Tennessee Water Operator Certification Guide

Who regulates water operators in Tennessee?

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Board of Water and Wastewater Operator Certification / Fleming Training Center administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

Water Treatment 1-4
Wastewater Treatment 1-4
Distribution 1-2
Collection 1-2
Small Water System
Biological/Natural System.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Water Treatment 1-4; Wastewater Treatment 1-4; Distribution 1-2; Collection 1-2; Small Water System; Biological/Natural System.

Initial certification requirements

Meet education/experience, submit notarized CN-0704 at least 60 days before exam, obtain Board approval, then pass PSI certification exam at 70% or higher.

Exam information

Meet education/experience, submit notarized CN-0704 at least 60 days before exam, obtain Board approval, then pass PSI certification exam at 70% or higher.

Renewal cycle

Certificates renew annually and expire December 31; CE operates on three-year periods: 6 hours for Grades 1-2, distribution/collection, Small Water and Biological/Natural; 12 hours for treatment Grades 3-4.

Continuing-education requirements

Certificates renew annually and expire December 31; CE operates on three-year periods: 6 hours for Grades 1-2, distribution/collection, Small Water and Biological/Natural; 12 hours for treatment Grades 3-4.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Board may grant without exam for a comparable out-of-state classification where that state's requirements are equal to or greater than Tennessee's.

Water vs. wastewater differences