To become LA County certified, the applicant must pass a one-time examination given for the purpose of demonstrating knowledge and competency as specified in Los Angeles County Code, Title 11. The Technician exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions and 10 calculations for a total of 100 possible points. There is also a second classification and exam for those that may be learning the trade as Certified Technician Apprentice. The Technician Apprentice must be employed by and working under the direct and immediate supervision of a Certified Technician. The apprentice classification is currently available, but plans are underway to eliminate it. The Technician Apprentice exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions for a total of 30 possible points. A score of at least 70% for either exam is required to obtain certification. Study materials are available on the Environmental Health website to prepare the applicant for the exam. The exam questions are based on the information in the study materials.
To schedule for the exam, an applicant must:
Examination fees are non-refundable, and the exam must be taken within one year after payment of the fee. There is a new fee each time the applicant makes a reservation for the exam. The Technician examination is scheduled at least once a month and seating is limited. The Technician Apprentice examination is scheduled as needed. Payment for the Technician examination is due at least one week prior to the reserved exam. If the payment isn't received one week before the exam date, the reservation will be cancelled, and the seat offered to those on the waiting list. Reservations will be accepted when a completed application is filed and processed by the Recreational Waters Program.
Upon becoming certified, the technician is required to pay a yearly fee to maintain certification. The renewal is mailed in May and the certification will expire on June 30 of each year. LA County Code 11.34.120 requires that "Any person failing to renew his certification within two years of the expiration date shall be required to make a new application therefor and retake the examination in order to become recertified."