Missouri Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Missouri?

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, Public Drinking Water Branch, Operator Certification Unit administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

• Drinking Water Treatment
• Drinking Water Distribution
• Wastewater Treatment
• CAFO Waste Management Systems

Certification levels / grades / classes

Drinking-water treatment and wastewater Classes A–D (A highest); distribution DS I–III; CAFO Classes A–B.

Initial certification requirements

Apply through Missouri DNR; DNR publishes exam schedules, descriptions, and math formula materials and administers certification testing.

Exam information

Apply through Missouri DNR; DNR publishes exam schedules, descriptions, and math formula materials and administers certification testing.

Renewal cycle

Three-year certificates (confirmed by the current DNR operator-certification fee table). Three years; operators use the Operator Certification Information System to check hours and renew.

Continuing-education requirements

Three-year cycle: drinking-water A–C 30 hours, D 20; distribution DS III 30, DS II 20, DS I 10; wastewater A–D 30 hours. Training must be Department-approved.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Available by current Form MO 780-1091. Applicant submits a separate application per certificate, copy of the source certificate, fee, and supporting experience; employment with an appropriate Missouri facility is required before reciprocity is issued.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Drinking Water Treatment; Drinking Water Distribution; Wastewater Treatment; CAFO Waste Management Systems