CWEA offers various study aids for certification exams, the study session being one of them. Study sessions are provided by CWEA to anyone taking a certification exam (though registration to take the next exam is not necessary in order to attend). These sessions are normally given at least one month prior to the exam; one for the northern and one for the southern region of the state. The purpose of these sessions is to give those who are taking the upcoming exam (and those who are interested in taking an exam in the future) an opportunity to ask questions about the subject matter in their discipline. It also provides an opportunity for test takers to share information and study with other test takers. The study session is designed to be a helpful way for anyone taking a test to determine additional topics to study and to learn how to continue studying. A moderator facilitates, and is available to answer questions.

Experienced Moderators
Moderators for the sessions are chosen by the TCP (Technical Certification Program) Chair of the local section in which the session is being held. Those who are chosen are usually selected based upon certification experience (holding a grade 3 or 4 certificate in the discipline) but a gift for teaching is the main consideration, according to Richard Delgadillo, Southern Regional Liaison to TCP. Previous moderators like Heather Duckett, Larry Whitney and Steve Taylor have offered a wealth of information, usually an entire library of sources, in the study sessions they have facilitated for CWEA.

Study Guides are sold at the sessions, and Candidate Handbooks, which have sample questions and additional source references, are also distributed, free of charge. Candidate handbooks can be downloaded, also: http://www.cwea.org/cert_howcert_handbooks.shtml

Test-Taking Strategies
Here are some helpful hints/ideas for taking exams offered from previous moderators/test takers:

1.) Target your weakest areas and concentrate your studies there. Refer to the Candidate Handbook in your discipline, which can help you find sources for areas you need help in, such as math, safety, standard methods,  etc.
2.) Establish a study schedule and stick to it. Set aside at least one hour a day to study uninterrupted.
3.) Take notes on what you've read and review them regularly. Underline important passages in your reading.
4.) Make a set of flash cards to help you study.
5.) Keep in mind that in order to take full advantage of the study session, it is a good idea to thoroughly study prior to the session. Come prepared with specific questions or topics that you don't understand. Use the session as an enhancement to other study aids.

Other Study Sources
Some other study sources available to test takers are:

1.) CWEA study guides (available to order online at www.cwea.org, or by calling the CWEA office).
2.) Selected References in each candidate handbook (addresses, phone numbers and websites provided where available).
3.) California State University, Sacramento, Office of Water Programs. Call 916-278-6142, (or call CWEA for a "Operator Training Opportunities" brochure). Website: www.owp.csus.edu.
E-mail: wateroffice@csus.edu
4.) WEF Publications (Call 1-800-666-0206). Website: www.wef.org

Registering for the Study Session 
The sessions usually have pre-registration and onsite registration available. Prices differ depending on membership status (CWEA/WEF/MWEA members receive a discount, non-members must pay a non-member fee). Further information about locations can be found on the CWEA website when it becomes available. Information about study session dates and places is mailed to all certificate applicants who apply before the session dates. The CWEA Calendar of Events also lists study sessions and training events.

Registration information for upcoming study sessions

You can find contact information for the CWEA members listed in this article in CWEA's Membership Directory.