Minnesota Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Minnesota?

Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• Drinking-water systems
• Wastewater treatment
• Wastewater collection
• Type IV and V

Certification levels / grades / classes

Drinking water A-E. Wastewater treatment A-D; collection S-A through S-D; Type IV and V.

Initial certification requirements

Applicants meet the education and experience rules in the applicable MDH or MPCA program and submit the corresponding exam application.

Exam information

Drinking-water applicants take a closed-book three-hour written examination. Wastewater applicants apply for the class examination.

Renewal cycle

Both certificate programs use three-year terms; completed renewal and fee are due within 30 days after expiration.

Continuing-education requirements

Drinking water: A 32, B 24, C 16, D 8, E 4 hours, at least 50% direct water operations. Wastewater: A/S-A 32, B/S-B 24, C/S-C 16, D/S-D 8, Type IV/V 6.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Both programs provide equivalency review; wastewater requires a current exam-based out-of-state license in good standing.

Water vs. wastewater differences

MDH administers drinking water; MPCA administers wastewater. MPCA mails operator-specific renewal forms.