Colorado Water Operator Certification Guide

Who regulates water operators in Colorado?

Colorado Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board; Colorado Certified Water Professionals operates the portal. administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

Water treatment, domestic wastewater treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment Classes D-C-B-A
distribution and collection Classes 1-4
additional T and S classes appear in renewal table.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Water treatment, domestic wastewater treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment Classes D-C-B-A; distribution and collection Classes 1-4; additional T and S classes appear in renewal table.

Initial certification requirements

Sequential certification applies within each category: T has no prior certificate/experience; S, D or 1 require one month; C requires D or S plus two years; 2 requires 1 or S plus two years; B/3 require C/2 plus three years; A/4 require B/3 plus four years. Apply and maintain records through CCWP.

Exam information

Sequential certification applies within each category: T has no prior certificate/experience; S, D or 1 require one month; C requires D or S plus two years; 2 requires 1 or S plus two years; B/3 require C/2 plus three years; A/4 require B/3 plus four years. Apply and maintain records through CCWP.

Renewal cycle

Renewed certificates are valid three years from prior expiration.

Continuing-education requirements

T/D/1: 1.2 TU; S/C/2: 1.8 TU; B/3: 2.4 TU; A/4: 3.0 TU; 10 contact hours = 1 TU; at least 50% in the certificate field.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Applicant must hold a valid out-of-state certificate based on an adequate validated exam under standards no lower than Colorado's and must have qualifying experience in that jurisdiction; approved reciprocal certificates are treated as new Colorado certificates.

Water vs. wastewater differences