Georgia Water Operator Certification Guide

Who regulates water operators in Georgia?

Georgia Secretary of State, Board of Examiners for Certification of Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

Water operator Classes IV-III-II-I
wastewater operator Classes IV-III-II-I
groundwater Class III
water distribution
wastewater collection
industrial wastewater
water/wastewater laboratory analyst.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Water operator Classes IV-III-II-I; wastewater operator Classes IV-III-II-I; groundwater Class III; water distribution; wastewater collection; industrial wastewater; water/wastewater laboratory analyst.

Initial certification requirements

Applicants must complete the Board-approved Basic/Advanced courses applicable to the credential, document required education and experience, submit the Board application, and pass the certification examination.

Exam information

Applicants must complete the Board-approved Basic/Advanced courses applicable to the credential, document required education and experience, submit the Board application, and pass the certification examination.

Renewal cycle

Two years; all certificates expire June 30 of odd-numbered years.

Continuing-education requirements

Class I water/wastewater 24; Class II and industrial wastewater 18; Class III water/groundwater/wastewater, distribution and collection 12; Class IV water/wastewater 6 CE points. Discipline allocation rules apply; CE is reported through CE Broker.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Certification by endorsement without examination is available for a current, good-standing credential from a jurisdiction whose requirements the Board finds substantially similar; applicant submits Board form, official verification, high-school diploma/GED proof, and fee.

Water vs. wastewater differences