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Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I Exam Actual
Test Questions and Correct Answers With
Rationales LATEST THIS YEAR
Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I certification exam tests advanced knowledge of biological
wastewater treatment systems, including preliminary treatment, primary sedimentation, activated
sludge processes (including BNR and nutrient removal), trickling filters, rotating biological contactors
(RBCs), lagoon systems, tertiary filtration, disinfection (chlorine, UV, ozone), sludge handling and
thickening, anaerobic digestion, solids dewatering, biosolids management per 40 CFR Part 503,
laboratory procedures (BOD, TSS, MLSS, SVI, F/M ratio), process control calculations, safety and
confined space entry, SCADA systems, and regulatory compliance under the Georgia Water Quality
Control Act and Clean Water Act NPDES permitting . Class I applicants must hold a Class II certification
prior to examination and have 24-36 months of experience depending on education level . Candidates
may take the exam before completing experience but cannot apply for certification until experience
requirements are met .
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Question 1
What is the primary purpose of advanced screening technologies in preliminary wastewater treatment?
A) To remove nutrients from wastewater
B) To eliminate large solids and debris early in the process
C) To disinfect the wastewater
D) To adjust pH levels before secondary treatment
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Advanced screening removes large solids and debris that could damage equipment
or hinder subsequent treatment processes .
Question 2
Which type of grit removal system utilizes aeration to facilitate grit settling?
A) Vortex grit chamber
B) Inclined plate grit chamber
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C) Aerated grit chamber
D) Clarifier
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Aerated grit chambers introduce air to help settle out grit particles more effectively .
Question 3
Flow equalization is primarily used to:
A) Remove phosphorus from wastewater
B) Balance flow fluctuations to stabilize downstream processes
C) Disinfect the influent
D) Remove grease and oil
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Flow equalization helps manage variable flow rates, ensuring consistent influent
conditions for treatment units .
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Question 4
Which principle is most applicable in the design of primary sedimentation tanks?
A) Biological oxidation
B) Gravity separation of suspended solids
C) Chemical coagulation
D) Filtration through media beds
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Primary sedimentation relies on gravity to allow heavier suspended solids to settle
out of the wastewater stream .
Question 5
What is the function of a primary clarifier's scum skimmer?
A) To aerate settled sludge
B) To remove floating materials like grease and oils
Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I Exam Actual
Test Questions and Correct Answers With
Rationales LATEST THIS YEAR
Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I certification exam tests advanced knowledge of biological
wastewater treatment systems, including preliminary treatment, primary sedimentation, activated
sludge processes (including BNR and nutrient removal), trickling filters, rotating biological contactors
(RBCs), lagoon systems, tertiary filtration, disinfection (chlorine, UV, ozone), sludge handling and
thickening, anaerobic digestion, solids dewatering, biosolids management per 40 CFR Part 503,
laboratory procedures (BOD, TSS, MLSS, SVI, F/M ratio), process control calculations, safety and
confined space entry, SCADA systems, and regulatory compliance under the Georgia Water Quality
Control Act and Clean Water Act NPDES permitting . Class I applicants must hold a Class II certification
prior to examination and have 24-36 months of experience depending on education level . Candidates
may take the exam before completing experience but cannot apply for certification until experience
requirements are met .
, Page 2 of 137
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of advanced screening technologies in preliminary wastewater treatment?
A) To remove nutrients from wastewater
B) To eliminate large solids and debris early in the process
C) To disinfect the wastewater
D) To adjust pH levels before secondary treatment
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Advanced screening removes large solids and debris that could damage equipment
or hinder subsequent treatment processes .
Question 2
Which type of grit removal system utilizes aeration to facilitate grit settling?
A) Vortex grit chamber
B) Inclined plate grit chamber
, Page 3 of 137
C) Aerated grit chamber
D) Clarifier
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Aerated grit chambers introduce air to help settle out grit particles more effectively .
Question 3
Flow equalization is primarily used to:
A) Remove phosphorus from wastewater
B) Balance flow fluctuations to stabilize downstream processes
C) Disinfect the influent
D) Remove grease and oil
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Flow equalization helps manage variable flow rates, ensuring consistent influent
conditions for treatment units .
, Page 4 of 137
Question 4
Which principle is most applicable in the design of primary sedimentation tanks?
A) Biological oxidation
B) Gravity separation of suspended solids
C) Chemical coagulation
D) Filtration through media beds
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Primary sedimentation relies on gravity to allow heavier suspended solids to settle
out of the wastewater stream .
Question 5
What is the function of a primary clarifier's scum skimmer?
A) To aerate settled sludge
B) To remove floating materials like grease and oils
