Watertech's Joe Russell, CWT in the field mentoring one of Watertech's newest team members, Connor Keast.
The process of becoming a CWT
Certified Water Technologist (CWT) is a program offered by the Association of Water Technologies (AWT). To become a CWT, you must have a minimum of 5 years of experience, then pass a 200-question exam that takes up to 4 hours to complete. The test has questions that cover all aspects of water treatment, including general water treatment, pretreatment, boilers, cooling towers, closed loops, ethics, health safety, and environmental regulations. When I took the test seven years ago, I had 5 minutes left when I handed my test in. By far one of the most difficult tests I have taken.
After passing the exam there is an application process, that includes providing references from customers and colleagues, to be considered for the CWT designation. CWTs must continue to recertify every five years to ensure they remain current with industry knowledge.
How many can call themselves a CWT?
Only 333 water treatment professionals across the United States and Canada can call themselves a CWT. Those who have invested in this process and earned their CWT are truly committed to excellence in water treatment.
Committed to A High Standard of Ethics
Working with a CWT not only means that you are working with the best in the field, but also that you are working with someone who is ethical and committed to being honest and transparent. All CWTs have signed a 13-part Declaration of Ethics. Any violation of these ethics results in disciplinary action and loss of certification status.
Why should someone train to be a CWT?
So why would someone want to go through all the studying and training to become a CWT? Simply put, it provides a path to become the very best in the industry. It gives you the knowledge and confidence to provide effective water treatment programs for your customers, contractors, consultants, and engineering firms. In addition, it enables you to assist coworkers and new hires with training, troubleshooting issues, system improvements, and surveying in the field.
If you have questions?
At Watertech, earning and maintaining a CWT is part of a Territory Managers annual evaluation and a testament to Watertech’s commitment to claiming our Team is “The Best of the Best!”. If you have any water treatment questions reach out or request a site survey and one of our technical engineers will be in touch.
Dennis Kwasny, CWT | Territory Manager – Northern WI
Dennis has worked in the water treatment industry for over 30 years and has experience in boiler, cooling and wastewater chemical treatment programs. Dennis leads educational training events and seminars to promote better water management and improve safety. He is a Certified Water Technologist (CWT). Contact him directly at 715-409-0129, dennis@watertechusa.com or follow him on LinkedIn.