New Jersey Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in New Jersey?

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Supply and Geoscience / operator licensing program administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• N Industrial Wastewater
• C Public Wastewater Collection
• S Public Wastewater Treatment
• W Public Water Distribution
• T Public Water Treatment
• VSWS Very Small Water System

Certification levels / grades / classes

T, W, S and C Classes 1–4; N Classes 1–4; plus VSWS.

Initial certification requirements

Eligibility combines experience, required courses, and passing the applicable exam; applications for C/N/S/T/W exams are submitted electronically through NJDEP Online.

Exam information

Eligibility combines experience, required courses, and passing the applicable exam; applications for C/N/S/T/W exams are submitted electronically through NJDEP Online.

Renewal cycle

Three-year recertification period. Every three years; maintaining a license requires the applicable continuing education or successful retesting.

Continuing-education requirements

Per fixed three-year cycle: Classes 3–4 for C/N/S/T/W require 36 TCH; Classes 1–2 require 18 TCH; VSWS requires 12 TCH. NJDEP-approved/IACET/qualifying college training rules and safety-credit caps apply.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Board of Examiners may grant an equivalent license when the applicant meets New Jersey education/experience, passed an equivalent exam, and the issuing state grants reciprocity to New Jersey licensees.

Water vs. wastewater differences

N Industrial Wastewater; C Public Wastewater Collection; S Public Wastewater Treatment; W Public Water Distribution; T Public Water Treatment; VSWS Very Small Water System