Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to these questions reflect the most recent operator certification regulations. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact your regional water/wastewater, septage, landfill, or incinerator certification coordinator.

• How do I get an application to take an exam?
• Do you have any materials to help me study?
• When will I be notified if I pass/fail?
• I passed the exams- Why am I a Grade T?
• I passed a subclass exam- Why am I not certified?
• When should I submit my Experience Form?
• What do I need to do to become a Grade 2 operator?
• What do I need to do to become a Grade 4 operator?
• Why didn't you send me a renewal notice?
• What classes can I take to get CEC's?
• When should I submit my Continuing Education Slips?
• What if I earn more credits than I need?
• What if I don't have enough CEC's to renew?
• What is the "Certified Operator" publication?

How do I get an application to take an exam?

An exam application will be sent (3 months prior to the upcoming exam date) to those operators that have taken an exam(s) in the last 3 exam cycles. An operator who has not taken an exam(s) in the last three exam cycles MUST contact their regional coordinator for an application. New operators will also need to contact their regional coordinator for an application or study guide.

Do you have any materials to help me study?

You may request study guides from your regional coordinator at any time of the year. References listed in study guides are available from the sources listed on the reference page of each study guide.

When will I be notified if I pass/fail?

About three weeks after the exam date you will receive exam results in the mail. A list of missed objectives is printed out on your exam results letter. Refer to your study guide objectives to determine what areas of the test gave you problems.

I passed the exams- Why am I a Grade T?

Grade levels are computed as a combination of passed exams and credited experience. Once you have accumulated at least one year of experience, submit a Operator Certification Experience Form (you may download this form by clicking on the "Forms" link on the left sidebar). If approved, your grade level will be upgraded.

I passed a subclass exam- Why am I not certified?

You need to pass BOTH a General and a subclass exam to become certified. This applies to wastewater operators seeking certification in subclasses A through J. There is no requirement to take a general exam for subclasses K & L.

When should I submit my Experience Form?

Whenever you have one year of experience that has not been credited to your record contact your regional coordinator and request an experience form. Complete the experience form and return it to your regional coordinator. Experience required is year for year under the new code up to 4 years.

What do I need to do to become a Grade 2 operator?

You need to pass either the Introductory or Advanced exam for general and the appropriate subclasses, plus have the additional years of experience.

What do I need to do to become a Grade 4 operator?

You need to pass the Advanced exam for general and the appropriate subclasses, plus have the additional years of experience.

Why didn't you send me a renewal notice?

We send renewal notices 6 weeks prior to the renewal date to the address we have on file. Maybe we don't have your current home address. Check with your regional coordinator to see if we have your current home address.

What classes can I take to get CEC's?

Check your current copy of the Certified Operator for course dates, operator meetings, etc. or contact your regional coordinator.

When should I submit my Continuing Education Slips?

With your renewal certificate and fees when you renew your certification.

What if I earn more credits than I need?

That's great!! Send along any extra CEC's you have and they become a part of your record. CEC's cannot be carried over to the next renewal period.

What if I don't have enough CEC's to renew?

Send in the required Continuing Education Slips when you have accumulated enough credits and a $70 fee ($45 renewal fee and $25 penalty fee) to the department to get your certification renewed. You have one year after the expiration of your certificate to renew. If you do not renew your certification within that one year period your operator record will be deleted and you will have to retake all exams.

What is the "Certified Operator" publication?

The Certified Operator is a list of upcoming courses for the next year and different organizations you may be interested in joining. It is published and mailed in late summer to all operators we have on file. It is also available from regional coordinators at any time.

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