New Mexico Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in New Mexico?

New Mexico Environment Department, Utility Operator Certification Program administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• Water Supply
• Water Treatment
• Wastewater Treatment
• Small-system and category credentials administered by UOCP

Certification levels / grades / classes

General water supply WS1–WS4; special water categories SW/SWA/SWW/SWWA, WST1–WST2 and DS1–DS3; wastewater WW1–WW4, laboratory WWLT1–WWLT3 and collection CS1–CS2; OIT credentials at the listed entry levels.

Initial certification requirements

Apply to NMED at least 30 days before examination, pay the fee, satisfy the education/experience table in 20.7.4.22 NMAC, and pass the applicable examination. OIT categories are available where experience is incomplete.

Exam information

Apply to NMED at least 30 days before examination, pay the fee, satisfy the education/experience table in 20.7.4.22 NMAC, and pass the applicable examination. OIT categories are available where experience is incomplete.

Renewal cycle

Initial certificates expire on the last day of the holder's birth month following the third anniversary; renewals are for three years. Three years; NMED emails notice at least 30 days before expiration. OIT certificates cannot be renewed.

Continuing-education requirements

Per three-year renewal: WST1 5 credits; WST2 10; SW/SWA/SWW/SWWA 30; WS1–WS4, WW1–WW4, DS1–DS3, CS1–CS2 and WWLT1–WWLT3 require 30, including at least 10 credits applicable to the same system/facility type.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

NMED may issue an equivalent-level certificate without examination to a holder of a valid certificate from a state, territory, federally recognized Tribe, or foreign jurisdiction whose issuance requirements NMED finds equal or higher; application and fee required.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Water Supply; Water Treatment; Wastewater Treatment; Small-system and category credentials administered by UOCP