RCAC – Operator Math 101: The Basics

At a minimum, every public water system regardless of size and complexity requires a certified water distribution operator. In addition, those systems using treatment also must have an operator that holds a water treatment operator certification. The most significant hurdle for many grade 1 and grade 2 operators in passing the operator certification exam, however, is the math portion of the test. Typically, the math section of the certification exam constitutes about 35% of the total exam score so proficiency in math is necessary to pass the test.

The math included in the Operator 101, 102, 201 and 202 sessions are based on the expected-range-of-knowledge for the California distribution D1/D2 exams. Operator Math 301 and 302 are targeted to the grade 3/4 level exams.

The target learner for these trainings wants (and needs) one specific thing: the ability to accurately calculate operator certification exam math questions. Accordingly, these learning trainings designs focus solely on this need. These trainings are not designed for “contact hours “or participant “entertainment”. These are hands-on trainings with an expectation of continuous participation working and answering math problems throughout the entire session.

In the Operator 101 session participants will learn:

• Water units (ft3 to gal, gal to wt.)
• Distance (in to ft, ft to m, ft to mi)
• Areas (ac to ft2, in2 to ft2, yd2 to ft2)
• Volumes (ft3 to gal, gal to L, L to mL)