Michigan Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Michigan?

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division and Water Resources Division administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• Drinking-water Levels 1-5
• municipal wastewater A
• B
• C
• D
• L1
• L2
• SC
• industrial wastewater Levels 1-3

Certification levels / grades / classes

Drinking water 1-5; municipal wastewater A-D, L1/L2, SC; industrial wastewater 1-3.

Initial certification requirements

EGLE reviews education and operating experience, then administers drinking-water exams twice yearly. Wastewater exams are in person twice yearly; municipal A/B are essay examinations and other municipal/industrial exams are multiple choice.

Exam information

EGLE reviews education and operating experience, then administers drinking-water exams twice yearly. Wastewater exams are in person twice yearly; municipal A/B are essay examinations and other municipal/industrial exams are multiple choice.

Renewal cycle

Drinking water and municipal wastewater: three years. Industrial wastewater: five years from the next July 1 after issuance.

Continuing-education requirements

Drinking water Levels 1-3: 2.4 CEC; Level 4: 1.2; Level 5: 0.9 per three-year cycle. Municipal wastewater A/B: 2.4 CEC; C/D/L1/L2: 1.2; SC: none.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Drinking water: application under R 325.11914; Michigan may issue a comparable certificate without exam when standards are comparable or a temporary certificate through the next equivalent exam. Municipal wastewater: Michigan honors reciprocity with a state/nation that reciprocates for Michigan operators; request the application from EGLE-WRD-OpCert@Michigan.gov. The April 29, 2026 sewerage rules authorize comparable certification without exam or a temporary certificate no longer than 18 months through the next equivalent exam.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Drinking-water Levels 1-5; municipal wastewater A, B, C, D, L1, L2, SC; industrial wastewater Levels 1-3.