Ohio Water Operator Certification Guide

Who regulates water operators in Ohio?

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters operator certification program administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

Water supply and water reclamation Classes A, I-IV
water distribution Classes I-II
wastewater collection Classes I-II
limited/facility-specific certificates are also authorized.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Water supply and water reclamation Classes A, I-IV; water distribution Classes I-II; wastewater collection Classes I-II; limited/facility-specific certificates are also authorized.

Initial certification requirements

Apply to Ohio EPA, satisfy the classification-specific prerequisites in Chapter 3745-7, take an approved third-party examination, and apply/pay for certification after passing.

Exam information

Apply to Ohio EPA, satisfy the classification-specific prerequisites in Chapter 3745-7, take an approved third-party examination, and apply/pay for certification after passing.

Renewal cycle

Certificates expire December 31 of the second year after issuance/renewal. Class A: 8 hours; water supply I, distribution I-II, reclamation I, collection I-II: 12; water supply II-IV and reclamation II-IV: 24; at least half operations/maintenance.

Continuing-education requirements

Certificates expire December 31 of the second year after issuance/renewal. Class A: 8 hours; water supply I, distribution I-II, reclamation I, collection I-II: 12; water supply II-IV and reclamation II-IV: 24; at least half operations/maintenance.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Ohio EPA reviews equivalency of the applicant's third-party exam and determines the qualifying Ohio classification; reciprocity certification and equivalent exam-level fees apply.

Water vs. wastewater differences