About Our Courses

All PSAI courses are offered periodically both in person and through live web broadcasts. Check our calendar for upcoming training opportunities and information on how to register. If you don’t see the course you want listed, contact info@psai.org or call us at +1-952-854-8300 to request that it be scheduled.

Basic Service Technician Training Series

The following courses are offered both separately and as a series. The series is designed to address the basic competencies required for success in the role of a portable sanitation professional and serves as preparation for those seeking certification through the PSAI. When taken together and followed by successful completion of the exam, these three courses will satisfy the licensing requirements in the states of Illinois and Georgia. They are also accepted for continuing education credit in many other states.

Transportation and Logistics in Portable Sanitation

This 90-minute course is designed to address the major areas of competency required for portable sanitation professionals operating vehicles and setting up sites in the field. 

You will learn how to:

  • Prepare portable sanitation equipment for safe transportation on public highways
  • Identify specific equipment and explain its function in tank vehicles, and understand the unique issues involved in transporting loads of liquid waste
  • Select sites and place equipment under a variety of conditions
  • List the relevant laws and regulations that apply to waste disposal
  • Explain the relevant vehicle inspection and maintenance protocols that pertain to most portable sanitation operations
Servicing and Maintaining Portable Sanitation Equipment

This 2-hour course is designed to teach learners about the proper use of pumping equipment, techniques for cleaning equipment in the field and on the yard, and best practices for field repair. 

You will learn how to:

  • Identify the key considerations involved in the safe and effective operation of pumping equipment
  • Clean and service the most common types of portable sanitation equipment, both in the field and on the yard
  • Adjust your procedures for cleaning in extreme temperatures
  • Conduct field repairs
Health, Safety, and Professional Excellence in Portable Sanitation

This 2.5-hour course is designed to teach learners about the responsibilities of employers and workers for safety on the job, how to minimize the risk of illness or infection from job-related exposure, and how to approach the position of portable sanitation professional for maximum success.

You will learn how to:

  • Identify and describe the required personal protective equipment for service technicians and when/how it should be worn.
  • Outline and explain the proper procedures for materials handling, spill containment, and accident/incident management that may occur on the job
  • Name the infectious diseases that are potential risks for portable sanitation technicians and how to reduce the risk of contracting them
  • Understand the record-keeping protocols that pertain to most portable sanitation operations
  • Give examples of professional demeanor and conduct in a variety of scenarios

This series of three courses will be helpful in preparation for the PSAI Certification exam.

More about Certification

Individual Courses

Portable Sanitation and Special Events

This 90-minute course is relevant to everyone working at a portable sanitation company. Service technicians, sales staff, dispatchers and office assistants will all benefit from this session.

You will learn:

  • How to communicate with customers throughout the bidding process, during the event, and at the post-event meeting.
  • Key considerations in determining the optimal number and types of portable units required.
  • Ideal and acceptable placement configuration options at various special events.
  • Specific behaviors they should employ and those they should avoid when placing, servicing, and picking up special event units.
  • The most likely areas in which problems may develop and understand the steps they can take, both proactively and reactively, to minimize their impact on a successful event.

Portable Sanitation and Work Sites

This 90-minute course is designed to assist portable sanitation operators and their teams in growing their skills and confidence in serving work site customers.

You will learn:

  • How to differentiate needs and best practices for different types of work sites
  • What you need to know regarding special types of work sites such as federal installations, schools, and big box stores
  • Key considerations in determining the optimal number and types of portable units required for work sites
  • How to identify both ideal and acceptable placement configuration options at various work sites
  • Specific behaviors you should employ and those they should avoid when placing, servicing and picking up at work sites
Portable Sanitation – Preparing for Extremes

This 90-minute course focuses on preparing you to deal effectively with the things nature can throw at your business.

You will learn:

  • Key considerations and optimal tactics for placing and servicing units subject to cold temperatures (32F/0C or below)
  • Considerations and best practices in placing and servicing units subject to hot temperatures (85F/29C or above)
  • How to identify acceptable tactics for securing units in windy conditions
  • Planning, risk management, and responses for disasters in your service area