This comprehensive (5-day) course combines classroom instruction with extensive field and laboratory training to prepare participants for Level 3 Quality Data Collector (QDC) certification in macroinvertebrate sampling and identification.
This course covers:
The Level 3 training that we offer is highly specialized and intended for already skilled practitioners who will be assessing the biology and habitat of Ohio streams and rivers on a regular basis as well as submitting that data to Ohio EPA.
Please contact MBI before attempting to register for the Level 3 training.
Register for an upcoming course or see our previous courses.
View All Course OfferingsJun 1st - Jun 4th, 2026
MBI Office
$1,450.00
Registration is Closed
Jun 2nd - Jun 5th, 2025
Midwest Biodiversity Institute
$1,350.00
Registration is Closed
Midwest Biodiversity Institute reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any training at its discretion. If a course is cancelled, registrants will be notified promptly using the contact information provided at registration and may be given the option to either transfer to another session or receive a full refund of registration fees. As a reminder, we are not responsible for travel or other expenses incurred.
Macroinvertebrates have been used to assess river and stream health for decades. Methods for sampling macroinvertebrates can vary widely between states, as does the level to which they are identified. As such the level of taxonomy is a critical aspect of any macroinvertebrate-based assessment method. MBI offers training in bioassessment using macroinvertebrates at two levels – a) family level; and b) the lowest practical level, which is to genus or species. We offer training for two Level 3 macroinvertebrate specialties: 1) Sample Collection and Data Analysis Only, and if qualified, 2) Sample Collection/Data Analysis/Identification. For the latter, the applicant will need to be skilled in identifying macroinvertebrates to the lowest practical level at the time of the training. Although those training for the Sample Collection and Data Analysis Only need to be skilled in identifying macroinvertebrates to the family level for the identification test, all applicants will need to be skilled in collecting the genera/species that are present at a field site using the Ohio EPA qualitative dip net method.
The focus of the Level 3 training is solely on the methods and biocriteria used by Ohio EPA and as such it fulfills the training required for those pursuing Level 3 Qualified Data Collector (QDC) status under the Ohio Credible Data Program. The training also includes instruction on using the QHEI, thus fulfilling the Habitat QDC requirements for Level 3. Please note that Ohio EPA recently eliminated Level 3 as a stand-alone specialty, so obtaining Level 3 QHEI is now possible only via one of the biological assemblage specialties.
MBI and Ohio EPA work together to provide all that is necessary to obtain Level 3 QDC status under the Ohio Credible Data Program. MBI provides the facilities, equipment and materials, and conducts the training over 4 consecutive days. Ohio EPA conducts the laboratory identification testing and grading on the fifth day, and provides certification once all lab and field testing requirements have been completed and submitted by the applicant. New in 2019 are revised requirements for conducting the sampling and data analysis as part of the testing requirement by Ohio EPA (see "Please Note" below). These and other requirements will be covered in the four-day training class at MBI.
Please Note: All participants will have additional Ohio EPA requirements of collecting 3 samples on their own during the field season. Those completing Sample Collection/Data Analysis Only will also be required to have those samples analyzed by a current Level 3 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Qualified Identifier, which may incur an additional cost. Those completing Sample Collection/Data Analysis/Identification will be analyzing the samples themselves for certification.
Ohio EPA has assumed all responsibility for Level 3 testing and grading. This test covers macroinvertebrate identification of 20 specimens to family level or 25 specimens to genus or species level, consistent with Level 3 identification specifications. MBI will provide contact information to all trainees who will then need to arrange for the testing on their own.
Participants should be proficient in the identification of Ohio macroinvertebrate taxa to family level for Level 3 Sample Collection/Data Analysis Only, and to genus/species level for participants pursuing Level 3 Sample Collection/Data Analysis/ Identification. All Level 3 participants should be familiar with macroinvertebrate sampling techniques as outlined in the Ohio EPA methods manual for collection of QDC L3 data.
This course will provide participants with the information needed to complete the testing requirements for one of the two Level 3 Macroinvertebrate certifications. Ohio EPA conducts the testing and grading for all Level 3 candidates. Participants who receive a passing grade can apply to Ohio EPA for QDC status. For the latest Ohio Credible Data Program requirements, visit the Ohio EPA website by clicking here.
Our Reviews
Joshua P.
I recently completed this course and was thoroughly impressed. The content was well-structured and directly applicable to real-world fieldwork. I left feeling genuinely confident in my ability to apply the ORAM scoring methodology in the field. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to sharpen their wetland assessment skills or those first starting out in the field.
Lindsey S
The Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) training significantly enhanced my ability to assess and document stream quality accurately and comprehensively. Mr. Rankin’s expertise, combined with his genuine scientific curiosity, created an engaging and highly effective learning environment. During the classroom portion of the training, he provided thorough explanations of each metric, including the rationale behind them and the supporting scientific data. The field component was equally valuable—evaluating streams alongside an expert and applying the concepts in real-world settings reinforced and clarified everything we had learned the previous day. The experience was both educational and enjoyable, and I look forward to future opportunities to learn from the talented team at MBI.
Anonymous
The training was great! The field portion was especially great
Allie E
Thorough, great practice and good mix of hands on vs in classroom training
Anonymous
Fantastic! The training did a great job of preparing me to identify and analyze all the various conditions that can be present in a headwater stream, and
Lisa B
MBI's PHWH course made me more comfortable and confident assessing primary headwater streams and using the HHEI to score streams.
Kristy S
The content of the course was perfect for the projects that our company completes
Rick N
Excellent, fun and educational
Nick V
I thought it was very well done and covered all ORAM caveats.
Michael R
MBI's ORAM course is extremely in-depth and provides clarity for some of the more objective assessment criteria, as well as a great experience in the field.
Mitchell M
This training directly touched on all the topics within the ORAM form with which I had questions about, and provided me with the necessary tools to more accurately score wetlands.
Hannah C
I felt the content and scope were very relevant to learning and understanding ORAM methodology.
Hannah C
I thought Brian was an excellent instructor. I do not feel there should be any changes. He gave the group may opportunities to ask questions as well as test our knowledge. Everything was very valuable for me.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, as long as the person who made payment/paid for the course sends an email message from the email account on record to info@mbieducation.com prior to the start time of the first day of the course. The e-mail must indicate the name, e-mail and phone number of the new participant.
Yes - we ask that course participants provide their own transportation to and from field sites. However, we encourage car pooling and will make every attempt to minimize the number of vehicles traveling to the field sites.
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