Nebraska Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Nebraska?

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (wastewater); Nebraska water-operator licensure is governed by 179 NAC 10 administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• Water Operator Grades I–VI
• Professional Wastewater Operator certification by facility/type and grade

Certification levels / grades / classes

Water Grades I–IV and VI renew; Grade V is exempt from renewal/CE under 179 NAC 10. Wastewater certification is governed by Title 197 and facility point rating.

Initial certification requirements

NDEE administers nationally accredited wastewater exams under a WPI/ABC testing arrangement; water applicants follow the examination/application requirements in 179 NAC 10.

Exam information

NDEE administers nationally accredited wastewater exams under a WPI/ABC testing arrangement; water applicants follow the examination/application requirements in 179 NAC 10.

Renewal cycle

Water licenses for Grades I–IV and VI expire December 31 of odd-numbered years. Wastewater certificates renew on a two-year interval under Title 197 and Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-15,138. Water: biennial, odd-year expiration. Wastewater: every two years with the renewal application, fee, and approved CE.

Continuing-education requirements

Water: 10 Department-approved hours each renewal period. Wastewater: 2.0 CEUs (20 contact hours) during the two years before expiration; up to 1.0 excess CEU may carry to the next two-year interval.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Wastewater certificates of equivalent class may be issued without exam when the other program is recognized and requirements are similar; applicants whose certification was denied, revoked, or suspended are ineligible.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Water Operator Grades I–VI; Professional Wastewater Operator certification by facility/type and grade