2009 AOSE Written Test Dates and Study Guide

Test Dates and Locations

2008 Dates: November 12th, December 17th

2009 Dates: January 14th, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th

Type of Test: AOSE Written

Location: 109 Governor St., Fifth floor
                Richmond, VA

Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Contact: Duke Price

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Suggested Reading and Study Materials for the AOSE Written Test

1. Pump System Design for the EHS and AOSE
2. Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations
3. Commonwealth of Virginia Private Well Regulations
4. AOSE Regulations
5. Guidance, Memoranda and Policy (GMP), #1-3, 5-8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 26, 31, 32, 34-36, 38, 40-43, 45, 50-55, 57, 60-63, 65, 66, 71-78, 80, 82-85, 89, 91, 93-117. Virginia Department of Health
6. The Nature and Properties of Soils, 12th Edition by Nyle C. Brady and Ray Weil.
7. Environmental Engineering and Sanitation, 4th Edition by Joseph Salvato.
8. "Potential for Contamination of Ground and Surface Waters from On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems" by M.H. Stolt and R. B. Reneau, Jr.
9. "Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems" Design Manual by the Environmental Protection Agency.
10. "Soil Profile Description Manual" by William J. Edmunds.
11. "Mathematics for the Environmental Health Specialist" prepared by the Virginia Department of Health using the original manuscript from J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College

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Designated Field Examiners

• Jay Conta, Henrico County area
• Dwayne Roadcap, Albemarle County area
• Gary Whitley, Southwest Virginia area
• Tim Jones, Petersburg area
• Tim Baker, Smith Mountain Lake area
• Charles Leonard, Petersburg area
• Gary Gilliam, Appomattox County area
• Dave Tiller, James City County area
• Danna Revis, Hanover County area
• Carol Lien, Hanover County area
• Beth Manghi, Hanover County area
• Phil Cobb, Augusta County area
• Eric Royer, Amherst County area
• Jay Duell, Western Tidewater Health District

The written test begins at 10:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM. The test is conducted at the Division of Onsite Sewage and Water Services, Fifth Floor, Madison Building, 109 Governor Street, Richmond Virginia 23219. The multiple choice test is closed book with about 100 questions and a minimum score of 78 percent is necessary to pass. All questions are taken from the suggested reading materials.

Applicants should bring a calculator, Munsell Color Chart, pen(s) or pencil(s), and scale.

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Field Examinations

After passing the written test, the AOSE applicant may schedule a field examination by paying a $100.00 fee to the Office of Environmental Health Services, 5th Floor Madison Building, 109 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. The check should be payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. With your check, you must include in which physiographic province (Ridge & Valley, Coastal Plain, Piedmont, or Blue Ridge) you want to take the field exam. The Department will notify you who is available to conduct the test. You and the Designated Field Examiner (DFE) will be responsible for arranging a testing date and time. The DFE will specify the location of the test within the physiographic region you choose. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate competence in relevent site evaluation skills. The time it will take to accomplish this will vary between applicants and DFEs. Generally it is advisable to allow about 4 hours for the review.

Applicants should be prepared to draft a permit for the construction of a sewage disposal system and water supply. This permit may include a simple pump system design. You should bring the following equipment with you for the field test:

1.) Hand auger

2.) Scale

3.) Notebook

4.) Clinometer

5.) Locke level

6.) Water bottle

7.) Tripod building level

8.) Munsell Color Charts

9.) Pencil(s) and Pen(s)

In order to pass the field exam, the DFE must state that you have demonstrated minimum knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) in the specified testing areas. An overall minimum rating of “Satisfactory” is necessary to pass the field exam.

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