Delaware Water Operator Certification Guide

Who regulates water operators in Delaware?

Wastewater: Delaware DNREC Division of Water with Board of Certification for Operators of Wastewater Facilities. Drinking water: DHSS Office of Drinking Water with the Advisory Council. administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

Wastewater Classes I-IV and OIT. Drinking water: base-level water-supply operator plus disinfection, chemical feed, filtration, surface-water operations, other specified treatment, distribution and approved sampler/tester endorsements
specialty OIT, grandfather, limited and distribution licenses.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Wastewater Classes I-IV and OIT. Drinking water: base-level water-supply operator plus disinfection, chemical feed, filtration, surface-water operations, other specified treatment, distribution and approved sampler/tester endorsements; specialty OIT, grandfather, limited and distribution licenses.

Initial certification requirements

Wastewater: pass the class-specific quarterly exam at 75% or higher, then apply via Digital DNREC; OIT may be available when education/experience is incomplete.

Exam information

Wastewater: pass the class-specific quarterly exam at 75% or higher, then apply via Digital DNREC; OIT may be available when education/experience is incomplete.

Renewal cycle

Both programs use two-year licenses. Wastewater is renewable up to two years after expiration; drinking-water renewal is filed with the Advisory Council by the end of the licensing period.

Continuing-education requirements

Both require 20 approved hours per two-year term with at least 10 technical/directly related hours; wastewater bars duplicating directly related courses in consecutive cycles.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Wastewater reciprocity may be granted when another state's requirements are equal; application requires current credential details.

Water vs. wastewater differences