CWEA Collection Systems Maintenance
CWEA Grade 1 and 2 Combined Tests
Practice Questions & Complete Detailed
Answers | 100% Correct | A Grade
This California Water Environment Association (CWEA) offers Collection System
Maintenance (CSM) certification exams for Grades 1 and 2 to evaluate the
knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of wastewater professionals. This exams are
designed for professionals working in the field, with a focus on safety, maintenance,
and operation of wastewater infrastructure.
Grade 1 & 2 Exam Overview
Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based tests, with 100 (±40).questions & Single
best answers
Focus: This exam cover introductory to intermediate knowledge of cleaning,
maintenance, lift stations, and, most importantly, safety.
Topics Covered:
Safety & Regulations: PPE, traffic control zones (setup and terminology), confined
space entry (permit-required), and OSHA regulations.
Maintenance & Cleaning: Identifying tools like power rodders, porcupine, root saws,
and chain pipe cutters.
1
, Operations: Sewer cleaning, manhole inspection, lift station operations, and reading
maps/as-builts.
Basic Calculations: Introductory math related to volumes, flows, and chemical usage.
Key Distinctions
Grade 1: Designed for entry-level personnel, typically with about 1 year of experience.
No experience is required to apply, but it is expected that the candidate has some
exposure to the field.
Grade 2: Requires more experience and focuses on a deeper understanding of
troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. (Ultimate Guide for YR. 2026/2027)
Actual Exam Preparation
• Resources: Candidates are advised to use the official CWEA Collection System
Maintenance Candidate Handbook, which includes a detailed list of references.
• Study Areas: Focus on hazard identification, hydrogen sulfide management, and, for
Grade 2, more complex scenarios, such as troubleshooting equipment and identifying
sewer defects.
• Validation: The exams were updated in 2023–2024 to better reflect real-world job tasks.
Quiz_________________?
Why are gasoline and volatile solvents objectionable when
present in a sewer? -
Answer☑️
2
, They produce an explosion hazard
Quiz_________________?
You should never attempt to install, maintain, repair or replace
electrical equipment panels, controls, wiring or circuits unless -
Answer☑️
You know what you are doing, are qualified and are authorized
Quiz_________________?
What are the different areas of traffic zones? -
Answer☑️
Advance Warning Area, Transition Area, Activity Area (buffer
space and work space), Termination Area. Could be 4 or 5, justify
your answer on the test!
Quiz_________________?
why should hydrogen sulfide be controlled? -
Answer☑️
to protect from corrosion and odors
3
, Quiz_________________?
Personnel entering a Permit Required Confined Space must have
the following training -
Answer☑️
entry and rescue
Quiz_________________?
To find protective gear before application of a product, you
should: -
Answer☑️
look at the MSDS
Quiz_________________?
The gas most commonly associated with septic wastewater is -
Answer☑️
Hydrogen Sulfide
Quiz_________________?
4
CWEA Grade 1 and 2 Combined Tests
Practice Questions & Complete Detailed
Answers | 100% Correct | A Grade
This California Water Environment Association (CWEA) offers Collection System
Maintenance (CSM) certification exams for Grades 1 and 2 to evaluate the
knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of wastewater professionals. This exams are
designed for professionals working in the field, with a focus on safety, maintenance,
and operation of wastewater infrastructure.
Grade 1 & 2 Exam Overview
Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based tests, with 100 (±40).questions & Single
best answers
Focus: This exam cover introductory to intermediate knowledge of cleaning,
maintenance, lift stations, and, most importantly, safety.
Topics Covered:
Safety & Regulations: PPE, traffic control zones (setup and terminology), confined
space entry (permit-required), and OSHA regulations.
Maintenance & Cleaning: Identifying tools like power rodders, porcupine, root saws,
and chain pipe cutters.
1
, Operations: Sewer cleaning, manhole inspection, lift station operations, and reading
maps/as-builts.
Basic Calculations: Introductory math related to volumes, flows, and chemical usage.
Key Distinctions
Grade 1: Designed for entry-level personnel, typically with about 1 year of experience.
No experience is required to apply, but it is expected that the candidate has some
exposure to the field.
Grade 2: Requires more experience and focuses on a deeper understanding of
troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair. (Ultimate Guide for YR. 2026/2027)
Actual Exam Preparation
• Resources: Candidates are advised to use the official CWEA Collection System
Maintenance Candidate Handbook, which includes a detailed list of references.
• Study Areas: Focus on hazard identification, hydrogen sulfide management, and, for
Grade 2, more complex scenarios, such as troubleshooting equipment and identifying
sewer defects.
• Validation: The exams were updated in 2023–2024 to better reflect real-world job tasks.
Quiz_________________?
Why are gasoline and volatile solvents objectionable when
present in a sewer? -
Answer☑️
2
, They produce an explosion hazard
Quiz_________________?
You should never attempt to install, maintain, repair or replace
electrical equipment panels, controls, wiring or circuits unless -
Answer☑️
You know what you are doing, are qualified and are authorized
Quiz_________________?
What are the different areas of traffic zones? -
Answer☑️
Advance Warning Area, Transition Area, Activity Area (buffer
space and work space), Termination Area. Could be 4 or 5, justify
your answer on the test!
Quiz_________________?
why should hydrogen sulfide be controlled? -
Answer☑️
to protect from corrosion and odors
3
, Quiz_________________?
Personnel entering a Permit Required Confined Space must have
the following training -
Answer☑️
entry and rescue
Quiz_________________?
To find protective gear before application of a product, you
should: -
Answer☑️
look at the MSDS
Quiz_________________?
The gas most commonly associated with septic wastewater is -
Answer☑️
Hydrogen Sulfide
Quiz_________________?
4
