Water and Wastewater Operator Exam Certification Review Session – Butte

Butte Archives Building – 17 W. Quartz, Butte, MT 59701

March 3rd and 4th @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Lunch on your own 12:00 – 1:00

· Comprehensive look at the “Needs to Know” list for your classification.

· Math Formula Sheets and several practice questions.

· Intro to all pertinent terminology.

· Water treatment and distribution, Source Water and more.

· Wastewater collection and treatment.

· Safety and Security.

· Discuss pump and valve characteristics.

· Intro to disinfection properties and methods – Chlorine, UV.

BRING ALL STUDY MATERIALS!!!

Whether you’ve applied to take an exam or are planning to apply, this review will get you on the right track for the comprehensive review at the MRWS Conference!!

Review presenters are MRWS Staff

Contact Robin Franzen or John Paddock for details!

rfranzen@mrws.org (406) 781-8775 jpaddock@mrws.org (406) 460-1934

No CECs for these sessions.

Water and Wastewater Operator Training

March 5th, 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Butte Archives Building – 17 W. Quartz, Butte, MT 59701

9:00 am – 10:00 am – Preventative Maintenance Techniques – Chelsea Dodd

10:00 am – 11:00 am – Standard Operating Procedures – Roger Skogen

11:00 am – 12:00 pm Cybersecurity – CISA

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch on Your Own

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm PFAS Updates – Neal Murray, MT DEQ

2:00 pm – 3 pm Source water – Haley Sir

3:00 pm – 4-:00 pm – CCRs – Robin Franzen

For more information, contact Robin at (406) 781-8775.

CECs: Water 0.6 and Wastewater 0.4

Water and Wastewater Operator Training

March 10th, 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Malta Civic Center

1008 US-191, Malta, MT 59538

9:00 am – 11:00 am – Valves

11:00 am – 12:00 pm Cybersecurity – CISA

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch on Your Own

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm PFAS Updates – Neal Murray, MT DEQ

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Disaster and Crisis Communications

3:00 pm – 4-:00 pm – CCRs

For more information, contact Robin at (406) 781-8775.

CECs: Water 0.6 and Wastewater 0.5

No Fees for this training.

Water Operator Review

March 11th, 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Malta Civic Center 1008 US-191, Malta, MT 59538

9:00 – 12:00 Equipment O and M

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch on your own

1:00 – 4:00 – Water Distribution

We will cover additional materials if time permits.

This will also be available remote via TEAMS. Email rfranzen@mrws.org for an invitation to join.

Call Robin Franzen at (406) 781-8775 for more information.

CECs: None

Join us for the Montana Rural Water Annual Conference

A three-day event bringing together water and wastewater professionals from across the state for training, networking, and industry updates. Attendees will have access to expert-led sessions, exhibitor showcases, and opportunities to earn CEUs.

To register visit Conferences – Montana Rural Water Systems

Hello Everyone!
The American Backflow Prevention Association and Montana Rural Water are hosting a Proctor Training and exam at the Billings Convention Center during the Montana Rural Water Conference from 8:00am-5:00pm on March 23, 2026. Hotel rooms are available at the Convention Center or the surrounding area (other hotels are listed below).

Please see details:

Billings Convention Center
1223 Mullowney Ln, Billings, MT 59101

What Is It?

Proctors are used in the ABPA Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification Program to observe and evaluate the performance examinations. The proctor needs to fully understand, and be proficient with, the backflow prevention assembly field test procedures. It isn’t enough to just be a proficient Tester, Proctors also need to know the rules and policies of the ABPA examination process. They are trained to administer a fair and impartial hands-on performance exam. The Proctor will be appointed by the Administrator for a specific examination date and location. Complete Proctor qualifications are available on the ABPA website.

How Do I Become A Proctor?

You must currently be an ABPA certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, and you should have completed at least one ABPA Tester re-certification. You must also successfully complete a proctor training program.

Do I Have To Take a Test?

Yes, after attending an 8-hour Proctor Training class. The Proctor Applicant shall observe a mock performance exam, during which the person performing the field test procedures may make deliberate errors in the field test procedure and recording of data. The Proctor Trainee shall identify all errors and record them on a form.

What Do I Get?

A qualified proctor applicant who successfully completes the Proctor Training Program will receive a wall certificate containing your name, date, and number. A wallet card is also provided. Each day you act as a proctor, you are eligible to receive a Proctor Compensation fee of up to $200 plus mileage and ABPA will waive Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Recertification Fee (every three years) for each Proctor complying with Proctor Qualification Requirements.

Do I Still Have To Maintain My Tester Certification?

Yes. However, your Tester re-certification fee (every three years) will be waived as long as you comply with the Proctor Qualification Requirements. Contact the home office for your promo code to waive your fee when registering for an exam.

Click Here to Register:
American Backflow Prevention Association

Additional Hotels:
Montana Trailhead Inn
5500 Midland Road
406-248-7701
$129 + tax

Quality Inn Homestead Park
2036 Overland Ave.
406-831-8791
$103 + tax

Howard Johnson
1345 Mullowney Lane
406-252-2584
$85 + tax

C’mon Inn
2020 Overland Ave.
406-655-110
$104.99 + tax
Use code MRWS

Hampton Inn Billings
5110 Southgate Dr
406-248-4949
$139.00 + Tax

Please let hotels know that you are booking for Montana Rural Water to get the room rate.

Hope to see you there!
Christine Maday
Montana Rural Water
Training Specialist
406-595-3502
cmaday@mrws.org