Operator Certification & Licensing
Landfill Operator Certification

What is a Certified Operator?

Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. NR 524 [PDF Exit DNR] was created as authorized by ss. 144.431 (1) (a), 144.435 (3), and 227.11 (2), Wis. Stats., which contain the requirements for the department to develop a program of certification for persons participating in, or responsible for, the operation of Solid Waste Disposal Facilities.

Certification Divisions

Under the new changes to ch. NR 524, Wis. Adm. Code, Waste division classifications (i.e., Comprehensive, Inorganic and Sludge) are deleted. However, landfill categories based on waste types (i.e., Municipal, High Volume Industrial, and Construction and Demolition) have not been changed.

Exams

To become a certified Facility Manager or Site Operator, you must pass an exam. Study guides are available to help you prepare:

• Facility Manager Study Guide [PDF]
• Site Operator Study Guide [PDF]

Certification exams are given twice annually in May and November at the following locations: Green Bay, Madison, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, Rice Lake and West Allis. Applications are available approximately two months before the exam and can be found online or by contacting the statewide coordinator Kelly Thompson (608) 266-8948. The application must be postmarked at least 28 days prior to the scheduled exam date. Any exam applications postmarked after the due date will be returned and the applicant will not be able to participate in the exam.

A score of 70% or higher is a passing score on each exam. Operators will receive written notice of their exam results approximately three weeks after the exam date. Applicants who have failed a written exam may apply to re-take the exam at the next scheduled exam date by requesting an application and paying the exam fee.

Certification Levels

1. Facility Manager
   • Exam Application Required: Yes - Form 4400-181A
   • Experience Required: Two Years (Documented) - Form 4400-180
   • Continuing Education Required: 8 Hours of CEU's See Changes to NR524
   • Examination: Yes (Score 70% or better)
   • Exam Fee: $200
   • Duration of Certification: Two Years
2. Site Operator
   • Exam Application Required: Yes - Form 4400-181A
   • Continuing Education Required: 4 Hours of CEU's See Changes to NR524
   • Examination: Yes (Score 70% or better)
   • Exam Fee: $200
   • Duration of Certification: Two Years
3. Interim Facility Manager/Interim Site Operator
   Interim Facility and Site Operator certifications are provided temporarily to personnel while waiting for a scheduled certification exam or in special circumstances where a designated certified Facility Manager or Site Operator is unable to perform duties under ch. NR 524, Wis. Adm. Code. Please see s. NR 524.10, Wis. Adm. Code for more information. Contact Amalendu Bagchi (608) 267-7576 for questions on the interim approval process.

Continuing Education & Renewals

Every certified Facility Manager and Site Operator is required to complete a number of Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) during the term of certification. Please note that under the new changes to NR 524, DNR will not pre-approve continuing education training. Those who want to renew their certificate need to submit the Continuing Education Credit Slip provided with their renewal reminder letter. This Credit Slip must be signed by a certified manager or landfill owner indicating that the site operator/facility manager has taken the appropriate training required for recertification. Acceptance of Refresher Training documentation by the department will be based on its relevance to the operator's type of certification and degree of professional development it provides.

• Facility Manager - 8 CEUs every two-year Certification period. See Changes to NR524
• Site Operator - 4 CEUs every two-year Certification period. See Changes to NR524

Certification Renewal Fee is $150.00

For more information or questions on the landfill operator certification program, please contact:

Kelly Thompson
(608) 266-8948

Amalendu Bagchi
(608) 267-7576