Pennsylvania Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania DEP and State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

• Drinking water and wastewater Classes A-D with technology subclasses
• wastewater E collection
• drinking-water E distribution/consecutive systems
• drinking-water Dc and Dn small-system credentials.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Drinking water and wastewater Classes A-D with technology subclasses; wastewater E collection; drinking-water E distribution/consecutive systems; drinking-water Dc and Dn small-system credentials.

Initial certification requirements

A-D require general and applicable treatment-technology exams; E, Dc and Dn use stand-alone exams. Then apply with required education/experience for Board certification.

Exam information

A-D require general and applicable treatment-technology exams; E, Dc and Dn use stand-alone exams. Then apply with required education/experience for Board certification.

Renewal cycle

Three years. Subsequent-cycle CE: A-C 30 hours; D/E 15; drinking Dc 9 and Dn 6. First cycle: A-C 15; D/E 8; Dc 4; Dn 3. Mandatory security course also required.

Continuing-education requirements

Three years. Subsequent-cycle CE: A-C 30 hours; D/E 15; drinking Dc 9 and Dn 6. First cycle: A-C 15; D/E 8; Dc 4; Dn 3. Mandatory security course also required.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Board awards the highest class supported by Pennsylvania experience requirements after review of the out-of-state credential/application.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Drinking water and wastewater Classes A-D with technology subclasses; wastewater E collection; drinking-water E distribution/consecutive systems; drinking-water Dc and Dn small-system credentials.