wqa certified water specialists

Galway Water Solutions are a member of the Water Quality Association, (the international not-for-profit trade association for the water treatment industry).  The Water Quality Association is dedicated to promoting the highest principles of honesty, integrity, fair dealing and professionalism in the water quality industry.

Galway Water Solutions has taken 8 of the rigorous 3 hour WQA exams over the last 3 years in the U.S. to gain WQA Certified Water Specialist - VI and the WQA Certified Installer level also the WQA Certified Sales Representative level - the first company in Europe to achieve all WQA top level certifications.  See WQA.org (Find A Water Professional)

   "When treatment professionals are WQA "Certified", it means three things - they have knowledge to effectively diagnose and solve water quality problems; they will treat their customer's concerns with honesty, integrity and credibility; and they agree to take ongoing professional education courses to stay current with water technology and to maintain their certifications.  If WQA certified professionals are willing to make that kind of investment to earn the trust of their customers, their customers will be more likely to make an investment in them."

Standard members of the Water Quality Association, may have yet to gain WQA Certified Professional status and would be required to take WQA CWS examinations to become qualified to CWS level ...

WQA Professional Certification Program

The WQA Professional Certification program helps consumers and employers identify individuals in the point-of-use/point-of-entry water quality improvement industry who have demonstrated a certified level of professional expertise and are dedicated to high professional standards.

WQA certification is a voluntary credentialing process.

To achieve any WQA-certified title, the candidate must pass a comprehensive exam and accept the WQA Code of Ethics for the Water Quality Improvement Industry.

Benefits of Certification to the Water Treatment Professional:

Consumer confidence
Certification patches and pins instantly identify certified personnel to consumers
Credibility from a third-party organization
More business opportunities
Greater employment opportunities
Listing on the WQA web site

Levels of WQA Certification:

Certified Water Specialist (CWS)
For individuals involved in sales, installation, and/or manufacturing of water treatment products, or who manage a water treatment business.
Six possible levels, CWS-I through CWS-VI

CWS Emeritus (Must be retired from financially compensated work in the water industry. Contact the WQA Education department for complete guidelines.)

Certified Installer (CI)
For individuals responsible for planning, installing, and/or servicing water quality improvement products.

Certified Sales Representative (CSR)
For individuals responsible for sale of water quality improvement products.

Certified Contractual Operator (CCO) for Very Small Systems
For individuals responsible for operation of water systems serving less than 500 people.
Requires high school diploma or GED certificate.
Must complete courses specifically related to operations of small drinking water systems.
Requires letters of endorsement from appropriate regulatory or water treatment officials.

To achieve any WQA-certified title (CWS, CI, CSR), a person must pass a lengthy exam and agree to abide by the WQA Code of Ethics for the Water Quality Improvement Industry.

Who can become WQA-certified?

WQA's program tests and certifies only individuals, not dealerships or companies. WQA membership is not required for certification.

How do I prepare for a WQA certification exam?

Most people prepare for exams through home study. See WQA.org for a list of suggested study materials for the exams.

Where can I take a WQA certification exam?

Go to the Upcoming Exams page for more information, including exam pricing and guidelines.

How long is my certification valid?

All certifications are valid for 3 years. Certified personnel must recertify by obtaining continuing education credits. The process and policies are explained in detail in the Recertification area.