On July 1, 2007, The American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) begun to receive applications for certification of Hydrologic Technicians throughout the United States and many international countries. This program is open to all categories of Hydrologic Technician and all levels of experience. This page discusses the formation of the certification program and the application process to become certified. A brief history of the development of this program will help understand the importance of the program.

    The Need for the Hydrologic Technician Program

    For many years, the members of AIH have discussed the value of certifying hydrologic technicians. It has been duly noted that the success of any hydrology project always depends on the training and experience of technicians that collect the data or make the analyses. A properly certified Hydrologic Technician provides another level of reliability and assurance that hydrology was conducted in accordance with current standards. Certification of technicians is a natural extension to professional certification and to the support of hydrology as a meaningful science. Public agencies and industry are concerned about the way data are collected with respect to standards and usability. They desire some way to define the competence of those employees that collect data used in water-resource decision making.

    The Organizing Committee

    AIH formed a committee combining professional hydrologists and senior level hydrologic technicians from the public and private sectors to develop a certification program for hydrologic technicians.The Hydrologic Technician Certification Committee under direction of the Executive Committee of AIH developed implementation of a program to include hydrologic technicians in our Institute. The program is designed to certify the qualifications of those that are responsible for collecting, quality assuring, and compiling the data used in hydrology. The plan is to certify hydrologic technicians at three levels within each sub-discipline (water-quality, surface-water, and ground water). Each level will have specific continuing education, experience, and testing requirements. These requirements were developed from a set of outlines compiled by members of the committee and vetted through industry, academia, and government. A fee schedule was set with Executive Committee approval. These professionals comprised the founding Committee:Chairperson: Emitt Witt, PH
    USGS Mid-Continent Geographic Science CenterJack Doyle
    USGS Idaho Water Science CenterCassidy Luebbring
    MEC Water Resources, IncDave Adams
    USGS Oklahoma Water Science CenterBob Whitaker
    USGS Missouri Water Science CenterBrian Mailot
    USGS Ohio Water Science CenterFred Morris
    USGS retiredTony Laenen, PH
    AIH PresidentRolando Bravo, PH
    AIH Executive Director

    By a vote of our membership, two sections of an Article were amended to our Constitution. Section 1 addresses the creation of a Technical Division to include hydrologic technician members, and Section 2 addresses the management of that Division. Division status is the most efficient way to include technicians in our organization and give them the autonomy they need to move forward and grow.Article XX. Technical Division

    Section 1. Creation. The Institute may create a Technical Division to operate under separate by-laws and under the Institute’s oversight. The mission of the Division will be to qualify and certify Hydrologic Technicians. The process to create a Division must be voted by two-thirds or more affirmative vote of all votes received from voting Members, through a mail ballot. A vote by the Institute’s Professional Membership on such a change will use a time schedule and procedure determined by the Executive Committee, upon receipt and acceptance by the Institute of by-laws for the intended Division.

    Section 2. Management. The Technical Division will elect a Management Committee to be composed of a Chairperson and elected officers as defined in Division Bylaws. The duties of the Division Management Committee shall be to accomplish the business of the Division as described in the Division Bylaws. The Chairperson of the Division will serve as a member of the Institute’s Executive Committee as a representative of the Technical Division.

    Why Certify as a Hydrologic Technician?

    • To gain recognition as being important participant in hydrology work.
    • Certification is intended to give credentials. It is an endorsement by peers and professionals in the field of hydrology.
    • The public and professional can rely on the work of the Hydrologic Technician to provide credible and reliable data.
    • To give potential employers assurance that a future employee will give qualified performance.
    • To establish credentials for hydrologic technicians and thus allow an employer to demonstrate data-collection competence in their portfolio.
    • To emphasize the importance of high-quality data collection for hydrologic studies. Good data collection supports the science of hydrology.
    • To demonstrate discipline-level competence.

    What Does the Hydrologic Technician Do for You?

    Hydrologic Technicians at all levels works closely with Project Professionals, usually a Certified Professional Hydrologist, a Professional Engineer, or Professional Hydrogeologist in planning and conducting their project activities.

    The value of the hydrologic technician to the hydrology profession is demonstrated everyday as they collect data in all weather conditions and environments, ensure representative procedures are used, ensure the proper collection of more uniform and reliable data and follow proper quality assurance procedures.

    Some field activities a hydrologic technician performs:

    Stream gage operation, maintenance, and data retrievalDischarge measurementInstrument calibrationRecord keepingWater quality sample collectionInstrument repair and troubleshootingSurveyingWell drilling Data compilation and reviewDatabase managementWeb site maintenancePublish data reportsEvaluate new instrumentationDevelop new instrumentation, andGround water level monitoring

    Fee Structure

    • Application fee = $50
    • Test fee = $200; Test is Waived until 2009 for Charter Technician Members
    • Certification dues for each level = $90
    • Certificate cost:
      • Level I = $25
      • Level II = $25
      • Level III = $35

    The Certification Program

    The Hydrologic Technician Certification Program has been structured on an experience level and discipline category approach. There are three experience levels defined by education and length in service. There are three discipline categories; surface water, ground water, and water quality. Each level requires the candidate to pass a written test. Each test is composed of 100 multiple choice questions. To become certified in one of these levels, the candidate must meet the requirements of that level, as follows:

    • Upon approval as a Certified Hydrologic Technician, AIH will notify you of your achievement. At that time we will send you documents on the proper use of your certification and other information, including a request form for your Certificate.
    • A Certificate and membership card is issued by the Institute. The Certificate shall show the specialty and the full name of the member and will be signed by the Chair of the Board of Registration and by the President of the Institute. Failure to pay for the Certificate within 60 days of notification shall cause the membership to lapse. The Certificate shall expire on December 31 of each year unless renewed. The Certificate shall remain the property of AIH and must be returned if membership lapses.

    Level I Certification: All-Disciplines (General)

    Requirements: This level requires at a minimum one year practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician or an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum of 12 hours of water related coursework.

    To achieve the Level I certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline:

    Level I Test Structure

    • General Surface Water Techniques 30%
    • General Ground Water Techniques 30%
    • General Water Quality Techniques 30%
    • Basic Electronics 5%
    • Field Safety 5%
    General Surface Water Techniques – 30%StreamflowStreamflow measurementCurrent meter types and careMeasurement errorRole of the Stage-Discharge relationDepth measurement rulesTopographic map navigationData CollectionInterrogating /servicing data loggerDownloading data from loggerGage maintenanceGage construction and operationLocating stream gagesTypes of stage sensing instrumentsPower considerationsChannel characteristics – open-channel hydraulicsGage station control characteristicsCorrection (shifts) for damaged, changed, or obstructed controlsMeasurement cross sectionsChannel bottom characteristicsFlow considerations – low flow, channel lossesLimnologyStratification Principles (Thermal and oxygen)Sampling equipment and operationLake data collection techniquesGeneral Ground Water Techniques – 30%
    Well typesDrilled wells – no casingDrilled and cased wells – screensWell loggingLocating and plotting – water table mapsSeismologyWater level measurementTapesIn-situ probed and floatsCollection methodsMaintenanceRecord keeping    		General Water Quality Techniques – 30%Surface water samplersTypesUseMaintenanceGround water samplersTypesUseMaintenanceField measurementspHSpecific conductanceDissolved oxygenTemperatureGeneral sampling procedureEnsuring representativenessEqual width increment sampleEqual discharge increment samplePreservationRecord keepingBasic Electronics – 5%AC/DC circuitsGround Fault circuitsRepairing and splicing wiresTesting battery voltagesOther questions related to the HIF basic electronics courseSafety – 5%Proper floatation equipmentWaders and wading beltsElectronic equipment around waterTraffic controlBridge measurementsWading measurementsCableway measurementsHot and Cold weather survival

    Level II Certification: Discipline Specific

    • Application Form
    • Reference Form
    • Specific to surface water, ground water, or water quality.
    • Must have a minimum of 5 years practical experience.
    • Must have a minimum of 12 continuing education credit hours in the discipline specific field (there will be exceptions).
    • Must pass a 100 question multiple-choice test.
    Level II Surface WaterLevel II Ground WaterLevel II Water Quality
    Requirements: This level requires at a minimum 5 years practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician and a minimum of 12 continuing education credits in surface water hydrology, field techniques, and advanced monitoring equipment.To achieve the Level II certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline:Requirements: This level requires at a minimum 5 years practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician and a minimum of 12 continuing education credits hours in ground-water/surface-water relationships, field techniques, and quality assurance.To achieve the Level II certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline:Requirements: This level requires at a minimum 5 years practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician and a minimum of 12 continuing education credits hours in the field of water quality to include sedimentation, chemistry, and biology.To achieve the Level II certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline:
    Level II
    Surface Water Test Structure    Surface Water Techniques 50%Specialized Techniques Not Related to In-stream Flow 20%Electronics/Field Repair 10%Safety 20%    		Level II
    Ground Water Test Structure    Ground Water Field Techniques 50%Ground Water Data Review 15%Ground Water Measurement Equipment 20%Safety 15%    		Level II
    Water Quality Test Structure    Water Quality Field Techniques 50%Water Quality Data Review and Validation 15%Field Measurement Equipment 25%Safety (HAZWOPER focused) 10%
    Surface Water Techniques – 50%Advanced Measurement of StreamflowTypes of measurement devices and their applicationPrice meterPygmy meterDoppler meterWeir and flume measurementsVolumetric measurementDye injection techniquesOther techniques
    – i. Flood measurement techniques and rules
    – ii. Low-flow measurement techniques and rules
    – iii. Very-slow flow measurement with weighted floats and rods
    – iv. Measurement under iceStage Data CollectionInterrogating /servicing data loggerDownloading data from loggerMeasurement of stageDevices for transmission of dataOverall gage maintenanceChecking data transmissions from field and officeProper logging configuration to collect and transmit dataObtaining peak-stage informationData Analysis and ReviewMeasurement errorsRating curve developmentShiftsBackwaterAnalysis of station recordCorrelation of dataGage Construction and OperationChoosing the location of a stream gageChoosing the type of stage sensing instrumentsDetermining the need for a velocity sensorUse of solar panelsLocating a satellite antennaSpecialized Techniques Not Related to In-stream Flow – 20%Use of Climatologic equipmentTipping-bucket and volumetric rain gagesAnemometers, solar radiation, relative humidity, temperatureMeasurement of evaporation and transpirationMeasurement of water temperatureUse of piezometers in groundwater flowSnow hydrology equipmentsnow pillow and snow depth measurementsnow moisture measurementSoil moisture lysimeter measurementElectronics/Field Repair – 10%AC/DC circuitsGround Fault circuitsSatellite and Radio telemetryCellular phonesOther questions related to the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility basic electronics courseSafety – 20%Proper floatation equipmentWaders and wading beltsElectronic equipment around waterTraffic controlBridge measurementsWading measurementsCableway measurementsBoat SafetyHot and Cold weather survivalFirst Aid equipment needed    		Ground Water Field Techniques – 50%ProtocolsWater level measurementData collection and processingSensor accuracySite identificationField computers-laptop, PDAWell drilling, installation and developmentSurveying-latitude, longitude, elevation, datum, coordinate systemsInstrumentsElectric tapes, steel tapes, casing indicators, interface probesData recordersSurveying-GPS, total station, etc.Geophysical logging equipment-caliper, temperature, down hole cameras, etc.Instrument record keeping and field notesTrouble shooting and calibrationPiezometersPumps-well development, samplingSensorsWater levelContinuous-transducer, float, encoderManual-electric tape, steel tape, etc.Cleaning and decontaminationCalibrationRangeInstallationDomestic and monitoring wellsPower systemsSafety procedures for sensor installationEquipment sheltersGround Water Data Review – 15%Field notesData entryCalibration recordsWater level calculation reviewUnits of measurementData correctionsDatum shiftsData basesComparison of continuous data with instantaneous measurementsData archivingGround Water Measurement Equipment – 20%Analog vs. DigitalContinuous monitor theory, uses, calibration, and record keepingElectronic equipment care and sheltersProgrammingUnits conversion (PSI to feet H2O)Safety – 15%Traffic Control PlansDrill rigsVehicleOperationProper storage of equipmentSafety cages and other devicesTools and roadside safety equipmentFirst AidOpen woundsCPRBites and stingsFirst Aid kitsShockHeat exhaustionCold weather exposureHAZWOPER Certification QuestionsWeather hazardsWildlife hazardsWater Quality Field Techniques – 50%ProtocolsConcept of Representative SamplingBacteria collection and ProcessingAlkalinity ProcessingSample PreservationRepresentative Sampling -Equal Discharge Increment and Equal Width IncrementSediment and bed materialPesticide and other organicsCarbon and chlorophyllNPDES Federal storm waterUSGS Parts Per BillionInstrument CalibrationpH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity–procedureFrequency of calibrationInstrument Record keeping and Field NotesTrouble shooting calibration problemsSamplersTypes of surface water samplersP61, D95, D96, DH81, BM54, D74, Frame Sampler, Van Dorn, weighted bottle, etcCalibrationSampler specific uses-pesticide and other organics, sediment, inorganic, storm water, lake or pondSampler prep and cleaningOrganic SamplingInorganic SamplingMicrobiological SamplingSampler DeploymentBridge and Boat CranesReels, cables, and maintenancePower systemsSafety procedures for sampler deploymentGround Water SamplingPumps, bailers, and dedicated samplersProcedures for representative samplingSampling potentially hazardous GWWaste considerationsLimnologyData sounded operation and maintenanceBathymetric survey equipment operation (sounder, GPS, DCP)Phyto- and zooplankton sampling and analysisMacrophyte identificationLake DynamicsWater Quality Data Review and Validation – 15%Field notesData EntryCalibration recordsDischarge measurement reviewUnits of measurementCation-Anion BalanceChain-of-custodyComparison with QW StandardsState vs. Federal StandardsCWA 303(d) stream reachesField Measurement Equipment – 25%Analog vs. DigitalIon specific electrodesContinuous monitor theory, uses, calibration, and record keepingSpecific ion or compound testingGas ChromatographHACH kitsImmunoassayElectronic equipment care in the fieldSafety (HAZWOPER focused) – 10%Traffic Control PlansBoat Operators SafetyOperationEquipment StorageMaintenanceVehicleOperationProper storage of equipmentSafety cages and other devicesTools and roadside safety equipmentFirst AidOpen woundsCPRBites and stingsFirst Aid kitsShockHeat ExhaustionCold Weather exposureRiver and Dam SafetyWading below damsWhen to wadeDebris flow considerationsHAZWOPER Certification Questions

    Level III Certification: Discipline Specific

    • Application Form
    • Reference Form
    • Specific to surface water, ground water, or water quality.
    • Must have 12 years practical experience.
    • Must have 24 hours of continuing education in the field of hydrology and database management.
    • Must pass a 100 question multiple-choice test.
    Level III Surface WaterLevel III Ground WaterLevel III Water Quality
    Requirements: This level requires at a minimum 12 years practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician and a minimum of 24 continuing education credits hours in surface water hydrology, field techniques, and advanced monitoring equipment.To achieve the Level III certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline.Requirements: This level requires at a minimum 12 years practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician and a minimum of 24 continuing education credits hours in ground water science and field techniques.To achieve the Level III certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline.Requirements: This level requires at a minimum 12 years practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician and a minimum of 24 continuing education credits hours in the field of water quality to include sedimentation, chemistry, database management and biology.To achieve the Level III certification, an applicant must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test that includes the specialty areas in the following outline.
    Level III
    Surface Water Test Structure    Advanced surface water techniques 60%Specialized techniques not related to in-stream flow 10%Electronic/Field Repair 10%Safety 15%Public Relations 5%    		Level III
    Ground Water Test Structure    Advanced ground water concepts 60%Resource knowledge 15%Network design and decision-making 5%Safety 15%Public relations 5%    		Level III
    Water Quality Test Structure    Water quality concepts 60%Resource knowledge 15%Network design and decision-making 10%Public Relations 5%Safety 10%
    Advanced Surface Water Techniques – 60%Advanced Measurement of Streamflow and TheoryCollection of velocity and discharge in complex situations (i.e. regulated flow)Definitions and termsArtificial stream channel controlsComplex hydraulic measurements and computationsWeirsContracted openingsStep-backwaterOpen-Channel Hydraulics (basic principles)Identifying backwater situationsSlope-area measurementsChoosing a siteLocating high-water marksManning’s roughness coefficientUsing culvert control as a measurementSand and gravel channel dynamicsGage Construction and OperationCableway design and constructionAlternatives to cablewaysGaging station location reconnaissance and determinationData Analysis and ReviewComplex ratingsStage/fall ratingsVelocity index ratings (i.e. ADVM’s. etc)Ratings in tidal conditionsRatings for hydraulic structures (i.e. navigation locks, Tainter gates)Statistical methods of estimating dischargeReview of station recordSpecialized Techniques not related to in-stream flow – 10%LimnologyBathymetric data collection and analysisSonar, GPS, and other limnology physical measurement equipmentTurbidityInstrumentationSample collectionUse of Climatologic equipmentTipping-bucket and volumetric rain gagesAnemometers, solar radiation, relative humidity, temperatureMeasurement of evaporation and transpirationMeasurement of water temperatureUse of piezometers in groundwater flowSnow hydrology equipmentSnow pillow and snow depth measurementSnow moisture measurementSoil moisture lysimeter measurementElectronics/Field Repair – 10%
    This category will focus on instructing subordinate employees on troubleshooting faulty instrumentation in the field.Electrical hazards (GFI circuits)Calibration of electromagnetic current metersRepair to water level measuring devicesBattery testing and replacementWhat should be fixed in the field and what should notComputer hardware and software as it relates to data collection and instrument calibrationSatellite antennasSolar panelsOther power sourcesSafety – 15%Facilitating safety meetingsTopic developmentCommunicating safetyRecord keeping and Workman CompensationIdentifying unsafe conditionsVehiclesBoatsAirplanesHelicoptersBridges and damsIceCold and hot weatherEquipment inspectionDeveloping Traffic Control Plans (OSHA available)Sign placementTraffic considerationsCones and markersRight of way and rules of roadCommunicationFirst Aid-AdvancedPublic Relations – 5%PresentationsPublic speakingInterviews    		Ground Water Concepts – 60%HydrologyHydrologic CycleAquifer properties-porosity, hydraulic conductivity, etc.Potentiometric surface mapsGround water/surface water interactionsGeologyGeologic formationsConfined and unconfined aquifersWell logsGeophysical logsField Program Operation and MaintenanceVehiclesSensors, pumps, note sheetsScheduling field duties and personnelSite selectionWell completion and developmentRecord keeping and reviewData preparation and analysisQuality assurance of dataEquipment inventoryAquifer tests and slug testsResource Knowledge – 15%Federal agency technical publicationsProtocols and methodsState agency technical publicationsStatutory regulationsGeology and natural resource agency methodsDecision making and Leadership – 10%Network designSelecting monitoring sitesRoutine and synoptic sitesTraining subordinate employeesSafety – 10%Facilitating safety meetingsTopic developmentCommunicating safetyRecord keeping and Workman CompensationIdentifying unsafe conditions (Job Hazard Analysis)VehiclesBoatsAirplanesHelicoptersIceCold and hot weatherEquipment inspectionElectrical hazardsDeveloping Traffic Control Plans (OSHA available)Sign placementTraffic considerationsCones and markersRight of way and rules of roadCommunicationFirst AidOpen woundsCPRBites and stingsFirst Aid kitsShockHeat ExhaustionCold weather exposurePublic Relations – 5%PresentationsPublic speakingInterviewsWater Quality Concepts – 60%ChemistryRock-Water interactionSolubilityCations and AnionsOrganic compoundsIsotope hydrologyRedox potential and equilibriumAnalysis considerationsPreservativesHydrologic cycleSoil Water ChemistryBiologyIndicator bacteriaMacro invertebratesTissue samplingBio samplersQuality assuranceReporting and publicationField Program Operation and MaintenanceVehiclesFilters, pumps, tubing, note sheetsScheduling field dutiesRecord keeping and reviewLimnologyBathymetric data analysis (spatial-GIS)Sampling system designData presentationTrophic statusReservoirs versus natural lakesResource Knowledge – 15%Federal agency technical publicationsUSGS methodsUSEPA methodsOther published methodsState agency technical publicationsStatutory regulationsGeology and natural resource agency methodsNetwork Design and Decision making – 10%Network designSelecting continuous monitoring sitesStorm water, routine, synopticTraining subordinate employeesSafety – 10%Facilitating safety meetingsTopic developmentCommunicating safetyRecord keeping and Workman CompensationIdentifying unsafe conditionsVehiclesBoatsAirplanesHelicoptersBridges and damsIceCold and hot weatherEquipment inspectionDeveloping Traffic Control Plans (OSHA available)Sign placementTraffic considerationsCones and markersRight of way and rules of roadCommunicationFirst Aid-Advanced