Education






Staying certified...

requirements include obtaining 20 Continuing Educations Units (CEU's) within a three year period or retaking the Certification Exam and score at least a 70%.

Visit the SWANA website for training venues



Three reasons to be certified:

  • Empowers you with the latest information
  • Creates networking opportunities with fellow professionals
  • Identifies you as an asset to the industry

Certification


In 2005 the board authorized submission of an application to the New York State Education Department to allow the NY Chapter to issue continuing education credit for each of the Chapter sponsored programs. In 2011 the board authorized submittal of the renewal application and will be able to offer continuing education credit for our Chapter sponsored technical programs into 2014! Questions regarding the Chapter’s continuing education program can be addressed to Mark Swyka, P.E. of Cornerstone Environmental Group, LLC.


For more information on registration, exam dates and recertification visit National SWANA Certification.


Certifications offered for Disciplines in the areas of:

  • Landfill Management
  • Transfer Systems
  • Collection Systems
  • Recycling Systems
  • MSW Systems Management
  • Composting Programs (SWANA/USCC)
  • Construction & Demolition (SWANA/CMRA)

Each discipline also has at least two levels of certification: Manager and Technical Associate. Landfill Management also has a third level: Inspector.


How to apply for Certification

Step 1. Register to take a certification exam at any of SWANA’s Testing Centers by filling out a registration and returning it to SWANA. A list of testing dates can be found at www.swana.org. There is a testing fee of US $125 for SWANA Members and US $250 for Non-members.
Note: Certification Applications will be distributed to students the day of their Certification Examination. This application must be turned in with the examination. Failure to do so may result in delay of Certification.

Step 2. Complete the attached certification application. The application must be submitted if you are interested in becoming certified. The Code of Ethics form must be signed before an application can begin the certification process.

Step 3. Once you have completed steps 1 and 2, passed the exam, and pending application approval, you will be SWANA Certified.



Certified Manager Qualifications for Each Discipline

  • High School Degree or GED; and
  • Minimum of 5 years experience in Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management (4 year degree in a related field may be substituted for up to 2 years); and
  • Minimum of 2 years experience in management/supervisory position* in the discipline for which you are applying; and
  • Receive a passing grade on the examination.

Technical Associate Qualification for Each Discipline

  • High School Degree or GED; and
  • Involved in the planning, design, implementation, operation or promotion in the MSW field, but do not fit into the above category, i.e., consultants, planners, vendors, regulators, etc.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience in management/supervisory position* in the discipline for which you are applying; and
  • Receive a passing grade on the examination.

Inspector Qualifications for the Landfill Discipline

  • High School Degree or GED; and
  • Minimum of 5 years experience in IMSWM; and
  • Minimum of 2 years experience as an inspector** of MSW landfills, and currently in that position; and
  • Receive a passing grade on the examination.