Who regulates water operators in Alabama?
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), Operator Certification Program administers the credentials covered here.
Certification types
- Water treatment Grades I-IV
- wastewater Grades IC, I-IV. Division 10 also covers water distribution systems and public wastewater collection systems.
Certification levels / grades / classes
Water treatment Grades I-IV; wastewater Grades IC, I-IV. Division 10 also covers water distribution systems and public wastewater collection systems.
Initial certification requirements
High school diploma/GED, 70% or higher on a standardized PSI computer-based exam, and required same-or-higher grade/classification facility experience; a passing intern has five years to obtain experience.
Exam information
High school diploma/GED, 70% or higher on a standardized PSI computer-based exam, and required same-or-higher grade/classification facility experience; a passing intern has five years to obtain experience.
Renewal cycle
Three-year certification renewal cycle; renewal is processed through OpCert Online.
Continuing-education requirements
24 CEH for one water or one wastewater certificate; 15 CEH in the proper field for each certificate when holding both; up to 10 CEH per certificate may carry over.
Reciprocity / out-of-state operators
A reciprocal application exists for equivalent Alabama water Grades I-IV and wastewater Grades IC-IV.
Water vs. wastewater differences
Water treatment Grades I-IV; wastewater Grades IC, I-IV. Division 10 also covers water distribution systems and public wastewater collection systems.
Relevant training options
Determine the hours and category you need, then verify current course acceptance.
Still need eligible continuing-education hours?
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Official forms and sources
- Alabama certification portal
- Alabama renewal information
- Alabama official source 3
- Alabama official source 4
- Alabama official source 5
Last verified: August 25, 2026. Confirm current details with the applicable authority.