: 1. GMP 147 Policy, 0%3Aebew06qv2hy&cof=FORID%3A11&sa=Search&q=gmp%20147%20policy 2. OSHA Part 1926, Code of Federal Regulations 29, parts 1900 to , revised July 1, 2004 ( ) 3. Soil Profile Description Manual, Virginia Department of Health 4. Virginia Private Well Regulations, 12 VAC 5-610, Commonwealth of Virginia Sewage Handling & Disposal Regulations, Virginia Department of Health, Code of Virginia, Title 54.1, Chapter 4, section Virginia Sewage Handling & Disposal Regulations, 12 VAC 5 610, Commonwealth of Virginia Sewage Handling & Disposal Regulations, Virginia Department of Health, AC%205%20610.pdf Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 9

10 Additional study materials for the Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluators (only) exam include: 1. Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: An Operation & Maintenance Service Provider Program, Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (2008), 2. Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Field Study Training Program, volume 1, 2004, California State University, Sacramento Foundation, ( ) If a test question answer could differ because of conflicting information in test reference sources, a legal requirement such as a code, law or regulation overrides any other reference. If two legal requirements appear to conflict, the state-specific code, law, or regulation overrides the national one. Information from sources on the test reference list overrides information from other sources or persons. Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 10

11 E X A M A D M I N I S T R A T I O N Exam Time 3 hours for Conventional 2.5 hours for Alternative Computerized Testing The exam is computer-administered. You must be able to use a mouse and be familiar with basic keyboarding. Exam administrators will give clear instructions and can help if you have trouble using the computer. During your exam, you will be able to go back to any question and review and change your answer, if needed. Languages The exam is in English. T I P S F O R T A K I N G T H E E X A M Instructions Thoroughly read the instructions before you begin. Read questions thoroughly Read every question carefully before you answer it. The most common reason people miss questions when they know the material is that they do not read the questions carefully. Read all answers before choosing Read all answers before making your choice to ensure you select the most appropriate answer. Answer every question Rule out the answers you know are wrong and then make the best available choice. Don t spend too much time on one question If you have a hard time with a particular question, move on and make a note to come back to that question later. Double check answers If you finish early, use the remaining time to review and double-check your answers. Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 11

12 D E T A I L E D E X A M C O N T E N T : C O N V E N T I O N A L O N S I T E S O I L E V A L U A T O R The Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator exam contains 75 multiple-choice questions that come from the areas listed in this section. The number of scored items that cover each topic area is shown in the left column. All topic areas were rated as important to successful job performance in a survey of Virginia licensed onsite soil evaluators. Site and Soil Evaluation 13 items Perform Security and Safety Procedures 3 items Describing land characteristics Describing soil characteristics Documentation of characteristics Job Staging Landscape characteristics Pathogens Personal protective equipment Source contamination Limiting features Record search Sanitary surveys Soil characteristics System Design 14 items Inspections 5 items General Science and Mathematical Principles 12 items Controls for pumps, systems, etc. Conveyance Dispersal - Conventional dispersal Distribution Documentation of the design Inspection of system - Inspect equipment for abnormal conditions - Inspection of the depth and location of dispersal system Evaluate/maintain equipment - Check and evaluate capacity of equipment - Pipes - Read Charts - Tanks and infrastructure - Chemical feeders Fittings Mathematics - Basic arithmetic - Unit conversions - Usage of formulas Loading rates - Conventional loading rates Operation maintenance requirements - Biochemical oxygen demand - Coliform - Total suspended solids Treatments - Conventional treatments Wastewater treatment processes Dissolved solids Microbiological Nitrogen (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total Kjeldahl) Measurement principles Mechanical principles Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 12

13 Administrative Knowledge and Procedures Monitoring/reporting requirements Recordkeeping Record and evaluate data 8 items Laws and Regulations 20 items Standard practices for quality State laws relating to licensure Wastewater regulations - Conventional Well water regulations Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 13

14 D E T A I L E D E X A M C O N T E N T : A L T E R N A T I V E O N S I T E S O I L E V A L U A T O R The Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator exam contains 60 multiple-choice questions that come from the areas listed in this section. The number of scored items that cover each topic area is shown in the left column. All topic areas were rated as important to successful job performance in a survey of Virginia licensed onsite soil evaluators. Site and Soil Evaluation 11 items Perform Security and Safety Procedures 3 items Describing land characteristics Describing soil characteristics Documentation of characteristics Landscape characteristics Limiting features Personal protective equipment Source contamination Pathogens Record search Sanitary surveys Soil characteristics System Design 11 items Controls for pumps, systems, etc. Conveyance Dispersal - Alternative dispersal - Conventional dispersal Distribution Documentation of the design Inspection of system - Inspect equipment for abnormal conditions - Inspection of the depth and location of dispersal system Loading rates - Alternative loading rates - Conventional loading rates Operation maintenance requirements - Biochemical oxygen demand - Coliform - Dissolved oxygen - Nitrogen (Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, Total Kjeldahl) - Total suspended solids Predict head loss Treatments - Alternative treatments - Conventional treatments Wastewater treatment processes Microbiological Chemical oxygen demand Dissolved solids Inspections 4 items Evaluate/maintain equipment - Blowers & compressors - Check and evaluate capacity of equipment - Pipes - Read Charts - Tanks and infrastructure Fittings Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 14

15 General Science and Mathematical Principles 9 items Administrative Knowledge and Procedures 7 items Laws and Regulations 15 items Chemistry - ph and the ph scale Mathematics - Basic arithmetic - Unit conversions - Usage of formulas Monitoring/reporting requirements Recordkeeping Record and evaluate data Respond to complaints Standard practices for quality State laws relating to licensure Measurement principles Mechanical principles Wastewater regulations - Alternative - Conventional Well water regulations Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 15

16 P R A C T I C E Q U E S T I O N S Questions on the exam are followed by four answer choices with only one correct answer. Review the sample questions and answers below. 1. If the flow rate to a tank decreases, the hydraulic detention time will a. decrease. b. stay the same. c. first decrease and then increase. d. increase. 2. What is the most important concern when raw sewage enters a receiving stream? a. nuisance odors b. protection of aquatic life c. protection of public health d. DO depletion in the receiving stream 3. Distribution systems containing 1,800 or more linear feet of percolation piping shall be split into multiple systems containing a maximum of how many linear feet of percolation piping per system? a. 600 feet b. 900 feet c. 1,200 feet d. 1,260 feet 4. Shallow-placed systems may use system designs similar to in-ground systems. However, timed dosing is required when shallow-placed systems are installed at less than how many inches from the ground surface? a. 8 inches b. 12 inches c. 18 inches d. 24 inches 5. When is an excavation permitted underneath the base of any foundation or retaining wall that could pose a danger to employees? a. when the excavation is in stable clay b. when benching is performed and employees wear OSHA approved hard hats c. when there is no other alternative and the excavating will take less than 30 minutes d. when a support system, such as underpinning, is provided or the excavation is in stable rock Answers: 1. a. 2. c. 3. c. 4. b. 5. d. Copyright 2015 National Testing Network, Inc., revision date Page 16