Illinois Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Illinois?

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• Community drinking-water supply operators: Classes A
• B
• C
• D
• Wastewater: municipal treatment classes and separate industrial Class K
• collection-system certification is voluntary

Certification levels / grades / classes

Drinking water A-D; wastewater classifications are governed under 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 380, including Class K industrial certification.

Initial certification requirements

Apply for an examination/letter of admission; drinking-water exams are scheduled at state locations. Passing drinking-water candidates first receive six-year Operator-in-Training status and then apply for full certification after meeting experience requirements. Wastewater passing score is 70.

Exam information

Apply for an examination/letter of admission; drinking-water exams are scheduled at state locations. Passing drinking-water candidates first receive six-year Operator-in-Training status and then apply for full certification after meeting experience requirements. Wastewater passing score is 70.

Renewal cycle

Drinking-water full certificates use a three-year renewal period; drinking-water OIT is six years and is not renewable.

Continuing-education requirements

Drinking water A/B: 30 hours per three-year term, at least 20 technical and no more than 10 professional-responsibility/safety; C/D: 15 hours, at least 10 technical and no more than 5 professional-responsibility/safety (35 Ill. Adm. Code 681.815). Wastewater Class 1/2: 30 hours per three years, at least 20 technical; Class 3/4: 15 hours, at least 10 technical. Collection, K, and R do not require CE hours.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Drinking-water reciprocity is case-by-case, requires living or working in Illinois, and requires the other jurisdiction's standards to be at least as stringent. Wastewater reciprocity is case-by-case; Class K and voluntary collection certification are excluded.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Community drinking-water supply operators: Classes A, B, C, D. Wastewater: municipal treatment classes and separate industrial Class K; collection-system certification is voluntary.