OWRP
Onsite Wastewater Registration Program
 
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OWRP
Important Information... Critical Deadlines for Registration
Ensure all assessment issues regarding the requirements for education and training are resolved for course requirements, challenge exams and education equivalencies prior to January 31, 2005. This is necessary for the 'required' Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) registration process to proceed for completion by June 1, 2005.
An 'Application for Registration' must be in the hands of the ASTTBC Registration Department no later than March 31, 2005 to ensure that the registration process can be completed by June 1st, 2005. For example, if the applicant's required confidential 'reference' forms are not returned to ASTTBC in a timely manner, for presentation to the Onsite Wastewater Registration Board (OWRB), this could delay the applicant's registration. It is recommended that you make application to ASTTBC by March 31, 2005 even if you have not yet completed all the training requirements.
Now Available...
An Application Request has been posted on the OWRP web site to allow prospective registrants with Internet access to request an OWRP Application Package via our web site.
If you have reviewed the requirements for registration and your present qualifications meet the education and experiential requirements, click here to request an Application Package online...
click here to REQUEST APPLICATION
Registration Requirements...

The following is a synopsis from the OWRB Registration Policy of general registration requirements as well as the specific requirements for each of the categories available to those providing onsite wastewater services.
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Planner (site assessor)
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Installer
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Maintenance Provider
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Private Inspector
 
6.0
Registration - General
6.1
General Requirements
The Board shall approve the Registration of an applicant who proves to the satisfaction of the Board that:
(a) The applicant is of good character and reputation;
(b) The applicant is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
(c) The applicant is of the minimum age for Registration which is 19 years old; and
(d) The applicant's education and experience meet the requirements of the Board.
The Board must approve the individual's Registration unless there is insufficient documentation to substantiate that the applicant meets the Registration requirements. In the event of a refusal under 6.1(a) the matter must be in writing, recognized by the Chair and immediately referred to the Registrar for consideration by the ASTTBC Practice Review Board.
6.2
Registration for Installers Prior to June 1, 2005
To meet program start up constraints and to improve the competency of current industry onsite wastewater practitioners, some requirements for registration may be waived to allow for a registration in the Category of Installer, prior to June 1, 2005. The pre-June 1, 2005 registered practitioner who has the Installer status must meet certain minimum education and experience levels, as determined by the Board. These individuals will be required to upgrade their credentials by June 1, 2007 to maintain their registered practitioner status.
6.3
Restrictions or Conditions of Registration
The Board, at its discretion, may provide the registered practitioner registration to individuals with restrictions or conditions per the Regulation section 6 (2). In the Northern Interior Health Authority region, registrants wanting to plan and install in accordance to the Standard Practice Manual, onsite sewerage systems for single family homes, not exceeding four bedrooms, using a Type 1 treatment method that uses gravity laterals for dispersal into the drain field or a Type 1 treatment method that uses a lagoon for dispersal, are required to complete the WOWTC Course ES912 for registration as a ROWP. The ROWP registrants are restricted in the provision of onsite wastewater services to the aforementioned systems.
6.4
Soliciting Additional References
The Board, at its discretion, may solicit confidential Reference sources as to the applicant's work history, good character and reputation, in addition to those indicated by the applicant. An example of this could be a request to the local Health Authority for a Reference on the applicant. In the event that a Board-solicited Reference declines to reply to the request the Board will take note of this information and will not construe it as a negative statement regarding the application.
6.5
Registration and Eligibility Requirements
An applicant is eligible for Registration provided the applicant's education plus experience qualifications demonstrate an intent and ability to become registered in one or more of the Registration Categories. The pre-requisites for Registration for each Category are as follows:
6.5.1 Planner return to top
An applicant is required to meet the requirements below to be registered as competent to provide planning services for Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems, as defined in the Regulation and the Standard Practice Manual.
6.5.1.1
Level Type 1 and Type 2
(a) Verification of three (3) years minimum experience of planning and supervision of Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems.
(b) Three (3) References that will attest to the satisfaction of the applicant's planning services provided for Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems.
(c) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES910, ES911, ES920 and ES930 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(d) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater Planning.
(e) Successful completion of the CTHRB Professionalism in Practice Self-Assessment Module.
(f) Successful completion of the ASTTBC Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
(g) Completion of a signed letter agreeing to the ASTTBC Privacy Policy.
6.5.1.2
Level Type 3
(TO BE DEVELOPED FOR AScTs and CTechs with APEGBC, BCOSSA and Others)
6.5.2 Installer return to top
An applicant is required to meet the requirements below to be registered as competent to provide installation services for Type 1 and Type 2 or Type 3 sewerage systems, as defined in the Regulation and the Standard Practice Manual.
6.5.2.1
Level Type 1 and Type 2
(a) Verification of two (2) years minimum experience of installing Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems.
(b) Two (2) References from individuals who will attest to their satisfaction with the applicant's installation of sewerage systems. After June 1, 2005 these References should be from authorized persons.
(c) Two (2) References from past or present clients who will attest to their satisfaction with the applicant's installations for Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems.
(d) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES910, ES911, ES940 and ES941 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(e) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater Installations.
(f) Successful completion of the CTHRB Professionalism in Practice Self-Assessment Module.
(g) Successful completion of the ASTTBC Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
(h) Completion of a signed letter agreeing to the ASTTBC Privacy Policy.
6.5.2.2
Requirements Waived to June 1, 2005
Applications for Registration received prior to June 1, 2005 may have the following requirements waived from Section 6.5.2.1:
(a) Courses ES940 and ES941 (required to be completed by June 1, 2007),
(b) References required in item (b) and
(c) Completion of item (f), the CTHRB Professionalism in Practice Self-Assessment Module (required to be completed by December 31, 2005).
6.5.2.3
Level Type 3
(a) Successful completion of the pre-requisites in section 6.5.2.1.
(b) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES942, ES943 and ES944 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(c) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater Installations.
(d) Three (3) References from a professional registered with the ASTTBC or another professional regulated under appropriate professional legislation and who has experience in Onsite Wastewater systems.
6.5.3 Maintenance Provider return to top
The Applicant is required to meet the requirements below to be registered as competent to provide maintenance services for Type 1 and Type 2 or Type 3 sewerage systems, as defined by the Regulation and the Standard Practice Manual.
6.5.3.1
Level Type 1 and Type 2
(a) Verification of three (3) years minimum experience of maintaining Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems.
(b) Three (3) References from individuals who will attest to their satisfaction of the maintenance of Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems. After June 1, 2005 these References should be from authorized persons.
(c) Three (3) References from past or present clients attesting to their satisfaction of the applicant's maintenance of Type 1 and Type 2 sewerage systems.
(d) In the case of treatment plants, a listing of the units and the approximate number of each brand and type that you have maintained.
(e) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES910, ES911 and ES950 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(f) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater System Maintenance.
(g) Successful completion, by program registrants, of the CTHRB Professionalism in Practice Self-Assessment Module.
(h) Successful completion of the ASTTBC Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
(i) Completion of a signed letter agreeing to the ASTTBC Privacy Policy.
6.5.3.2
Level Type 3
(a) Successful completion of the pre-requisites in section 6.5.3.1
(b) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES943 and ES951 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(c) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater System Maintenance.
(d) Three (3) References from a professional registered with the ASTTBC or another professional regulated under appropriate professional legislation and who has experience in Onsite Wastewater systems.
6.5.4 Private Inspector return to top
The Applicant is required to meet the requirements below to be registered as competent to provide Private Inspector - Residential services for Type 1 and Type 2 or Type 3 sewerage systems.
6.5.4.1
Private Inspector - Residential
(a) Verification of three (3) years minimum experience in inspecting residential Type 1 and Type 2 or Type 3 sewerage systems.
(b) Three (3) References from either property owners, financial institutions, or real estate firms who may or may not have been a direct client but were affected or involved in the results of the applicant's inspection and who will attest to their satisfaction of the sewerage system inspection services provided by the applicant.
(c) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES943, ES950, ES951 and ES960 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(d) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater System Inspection.
(e) Successful completion, by program registrants, of the CTHRB Professionalism in Practice Self-Assessment Module.
(f) Successful completion of the ASTTBC Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
(g) Completion of a signed letter agreeing to the ASTTBC Privacy Policy.
6.5.4.1
Private Inspector - Commercial
(a) Verification of three (3) years minimum experience in inspecting commercial Type 1 and Type 2 or Type 3 sewerage systems.
(b) Three (3) References from either property owners, financial institutions, or real estate firms who may or may not have been a direct client but, were affected or involved in the results of the applicant's inspection and will attest to their satisfaction of the sewerage system inspection services provided by the applicant.
(c) In the case of treatment plants, a listing of the units and the approximate number of each brand and type that you have inspected.
(d) Verification of attendance and successful completion of the courses ES943, ES950, ES951 and ES960 at the WOWTC or equivalent courses from another BCOSSA credited institution or other institution outside of British Columbia, as approved by the Board, or
(e) Successful completion of the BCOSSA challenge examinations in Onsite Wastewater System Inspection.
(f) Successful completion of the CTHRB Professionalism in Practice Self-Assessment Module.
(g) Successful completion of the ASTTBC Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
(h) Completion to a signed letter agreeing to the ASTTBC Privacy Policy.
6.6
Language Proficiency
English is the accepted working language in British Columbia and, as such, each applicant for Registration must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Board, a proficiency (written and spoken) in the English language before being registered.
6.7
Education Requirements
The minimum education requirements are outlined in each Category and Level of Section 6.5 of this policy document.
6.7.1 Equivalency
All education must be evaluated and offered full equivalency where appropriate.
6.7.2 Documented Evidence of Education
The Board shall grant credit for only that education which is documented and substantiated with official evidence such as diplomas, certificates, transcripts of marks, etc. Copies of originals may be accepted if notarized or endorsed by a professional registered with ASTTBC or another professional regulated under appropriate professional legislation.
6.8
Experience Requirements
The minimum experience requirements are outlined in each Category and Level of Section 6.5 of this policy document. For Registration the applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that the required minimum of progressive, relevant experience has been attained in British Columbia.
6.8.1 Assessing Experience
To achieve Registration the applicant must have acquired the required years of accumulated experience in each Category and Level, in which Registration is sought, sufficient to demonstrate a competency in that Category and Level.
6.9
Special Consideration
Special Consideration may be granted to an applicant at the discretion of the Board. An applicant under this regulation may be required to submit to an interview or provide an extended, advanced report indicative of an onsite wastewater practitioner, detailed portfolio or any other submission, acceptable to the Board. The burden of proof upon such applicants shall be stringent. An applicant must be able to demonstrate broad technical competence and capability and provide evidence of having extensive work experience at the Category and Level of Registration for which application is being made.
(a) To be considered for Special Consideration an applicant must be functioning, by any reasonable measure, as a leading practitioner in their field. Some of the following criteria may be considered as guides when identifying applicants for Special Consideration:
 
May be recognized by their peers as authorities in their field;
May have developed a successful business in the sewerage system industry;
May have written books or articles as authorities in their field;
May be instructing at the college/institute level;
May have invented or developed special processes;
May hold a diploma, certificate or similar qualification in a related science or technology discipline; or
May exhibit other attributes demonstrating professional excellence, acceptable to the Board.
(b) Typically, a candidate for Special Consideration should have progressive experience acceptable to the Board. This experience should clearly show increasing responsibility and technical development in major competency areas.
(c) The Board may, at its sole discretion, recognize an applicant for Special Consideration.
(d) As deemed appropriate by the Board, the candidate for Special Consideration shall submit one or more of the following:
 
(i) A comprehensive portfolio submission as outlined in the submission guide for special consideration candidates.
(ii) An extended, advanced and detailed technical report on a topic acceptable to the Board, conclusively demonstrating the competencies and capabilities required for appropriate Registration in a Category and Level.
(iii) An example of current, major project work and/or extensive professional development.
The Board may, at its discretion, require additional substantiation of the above by an authorized person.
(e) The applicant may be required to submit to interview by an appointee(s) of the Board.
(f) The applicant may be required to pass an examination in professional practice.
(g) The Board reserves the right to commission an 'on-site' work audit of any applicant for Special Consideration. This service is subject to fees, payable by the applicant, as may be approved by Council from time-to-time.
(h) The Board shall exercise reasonable discretion in all matters relating to Special Consideration.
6.10
Candidate Challenge Examinations
Challenge examinations prepared by the BCOSSA may be used to meet part or all the academic requirements for Registration. The applicants for Registration as Planners, Installers, Maintenance Providers and Private Inspectors must achieve a passing mark on the examination. The passing mark will be determined by BCOSSA in consultation with the Board.
Rewrite of Challenge Examinations
Applicants for the Categories of Planner, Installer, Maintenance Provider and Private Inspector who do not achieve a passing mark on a challenge examination may, at the discretion of the Registrar, rewrite the examination. In making the determination as to whether a re-write will be allowed, the Registrar will take the following into consideration:
  • There is no course currently available in the discipline for which he/she did not get a passing mark;
  • The applicant must advise the Registrar of what steps he/she has taken to ensure that they will pass the examination;
  • The applicant must wait a minimum of three months before he/she can apply to write the examination; and
  • Extenuating circumstances such as, but not limited to, illness or injury.
The applicant shall attend a class of instruction prior to challenging an examination for a third time.
6.11
Agencies Offering Courses
The Board requires any Agency offering a course recognized for Registration to be registered with the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of BC (PPSEC of BC).
 
 
Disclaimer
These Policies, prescribed by the Council of ASTTBC are issued to the ASTTBC Certification Boards as their operational documents; they are provided on this web site for the general information of all registrants, the public and potential applicants.
ASTTBC staff are available, upon request, to provide guidance and general explanation of a Policy. In the instance that further clarification is required, such interpretation will be made by the appropriate Board or ultimately through special decisions of the Council of ASTTBC.
Constructive suggestions are welcomed and will be forwarded to the relevant Boards.
 
 
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