Training

Educate  |  Train  |  Certify  |  Refresh

Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training (OWTS)

Build expertise and open the door to new opportunities in the onsite wastewater industry. Walk away with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and field experience required to work in the industry.

Why Choose This Program?
  • Start learning immediately with self-study modules upon registration
  • Engage with instructors during live, virtual training sessions
  • Hands-on field training ensures you apply what you’ve learned
  • Build practical skills you can apply immediately on the job
  • Nationally and provincially recognized certification through the New West Partnership Agreement and the Canadian Free Trade Agreement
About the Program

Part One – Start Learning Immediately

When you register, your program materials are accessible right away, so you can begin self-study immediately. This early preparation sets you up for success before moving into the next stage of training.

Part  Two – Learn From Experts in Real Time

Following your self-study, you’ll participate in eight days of scheduled online classes with experienced instructors. These live sessions give you the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and solidify your understanding of key principles.

Part 3 – Apply Your Skills in the Field

Attend a Site & Soils Field Evaluation Workshop. This one-day, hands-on training allows you to put your knowledge into practice under the guidance of an industry professional. Offered during the installation season.

Who This Program Is For

Perfect for:

  • Contractors, landscapers & excavators expanding services
  • New entrants to the trades
  • Those wanting to level up to be a Safety Codes Officer/Private Sewage Inspector 
  • Entrepreneurs starting a business
  • Homeowners wanting to design/install their own system

No prior experience required — just a willingness to learn!

What You’ll Learn

Ø  Site & soil evaluation

Ø  Designing onsite wastewater systems

Ø  Installing & maintaining septic systems

Ø  Inspecting & troubleshooting existing systems 

Training Registration: 

The OWTS Program Offers Ongoing Registration – Start Anytime

For questions contact our office:

780-489-7471

rebecca@aowma.com

Field Training / Workshops

SOP Update

Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

Mound Installation Field Day

Installation Field Day Workshop

Maintenance Provider Parts I & II

Virtual Classroom
Part 1: January 8-9, 2026
Part 2: January 12-13, 2026

Questions?

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Standard Of Practice Update 2021

The Alberta Safety Codes Council released the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of  Practice, fourth edition in October 2021. A free digital copy of the 2021 Standard of Practice is  available from the Safety Codes Council. The digital copy is not searchable. A printed copy of  the SOP is available through our online store. 

Alberta Municipal Affairs required Certificate of Competency (CoC) holders to complete the  2021 version of the Private Sewage Standard of Practice Update Training by February 28, 2023, to be able to renew their Certificate of Competency. The training deadline was extended to  February 28, 2023, from the original deadline of October 31, 2022. No further extension are  anticipated.  

If you are Certificate of Competency (CoC) holder who has successfully completed 2021 update  training and have not yet renewed your certification, you had until by March 31, 2023, to renew  your CoC to retain your old PS certification number. You may still renew your CoC, however  you may not be able to retain your original number.

Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

Site and Soils Evaluation Field Days are offered for those interested in learning more about performing detailed site visits and designing systems for difficult situations and soils. These training workshops provide information on assessing soil structure, texture, and consistence, assessing site conditions and constraints, logging information and applying that knowledge to the design of onsite wastewater systems. This provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience evaluating a site, as well as practicing hand texturing and sampling. These field workshops are a requirement for those completing the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program and also add value for experienced designers and installers wishing to continue their education.

Dates to be Announced

Mound Installation Field Day

This practical training workshop is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience building a sand treatment mound.

Practitioners who have recently completed the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program will be able to take their new knowledge and apply it on-site. Experienced designers and installers should also consider this opportunity to continue their education.

Dates to be Announced

Install Training Field Day

Installation Field Days provide new and experienced installers with the opportunity to learn new techniques and installation practices.  Field days may be offered for systems such as subsurface trench systems either gravity or pressure distribution, LFH At-Grades, or even something as simple as an open discharge (surface discharge or jet) depending on the site and soils available and the regulatory framework.

Dates to be Announced

Maintenance Provider Parts I & II

WCOWMA is partnering with WCOWMA-BC to offer a four-day virtual training program designed to help maintenance providers expand their knowledge and certification in onsite wastewater system operations.

This highly recognized training program is divided into two parts.

It is geared towards those with prior knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment systems and who wish to expand upon existing knowledge to provide more comprehensive maintenance services.

Part 1 – Introduction to Operation and Maintenance

Participants will learn about:

  • Business aspects of operation and maintenance including: site safety, contracts, and tools of the trade
  • Maintenance assessments and troubleshooting issues of conventional systems, including trenches, beds, mounds, and at-grades
  • Introduction to aerobic tank system

Part 2 – Advanced Operation and Maintenance

Participants will build upon Part 1 concepts and expand their scope to include maintenance and troubleshooting for:

  • Aerobic Treatment Systems
  • Drip irrigation
  • Single-pass and re-circulating media filters
  • Various dosing schematics working with control panels
  • Business Practice Review for Maintenance Providers

Each part concludes with an exam to evaluate understanding and certify successful completion. Registration includes all 4 days.

Certification

  • Earn your Maintenance Provider Certificate after completing all 4 days

Recognition and Listing

  • Gain visibility on the WCOWMA Locate-a-Pro webpage, connecting you directly with homeowners looking for certified Maintenance Practitioners
  • Position yourself as the go-to expert in onsite wastewater system operations and maintenance in your area
  • Apply for your Maintenance Provider ROWP Stamp with ASTTBC if you ever plan to work in BC

Virtual Classroom

January 8, 9, 12, & 13, 2026