The Water Systems Certification Study Guide has been created as a tool to assist Water Systems operators in the state in preparation for taking the New Mexico Distribution Systems Operator, Small Water Systems Operator, and Water Systems Operator certification exams. There are three classes of Distribution Systems Operator certification, two classes of Small Water Systems Operator certification, and four classes of Water System Operator certification. The guide is not intended to be a complete reference manual for technical information. Its purpose is to guide the reader to study material for each of the major subject areas for each of the classes. There is no implied claim that this study guide covers every possible point on which an operator may be tested. However, it is intended to be comprehensive in its coverage of the essential information for each exam.

The study guide is divided into thirteen chapters and one appended module from the US Environmental Protection Agency on planning for and responding to drinking water contamination threats and incidences. Each chapter in the study guide has basic and advanced study questions and sample test questions that are intended help the individual determine the type of information that is covered in an exam. Basic questions will generally cover information in the Small Water Systems exams and the Class 1 and 2 for Water Systems and Distribution Systems exams. Advanced questions will cover information in the Water Systems Class 3 and 4 and Distribution Systems Class 3 exams. The study questions and sample test questions are designed to direct the reader to exam information that is related to the chapter topics. There is only one correct answer for the Sample Test Questions. No answer sheet is provided.