In keeping with ABC standards, all CAWASA certificates are issued for a specified period at the end of which they must be renewed. The validity of the CAWASA Certificates as well as the policies and procedures for renewal are described in the sections that follow.
Validity of Certificates
Certificates issued by CAWASA in a category and class to successful Operators/Analysts are valid for a period not exceeding two (2) years. At the end of the two (2) years, each Operator/Analyst is required to apply to the Secretariat for renewal of their certificates in accordance with the criteria specified. Any certificate that has expired for more than two (2) years will no longer be valid. Also, operators whose certificates have not been renewed after two (2) years may be de-listed.
Renewal Policy
In order to renew their certificates, all Operators/Analysts are required to provide evidence of continuous work in the water sector and must have participated in at least two (2) approved continuing education courses during the life of the certificate. Also, a certificate will be ineligible for renewal if its renewal has lapsed for more than one (1) year.
Renewal Procedures
Procedures for the renewal of an operator’s Certificate are as follows:
- Three (3) months prior to the expiration date of the certificate, the Operator/Analyst must submit through the member utility a renewal application form to the CAWASA Secretariat
- Documentation confirming that the Operator/Analyst has completed a total of 2.4 CEUs (24 contact hours) of professional growth during the two-year term of the certificate. A list of courses attended along with a signed copy of the certificate or a letter issued by the provider stating the title of the course, the number of course hours or CEUs awarded and the date of completion.
Continuing Education Units
All operators are required to provide evidence of continuous work in the water sector and must have participated in at least two (2) approved continuing education courses during the life of the existing certificate. As part of its annual programming the CAWASA Secretariat will offered training courses that will enable the Operators/Analysts to achieve the number of “Continuing Education Units (CEUs)” required for the renewal of their certificates. Two (2) approaches will be used to deliver CEU courses:
- Where possible, the CAWASA Secretariat will offer relevant courses with CEUs on a face to face basis in one of the member countries;
- The CAWASA Secretariat will encourage the Operators/Analysts to make use of opportunities for on-line training through the AWWA or other international institutions.
Revocation of Certificates
Renewal Requirements
The CAWASA Policy Document makes provision for the Executive Director with the advice of the Certification Board, to promulgate Rules and Guidelines necessary for ensuring compliance with the certification policies. Although the document makes specific reference to procedures for the revocation of certificates these procedures have not been developed.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
All operators are required to provide evidence of continuous work in the water sector and must have completed a total of 2.4 CEUs (24 contact hours) of professional growth during the two-year term of the certificate.
