CWEA Collections Grade 4
Exam
1. Which of the following best describes the primary responsibility of a Collections
System Grade 4 Operator?
A. Perform routine jetting of sewer lines
B. Oversee the design, budgeting, and operation of the entire collection system
C. Repair broken service laterals
D. Conduct daily confined space entry
Answer: B. Oversee the design, budgeting, and operation of the entire collection
system
Explanation: Grade 4 operators are in management roles and responsible for
planning, operations oversight, regulatory compliance, and financial planning.
2. What is the most appropriate reason for implementing an Asset Management Plan
in a collection system?
A. To track employee attendance
B. To determine when to replace vehicles
C. To extend the life of assets and optimize repair/replacement costs
D. To monitor SCADA signal strength
Answer: C. To extend the life of assets and optimize repair/replacement costs
Explanation: Asset management helps manage infrastructure cost-effectively and
plan for sustainable operations.
,3. According to Cal/OSHA, which of the following must be included in a Confined
Space Entry Program?
A. Permit-required space evaluation
B. Daily toolbox safety talk
C. Use of drones for inspections
D. Employee biometric scanning
Answer: A. Permit-required space evaluation
Explanation: A confined space entry program must evaluate if the space is permit-
required and include proper safety procedures.
4. Which regulation outlines the mandatory reporting of Sanitary Sewer Overflows
(SSOs) in California?
A. California Public Utilities Code
B. SWRCB Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements
C. Title 22 of the Health and Safety Code
D. Federal Clean Streams Act
Answer: B. SWRCB Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements
Explanation: The State Water Resources Control Board mandates reporting SSOs
under the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR).
5. When planning a Capital Improvement Project (CIP), which of the following is the
most critical step?
A. Hiring temporary staff
B. Reviewing CCTV footage
C. Conducting a needs assessment and prioritization
D. Cleaning all manholes prior to inspection
Answer: C. Conducting a needs assessment and prioritization
Explanation: Planning for a CIP starts with identifying and prioritizing the system's
critical needs.
,6. What is the maximum acceptable infiltration and inflow (I/I) rate in a well-
maintained sanitary sewer system, per industry standards?
A. 500 GPD/inch diameter/mile
B. 1200 GPD/person
C. 250 GPD/person
D. 2000 GPD/inch diameter/mile
Answer: A. 500 GPD/inch diameter/mile
Explanation: This is a commonly used benchmark for I/I in sanitary systems.
7. What is the primary benefit of performing a risk-based criticality assessment on
sewer assets?
A. Reducing odor complaints
B. Increasing billing rates
C. Identifying assets that pose the greatest risk of failure
D. Decreasing lift station head pressure
Answer: C. Identifying assets that pose the greatest risk of failure
Explanation: Criticality assessments prioritize maintenance and replacement
activities based on risk of failure and consequence.
8. What is the most effective method for reducing grease-related blockages in a
collection system?
A. Bi-annual flushing
B. Installing root balls
C. FOG public education and grease interceptor enforcement
D. Removing all manhole covers monthly
Answer: C. FOG public education and grease interceptor enforcement
Explanation: Preventative programs targeting fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the
most sustainable solution.
, 9. A new lift station will be commissioned. What is a key commissioning task for the
operations supervisor?
A. Install fencing
B. Schedule odor testing
C. Verify pump curves match operational data
D. Inspect operator PPE lockers
Answer: C. Verify pump curves match operational data
Explanation: Matching pump curves to actual performance is critical to ensuring
correct functionality.
10. What financial document should a Grade 4 Collections Operator be familiar with
to prepare the department’s budget?
A. Purchase orders
B. Annual comprehensive financial report
C. General ledger and expense summaries
D. Vehicle mileage logs
Answer: C. General ledger and expense summaries
Explanation: Understanding past expenditures and revenue helps create realistic
budgets.11. What is the main goal of a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)?
A. To estimate sewer cleaning truck maintenance intervals
B. To reduce permit fees
C. To provide a framework for managing, operating, and maintaining a sanitary
sewer system
D. To increase property tax revenue
Answer: C. To provide a framework for managing, operating, and maintaining a
sanitary sewer system
Explanation: The SSMP is a requirement under the SWRCB WDRs to prevent SSOs
and properly maintain the system.
Exam
1. Which of the following best describes the primary responsibility of a Collections
System Grade 4 Operator?
A. Perform routine jetting of sewer lines
B. Oversee the design, budgeting, and operation of the entire collection system
C. Repair broken service laterals
D. Conduct daily confined space entry
Answer: B. Oversee the design, budgeting, and operation of the entire collection
system
Explanation: Grade 4 operators are in management roles and responsible for
planning, operations oversight, regulatory compliance, and financial planning.
2. What is the most appropriate reason for implementing an Asset Management Plan
in a collection system?
A. To track employee attendance
B. To determine when to replace vehicles
C. To extend the life of assets and optimize repair/replacement costs
D. To monitor SCADA signal strength
Answer: C. To extend the life of assets and optimize repair/replacement costs
Explanation: Asset management helps manage infrastructure cost-effectively and
plan for sustainable operations.
,3. According to Cal/OSHA, which of the following must be included in a Confined
Space Entry Program?
A. Permit-required space evaluation
B. Daily toolbox safety talk
C. Use of drones for inspections
D. Employee biometric scanning
Answer: A. Permit-required space evaluation
Explanation: A confined space entry program must evaluate if the space is permit-
required and include proper safety procedures.
4. Which regulation outlines the mandatory reporting of Sanitary Sewer Overflows
(SSOs) in California?
A. California Public Utilities Code
B. SWRCB Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements
C. Title 22 of the Health and Safety Code
D. Federal Clean Streams Act
Answer: B. SWRCB Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements
Explanation: The State Water Resources Control Board mandates reporting SSOs
under the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR).
5. When planning a Capital Improvement Project (CIP), which of the following is the
most critical step?
A. Hiring temporary staff
B. Reviewing CCTV footage
C. Conducting a needs assessment and prioritization
D. Cleaning all manholes prior to inspection
Answer: C. Conducting a needs assessment and prioritization
Explanation: Planning for a CIP starts with identifying and prioritizing the system's
critical needs.
,6. What is the maximum acceptable infiltration and inflow (I/I) rate in a well-
maintained sanitary sewer system, per industry standards?
A. 500 GPD/inch diameter/mile
B. 1200 GPD/person
C. 250 GPD/person
D. 2000 GPD/inch diameter/mile
Answer: A. 500 GPD/inch diameter/mile
Explanation: This is a commonly used benchmark for I/I in sanitary systems.
7. What is the primary benefit of performing a risk-based criticality assessment on
sewer assets?
A. Reducing odor complaints
B. Increasing billing rates
C. Identifying assets that pose the greatest risk of failure
D. Decreasing lift station head pressure
Answer: C. Identifying assets that pose the greatest risk of failure
Explanation: Criticality assessments prioritize maintenance and replacement
activities based on risk of failure and consequence.
8. What is the most effective method for reducing grease-related blockages in a
collection system?
A. Bi-annual flushing
B. Installing root balls
C. FOG public education and grease interceptor enforcement
D. Removing all manhole covers monthly
Answer: C. FOG public education and grease interceptor enforcement
Explanation: Preventative programs targeting fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the
most sustainable solution.
, 9. A new lift station will be commissioned. What is a key commissioning task for the
operations supervisor?
A. Install fencing
B. Schedule odor testing
C. Verify pump curves match operational data
D. Inspect operator PPE lockers
Answer: C. Verify pump curves match operational data
Explanation: Matching pump curves to actual performance is critical to ensuring
correct functionality.
10. What financial document should a Grade 4 Collections Operator be familiar with
to prepare the department’s budget?
A. Purchase orders
B. Annual comprehensive financial report
C. General ledger and expense summaries
D. Vehicle mileage logs
Answer: C. General ledger and expense summaries
Explanation: Understanding past expenditures and revenue helps create realistic
budgets.11. What is the main goal of a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)?
A. To estimate sewer cleaning truck maintenance intervals
B. To reduce permit fees
C. To provide a framework for managing, operating, and maintaining a sanitary
sewer system
D. To increase property tax revenue
Answer: C. To provide a framework for managing, operating, and maintaining a
sanitary sewer system
Explanation: The SSMP is a requirement under the SWRCB WDRs to prevent SSOs
and properly maintain the system.
