Review the links and info below, go to your state's page on our website, and view your state's website.
US EPA Summary of State Operator Certification Programs (PDF)
Alabama Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
The purpose of water and wastewater treatment operator certification is to protect public health and welfare and to prevent pollution by classifying all water and wastewater treatment plants, water distribution systems, and public wastewater collection systems, and by establishing a program for the certification of the competency of operators to operate such plants and systems.
To become an Alabama-Certified Water or Wastewater System Operator, an applicant must 1) have a High School diploma or GED, 2) pass a standardized exam with a 70% or higher, and 3) attain required experience at a publicly-owned, permitted facility. The Alabama operator exams are Computer Based exams administered at Exam Centers operated by PSI . Please note, an operator candidate may acquire experience at a facility of the same (or higher) grade and classification as the certification pursued, BEFORE taking the exam.
Alaska Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water Operator Certification and Training Program
The mission of the Operator Certification Program is to ensure that the customers of Alaskan public water systems and public and private wastewater systems are provided with an adequate supply of safe, potable drinking water, are confident that their water is safe to drink, are assured that wastewater is properly treated and discharged into Alaskan waters, and that the operators are trained and certified as well as have the knowledge and understanding of public health reasons for drinking water and wastewater discharge standards.
Operator Certification Program staff will only review an application for certification after an operator passes an exam. An operator will register for exams by completing a one page paper form or by registering online. After passing an exam, an operator can either apply for certification or register to take the next higher level exam. Applications for certification will be accepted and reviewed continuously throughout the year.
Arizona Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
ADEQ’s Operator Certification Program
ADEQ’s Operator Certification Program establishes standards and guidelines for the certification of drinking water and wastewater system and facility operators.
A certified operator is an individual who holds a current certificate issued by ADEQ in the field of water or wastewater treatment, water distribution, or wastewater collection. A certified operator makes all decisions about process control or system integrity regarding water quality or water quantity that affects public health. All water and wastewater facilities require an operator in direct charge who is certified for the class of the facility at or above the grade of the facility. Facility owners need to ensure that all current operators working in their facility are on file with ADEQ.
To become a certified operator, you will need to take the Operator Certification Examination proctored by Gateway Community College and City of Phoenix. No work experience with a water or wastewater facility is required to complete the Grade 1 certification exam in Arizona.
Arkansas Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
ADH Water Operator Certification Program
The Water Operator Certification Program has been in operation, as a mandatory requirement for operators of public water systems, since 1957. Prior to 1957, a voluntary certification program existed. The purpose of certification of water operators is to help ensure that the citizens of Arkansas receive ample supplies of safe, potable water from any public water system. A person desiring to work as a water operator must pass a series of exams, and have a specified amount of experience. The amount of experience and the difficulty of the exams are based on the size of the community being served by the water system, and the type of treatment being provided. These categories are used to reflect the difficulty of operation as well as the potential consequences of improper action on the part of the operator.
DEQ Wastewater Operator Licensing Program
The Enforcement Branch administers the Wastewater Operator Licensing Program pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-5-201 et seq. and in accordance with Arkansas Pollution and Ecology Commission Rule 3.
A wastewater operator license may be obtained by completing DEQ-approved training and passing the required examination. Course content and formula sheets for the municipal and industrial licenses are available ePortal at Wastewater Operator Licensing Program. DEQ maintains a searchable database of licensed wastewater operators.
California Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Drinking Water Treatment & Distribution System Operators
The mission of the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s Water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The DWOCP is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 35,000 water treatment and water distribution operators throughout the state of California.
Wastewater Operator Certification Program
The mission of the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s Water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Wastewater Operator Certification program (WWOCP) administers Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification examinations, certifications (grades I to V), and certification renewals. Additionally, the WWOCP classifies Wastewater Treatment Plants. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 active certified wastewater treatment plant operators. Since 1972, the State Water Board examines and certifies wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operators for competency to operate WWTPs. Since 1994, the State Water Board has registered contract operators to operate WWTPs. As of April 2013, all classified privately owned Wastewater Treatment Plants must have certified wastewater treatment plant operators and now have the same requirements as publically owned WWTPs.
Colorado Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board
The Colorado Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (WWFOCB) maintains a program for the certification of operators of water treatment plants, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems in order to assure protection of public health and the environment.
Colorado Certified Water Professionals (CCWP)
Portal information and log-in for operators, course providers, instructors, and applicants for certification.
Contact information for the program office.
Course catalog(opens in new window)
Search for courses approved to meet operator continuing education requirements.
Connecticut Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification Program
The Drinking Water Section (DWS) certifies public drinking water utility personnel for the operation of treatment plants and distribution systems. The goal of this program is to ensure that qualified personnel are operating public water supply systems. Certified employees minimize public health concerns, maximize the performance of the plant and system, assure safety of operators, improve compliance with regulations, optimize operational costs and protect the utility's infrastructure. Certification applicants must meet a combination of education, experience and examination requirements to become certified. These requirements are specified in Departmental regulations, which include provisions for renewal, reciprocity and enforcement. Certification is based on meeting the minimum competency levels in these regulations and does not include an evaluation of any other factor such as a person's background, history, work performance, health, etc..
Operator Certification for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities
The Operator Certification Program is administered by the Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse. There are four levels of Operator Certification: Class I (lowest) through Class IV (highest). Certification is obtained by meeting experience, education and exam criteria.
DEEP's Municipal Wastewater section is responsible for certifying the qualifications of wastewater treatment operators in Connecticut, as well as the classification of wastewater treatment facilities.
Delaware Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Office of Drinking Water
The mission of the Office of Drinking Water is to protect the health of Delawareans by assuring safe drinking water through comprehensive monitoring, technical assistance and public education.
Public Water System Operator Certification
A water system operator is an individual who has responsibility for the operation of a water treatment plant or water distribution system and may have charge of an operating shift, or performs process control decisions including analytical control. Any community and nontransient-noncommunity public water supply system that provides pumped water for human consumption must employ a licensed water operator.
All wastewater treatment facilities in Delaware must be operated under the direct supervision of a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control administers a Wastewater Operators Certification Program with advice and assistance from the Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Facilities.
Wastewater Operator Certification
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control administers the certification program with advice and assistance from the Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Facilities. The program is governed by the Regulations for Licensing Operators Of Wastewater Facilities (7 DE Admin. Code 7204).
To become a licensed wastewater operator, applicants must first pass an exam and then submit an application. Applicants can apply for the exam, and for a license, using the Digital DNREC ePermitting system.
Florida Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water and Domestic Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Florida statutes require that anyone who operates a drinking water treatment plant, domestic wastewater treatment plant and/or water distribution system be licensed by DEP. To qualify for licensure, an applicant must meet minimum educational and work experience requirements for each class of license. A passing score is required on the exam for the type and level license desired.
Georgia Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Georgia Board of Examiners for Certification of Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators
The Georgia Board of Examiners for the Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts was created by legislation enacted in 1969 to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing minimum qualifications for persons who operate wastewater treatment plants, wastewater collection systems, water distribution systems, public water supply systems, or who conduct certain tests of water or wastewater samples in conjunction with the operation of public water system or wastewater treatment plants.
Georgia Board of Examiners How-To Guides for Licensing
- Licensure requires completing an application, get it signed and notarized, and pay the required fee.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by June 30 of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is July 1- July 31 odd numbered years.
Hawaii Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Safe Drinking Water Branch
According to Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11 Chapter 25, Rules Relating to Certification of Public Water System Operators, each public water system, except for transient, non-community public water systems, shall be under the responsible charge of an operator(s) holding a valid certification equal to or greater than the classification of the water treatment plant and/or distribution system. All operating personnel making daily process control or system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity that affect public health shall be certified. In addition, a designated certified operator shall be available for each operating shift.
Wastewater Branch
The purpose of the certification program is stated in Title 11, Chapter 61 . The efficient management of wastewater treatment works is an important economic asset to the public, to county and state officials and to operators. Also, effective operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment works is essential to prevent pollution of the waters of the state. Furthermore, certification of wastewater treatment works operators assures the employment of personnel competent to provide efficient and proper operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
Idaho Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals
The Division of Professional and Occupational licenses provides consumer protection and public safety through its regulation of more than 204,000 licensees within more than 48 Boards and Commissions here in the great State of Idaho.
All water and wastewater operating personnel, including those in responsible charge and those in substitute responsible charge, of public water systems and public wastewater systems, and all backflow assembly testers, shall be licensed... (https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/240501.pdf)
Illinois Specific Training
Drinking Water Operator Certification
To protect public health, drinking water treatment systems must be properly operated and maintained. For this reason, and to protect the financial investment of drinking water supplies, the Illinois EPA operates a Drinking Water Operator Certification Program that certifies the technical competency of operators of community water supplies.
An operator certified as competent by the Illinois EPA must be able to perform duties without endangering public health. In order to determine competency, the Illinois EPA must evaluate whether applicants for certification possess the necessary skills, knowledge, ability, and judgment to properly operate and maintain the facilities entrusted to their care. Therefore, applicants for certification must meet specific experience, education and examination requirements in order to qualify for certification. To help ensure that certified drinking water operators' knowledge stays current, certified operators are also required to meet continuing education requirements in order to renew their certificates.
Certification examinations and questions have been validated through a process of expert panel review with every question being examined for content, readability, accuracy, and relation to a job analysis. Certification examinations are offered each month at various locations around the state.
Wastewater Operator Certification
Wastewater treatment systems protect public health and the environment only if they are being properly operated and maintained. The Wastewater Operator Certification Program is intended to protect public health, environmental quality, and the financial investment of wastewater facilities. Illinois EPA certifies the technical competency of operators of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment/pretreatment facilities and also administers a voluntary certification program for operators of collection systems.
An operator certified as competent by the Illinois EPA must be able to perform duties without endangering public health or the environment. In order to determine competency, the Illinois EPA must evaluate whether applicants for certification possess the necessary skills, knowledge, ability, and judgment to properly operate and maintain the facilities entrusted to their care. Therefore, applicants for certification must meet specific experience, education, and examination requirements in order to qualify for certification. Certification examinations and questions have been validated through a process of expert panel review with every question being examined for content, readability, accuracy, and relation to a job analysis. Certification examinations are offered each month at various locations around the state.
Indiana Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Drinking Water Operator Certification
The Indiana Operator Certification Program provides training and certifies individuals who engage in and oversee the operations of a public water system. This program requires all Community and NonTransient Noncommunity systems to be managed by a certified water operator holding appropriate certification(s).
Wastewater Operator Certification and Continuing Education
Dedicated staff of the Compliance Branch also administer the Wastewater Operator Certification and Continuing Education program.
This program includes issuance of operator licenses; preparation, administration, and follow-up of certification exams, review of applications for certification; review and approval of applications for continuing education courses; tracking the number of contact hours earned by each operator; and meeting with operators and their organizations. This program assures:
- wastewater treatment plant operators maintain and improve their knowledge of wastewater treatment systems.
- wastewater treatment plants are under the supervision of operators with the appropriate level of experience and the knowledge to properly operate the systems for which they are responsible.
- wastewater treatment plants produce effluent in compliance with all applicable federal and state rules, assuring clean water for all Hoosiers.
Iowa Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water Quality Bureau Certification and Licensing Programs
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification
The Water Supply Operations (WSO) Section is responsible for certifying public water supply (drinking water) treatment and distribution operators, and wastewater and lagoon operators. The purpose of the OpCert program is to ensure that water and wastewater operators have sufficient knowledge and experience to properly operate the system, and in turn protect human health and safety, the environment, and the infrastructure investment.
Kansas Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water & Wastewater Operator Certification
The Bureau of Water administers programs related to public water supplies, wastewater treatment systems, the disposal of sewage and nonpoint sources of pollution. Programs are designed to provide safe drinking water, prevent water pollution and ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
Kentucky Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Kentucky Operator Certification Program
The Certification and Licensing Branch is home to the solid waste, drinking water and wastewater certification programs. Through education and certification exams, these three programs help ensure that the people charged with dealing with community solid waste, drinking water and wastewater are knowledgeable and capable of handling the responsibilities required of those positions.
Louisiana Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Louisiana Operator Certification Program
Operators of both Water and Wastewater facilities are required to meet requirements set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Committee of Certification, and as required by State law.
Maine Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water Operator Licensure
The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) works to ensure safe drinking water in Maine, to protect public health, by administering and enforcing drinking water and subsurface wastewater regulations, providing education and technical and financial assistance.
Maine Wastewater Operator Certification
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) contracts with NEIWPCC to administer the Wastewater Operator Certification Program through the NEIWPCC South Portland office. Since 2006, the DEP and NEIWPCC have worked closely to ensure the program operates efficiently and effectively.
Maryland Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Board of Waterworks and Waste System Operators
The Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators establishes the education, experience and examination standards which must be satisfied by operators and superintendents of water and wastewater treatment systems in the State, and issues and renews certificates based upon these standards.
Massachusetts Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities
The Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities regulates and licenses all operators of facilities that provide drinking water.
Massachusetts Wastewater Operator Training and Certification
NEIWPCC coordinates Massachusetts wastewater operator training, certification exams, and renewals. Classes associated with the Massachusetts operator training program and with certification exam preparation are included in NEIWPCC’s regional training catalog. NEIWPCC also maintains a list of licensed Massachusetts wastewater treatment plant operators.
Michigan Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Drinking Water Operator Certification
The Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division (DWEHD) oversees Michigan's public water supplies to ensure safe drinking water. The division is involved in source water protection, operator certification and training, water well construction, registration of water well drilling contractors, assisting local health departments in conducting drinking water quality investigations, approving and licensing the handling of domestic septage, and oversight of the onsite wastewater management program. The division is also responsible for the approval and licensing of campgrounds and public swimming pools.
Wastewater Operator Certification Program
The Water Resources Division (WRD) protects and monitors Michigan's waters by establishing water quality standards, assessing the health of aquatic communities, issuing permits to regulate wastewater dischargers, and overseeing aquatic invasive species concerns and water withdrawals.
Minnesota Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water Operator Certification and Training
A mandatory certification program for water supply system operators was established by Minnesota Statutes in 1971, and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, Drinking Water Protection Section.
In order to be certified the operator must demonstrate the skill, knowledge, experience, and education necessary to operate a system successfully.
Wastewater training and certification
In Minnesota, wastewater treatment operators — those responsible for the daily, onsite operation of wastewater facilities and collection systems — must be certified. Their class of certification must be equal or higher to the class of the facility. The MPCA administers the certification program and provides workshops and conferences to help you stay up to date on your certification.
Mississippi Specific Training
Water Supply Operator Training and Certification
The Public Water Supply Program ensures safe drinking water to the 2.8 million citizens of Mississippi who utilize the state's public water supplies by strictly enforcing the requirements of the Federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts (SDWAs).
Wastewater Operator Training And Certification
Certification of wastewater operators became mandatory in 1987 with the passage of the Municipal and Domestic Water and Wastewater System Operator’s Certification Act. Since the passage of the law, more than 1000 wastewater operators have been certified through the program. Certification is offered in four (4) classes of treatment and two (2) classes of collection based on size and type of facility. The regulations governing certification can be seen by clicking on the link found on any page of the training site.
Missouri Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification
Water and wastewater professionals play a critical role in keeping Missourians healthy and our communities strong. These are the individuals that perform the daily operational activities at drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. Some are responsible for making sure there is an adequate supply of drinking water for their customers. Others protect public health by ensuring wastewater treatment facilities are discharging water in an environmental safe manner to Missouri's rivers, lakes and streams. Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators often work behind the scenes during difficult times like drought, flooding, ice storms and other extreme weather events to ensure continuity of services to customers.
Montana Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification
In Montana, all drinking water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, or water distribution systems must be operated under the supervision of a fully certified operator to ensure the proper management, operation, and maintenance of the system. DEQ administers both the water and wastewater operator certification programs and provides testing and program information services to ensure comprehensive, ongoing training is provided to Montana’s water and wastewater operator community.
Nebraska Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Drinking Water Operator Certification and Training
The effective operation of a Public Water System (PWS) by a properly trained and licensed water operator involves daily operational decisions that directly impact the water quality and quantity in the system, and therefore, public health. The Operator Certification program is responsible for ensuring that all PWSs in Nebraska have a properly licensed operator in charge of the system. This is accomplished through:
- Development of water operator licensure training
- Review/approval of continuing education
- Coordination with the department’s licensure unit on the issuance, reinstatement and renewal of water operator licenses
- Water Operator Training Courses
Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification Program
Well-trained and competent operators are an essential component to ensuring that Nebraska wastewater treatment plants are well run and protect the environment. Proper operation and maintenance programs can prolong the life span and sustainability of treatment facilities, protect the owner’s financial investment, help the owner meet permit requirements and protect public health and the environment.
Nevada Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program
- Protects the public health and the environment by having certified operators in direct responsible charge of the operation of water treatment plants, water distribution systems, or wastewater treatment plants.
- Provides testing, recording, program information services and to ensure that comprehensive, ongoing training is given to Nevada's water and wastewater operator community.
Drinking Water Operator Certification
Nevada’s Drinking Water Operator Certification Program protects public health and the environment by having certified drinking water operators in direct responsible charge of drinking water treatment plants and water distribution systems. Trained and certified operators are necessary to ensure that public water systems are managed in a manner that fully protects public health and the environment. These persons must obtain a fully certified operator certificate issued by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.
Wastewater Certification Program
Nevada regulation requires that "a person responsible for the operation and maintenance of a plant for sewage treatment must be certified as an operator of a plant for sewage treatment." (NAC 445A.287). Individuals may apply for certification as an operator of a wastewater treatment plant in Nevada by submitting the appropriate applications and fees to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. Applications are located on the Nevada Water Environment Association, NDEP's designated program operator, website at the link provided below. Holders of operator certification from other States may also apply for reciprocal certification in Nevada.
New Hampshire Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water Works Operator Certification
The New Hampshire Water Works Operator Certification Program ensures that the individuals responsible for delivering safe and reliable drinking water to New Hampshire communities have met specific education and experience requirements and passed a certification exam confirming their knowledge and understanding of drinking water supply fundamentals. The program also promotes training and education, to assist drinking water operators in professional growth, and works to ensure the standards of the profession are upheld.
Wastewater Operator Certification
Owning and operating wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF) and collection systems represents a significant lifelong investment for any community. Protecting this investment requires that wastewater treatment facility operators be trained and certified to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to successfully carry out their job responsibilities.
New Jersey Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water & Wastewater System Operator Licensing
A Licensed Operator is the individual approved by the DEP holding any local title, designation, or job description who is on-site at a system a significant amount of time, although not necessarily full time, and who has active involvement in and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and effectiveness of the system, and who holds a license equal to or higher than that required for the system.
New Mexico Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Utility Operator Certification Program
To protect public health and the environment, it is critical that water and wastewater utility operators, like those that operate public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment plants, are well trained and certified to appropriate standards. The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) administers Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications for all public water system and wastewater utilities in New Mexico.
New York Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification Program
The Department of Health oversees the delivery of drinking water to ensure that it is suitable for people to drink. To assure the safety of drinking water in New York, the Department of Health in cooperation with county health departments, regulates the operation, design and quality of public water supplies and commercial bottled water suppliers.
Wastewater Operator Certification
WWTP Certification in New York State is a mandatory system whereby an individual is determined to be qualified to be a chief operator or assistant/shift operator for the operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for the purpose of meeting the requirements of its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit.
North Carolina Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Drinking Water Operator Certification
NC Water Treatment Facility Operator Certification Board
Responsibilities
To protect the public health and to conserve and protect the water resources of the state
To protect the public investment in water treatment facilities
To provide for the classifying of public water treatment facilities
To require the examination of water treatment facility operators and the certification of their competency to supervise the operation of water treatment facilities
To establish the procedures for such classification and certification
To provide for the certification of personnel operating the distribution portion of a water treatment facility.
Wastewater Operator Certification
The Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC) is responsible for examination and certification of water pollution control system operators . Learn more about the Commission.
North Dakota Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification and Training
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Municipal Facilities, is responsible for implementing North Dakota’s water and wastewater operator certification requirements as set forth under NDCC Ch. 23.1-26 and its implementing regulations, NDAC Art. 33.1-19. Under these requirements, certain systems must employ appropriately certified water and wastewater operators.
Ohio Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification program
Certified water and wastewater operators are essential for the protection of public health and the environment. Ohio EPA's Operator Certification program has certified more than 12,000 operators, ensuring public water and wastewater systems are operated by properly trained and qualified individuals. Learn how to become a certified water or wastewater operator.
Oklahoma Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification
The Operator Certification Unit trains and licenses all people working in water and wastewater plants, operating groundwater systems, and sewage lagoons in the state. This ensures they have training to properly treat and monitor the outgoing product of the facility to protect human health and the environment.
Oregon Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Oregon Drinking Water Systems & Operator Certification
Oregon Drinking Water Services (DWS) administers the certification program for drinking water system operators. All community and non-transient non-community water systems must be under the supervision of a certified operator. Trained and certified operators are necessary to ensure that the systems are managed in a manner that fully protects public health and the environment.
Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Oregon law requires owners of wastewater systems and drinking water systems (public and private) to have their systems under responsible control and direction of certified operators. Trained and certified operators are necessary to ensure that the systems are managed in a manner that fully protects public health and the environment.
Pennsylvania Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification Information Center
Most drinking water or wastewater systems require a certified operator (See below for those systems that are exempt from this requirement). A certified operator must hold the correct certification class and subclass to operate their system. The operator's certification subclasses must match the treatment technologies used at the system. The operator's class must match or exceed the size classification of the treatment system.
Rhode Island Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Drinking Water Operator (Licensing)
The daily operations of all community and non-transient non-community public water systems are required to be under the supervision of an individual who has obtained the appropriate certification from the Rhode Island Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities. Certified drinking water operators perform and oversee daily operations at public water systems and play an important role in public health. There are two types of drinking water operator licenses—treatment and distribution—and five levels of certification. For treatment licenses, those levels coincide with the complexity of the facility and for distribution licenses, those levels coincide with the size of the population served. A very-small-system (VSS) license is for operators working at systems with fewer than 500 served.
Wastewater Operator Certification
Wastewater treatment facility operator certification insures that only qualified individuals will operate the state's municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. In total these facilities treat over 120 million gallons of municipal and industrial sewage each day before discharging the purified water back to the state's rivers and bays.
South Carolina Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Environmental Certification Board
The Environmental Certification Board licenses individuals engaged in the operation of environmental systems, including the treatment of water and wastewater distribution systems, whose duties include making process control and system integrity decisions about water quality or quantity and well system. The Board receives and investigates complaints and follows through with appropriate actions against those who violate environmental operations licensure laws.
South Dakota Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
Public water and wastewater treatment systems are operated by professionals that are certified by the State of South Dakota. Drinking water and wastewater treatment systems protect public health and the environment only if they are working and being operated correctly. The Operator Certification Program is intended to protect public health, environmental quality, and water/wastewater systems' investment in their facilities.
Tennessee Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Water and Wastewater Operator Certification
Each person in direct charge at a water treatment plant, a wastewater treatment plant, a water distribution system, or a wastewater collection system must have a certificate in a grade equal to or higher than the grade of the treatment plant, distribution system, or collection system he/she operates.
Texas Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Occupational Licensing
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.
Utah Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Operator Certification: Utah Division of Drinking Water
Public Water Systems may be required to have a certified Direct Responsible Charge Operator at a certain grade level depending on the system’s classification, population, and complexity. Certified operators help improve compliance with regulations, minimize public health concerns, and maximize the performance of the system.
Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Utah’s Wastewater Operator Certification Program uses standardized exams produced by Water Professionals International (WPI), formerly known as the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). These exams are developed to evaluate relevant knowledge that wastewater operators “need to know” as compiled from surveys of actual operators working at facilities throughout the United States. Much of that knowledge is expected to be from actual work experience in collection and wastewater treatment.
Vermont Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
Public Water System Operator Certification
Public drinking water systems are required to have an Operator certified by the DWGWPD. The class of Operator Certification is based on the source water type, treatment, and population of a water system. A listing of class types can be found in Table 1. Certifications are valid for 3 years.
OPR: Pollution Abatement Facility Operators
The Wastewater Management Program provides regulatory oversight for and technical assistance to Vermont's wastewater treatment facilities in cooperation with State, regional and national organizations.
Virginia Specific Training
Free Certification Fact Sheet Here
LICENSURE INFORMATION
Waterworks Operator Licenses are issued by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators, which is part of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). That Board’s regulations prescribe the licensure program and requirements. The Health Department is not involved with issuing licenses or giving examinations. Contact the Board at:
Washington Specific Training
Waterworks Operator Certification
More than 6.2 million Washington State residents, 85 percent of the state's population, get their drinking water from public water systems. Public water systems and their water works operators are our first line of defense against contaminants getting into our public water supply and people getting sick.
Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve an essential function to protect public health and the environment, including Washington's rivers, lakes, streams, and Puget Sound. The certification of wastewater treatment plant operators helps make sure they are knowledgeable, and that WWTPs are properly operated and maintained.
West Virginia Specific Training
https://oehs.wvdhhr.org/eed/certification-training/
Wisconsin Specific Training
The [Operator Certificatoin] program is responsible for ensuring that various types of professional operators have adequate training to perform the necessary tasks at their facilities or businesses.
WATERWORKS OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
Municipal waterworks operators work at community water systems that are owned by, or serve, a city, town, village, county or other municipality. Also included in this definition are county or state-owned public institutions for congregate care or correction.
WASTEWATER OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
A "certified operator" is an individual who has met the requirements of Chapter NR 114, Wisconsin Administrative Code [exit DNR], and has been issued a certificate by the DNR to operate one or more of the classifications of wastewater treatment plants.
Wyoming Specific Training
Water & Wastewater Operator Certification
Wyoming’s certified operators protect public health by providing safe drinking water. They protect the environment by cleaning up our wastewater before releasing it.
They also protect the investment Wyoming’s taxpayers have made in our water and wastewater infrastructure by operating facilities correctly. The Wyoming Operator Certification Program ensures that operators obtain the correct training to become certified, keep their certifications current, and also requires that facilities are operated by correctly certified operators.