Texas Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Texas?

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Occupational Licensing administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

• Public Water System Operator and Wastewater Treatment Operator Classes D-C-B-A
• Wastewater Collection I-II-III
• provisional D pathways exist.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Public Water System Operator and Wastewater Treatment Operator Classes D-C-B-A; Wastewater Collection I-II-III; provisional D pathways exist.

Initial certification requirements

Complete class-specific TCEQ training, education and experience, submit OLEA/application and fee, and pass the applicable exam; water passing score is 70 percent.

Exam information

Complete class-specific TCEQ training, education and experience, submit OLEA/application and fee, and pass the applicable exam; water passing score is 70 percent.

Renewal cycle

Three years. Water and wastewater treatment/collection require 30 CE hours; water renewal includes at least two hours approved resiliency training under the current rule implementation.

Continuing-education requirements

Three years. Water and wastewater treatment/collection require 30 CE hours; water renewal includes at least two hours approved resiliency training under the current rule implementation.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Case-by-case waiver may apply when applicant holds current exam-based out-of-state credential in good standing; submit OLEA reciprocity section, current license/training records and fee; TCEQ determines equivalent class.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Public Water System Operator and Wastewater Treatment Operator Classes D-C-B-A; Wastewater Collection I-II-III; provisional D pathways exist.