New Process for First-Time Water Sampler Certification

NOTE: Please read the process below carefully, it has been updated for 2025.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requires that all first-time certification applicants, in addition to taking and passing the test for the online class, perform an in-person skills test in front of a certified Water Sampler.  This hands-on practicum demonstration is used to verify the applicant’s ability to perform the appropriate sampling and preservation procedures for bacteriological, VOC, SOC and IOC samples.

The new process outlined below has been designed with MDE to be used in conjunction with our online Water Sampler classes.  It does not apply to in-person classes (taught twice yearly.)

 Process for First-Time Certification Students:

  1. Prior to registration, the student must locate a currently-certified Water Sampler (“Trainer”) willing to oversee the skills demonstration, and include their name, email, and Sampler ID on the registration form.  Registration forms will not be processed without this information. If unable to obtain the assistance of a certified Water Sampler, MDE has compiled a list of samplers willing to assist.
  2. The student must attend an online Water Sampler Certification class and pass the test.
  3. MRWA will send a certificate of class completion to the student.
  4. MRWA will email a Practicum Verification Form to the Trainer — not the student.  The form will detail the exact techniques the student needs to demonstrate, and materials needed.  Please note that there is now a 90-day limit on completing the practicum and returning the form to MRWA. If the form is not returned within that time frame, the student will have to re-take the class. 
  5. Completing the practicum: The student must perform a live skills demonstration for the Trainer. If the demonstration is acceptable, the Trainer signs off on the Practicum Verification Form, verifying the student’s proficiency. If the demonstration is not acceptable, the Trainer must work with the student until they have mastered the necessary skills.
  6. The trainer returns the signed Practicum Verification Form to MRWA,  keeping copies for themselves and the student.
  7. MRWA will send the student’s class information and Practicum Verification form to MDE.
  8. MDE will issue a Water Sampler Certification card to the student within 4-6 weeks.
  9. Please note that the student may NOT submit samples to the lab until they have received their card from MDE.

See all Water Sampler classes