Wisconsin Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Operator Certification Program. administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

• Municipal waterworks subclasses D, G, I, L, S, V and Z at Grade T (operator-in-training) and Grade 1
• small OTM/NN water-system general-operation certification. Wastewater levels are operator-in-training, Basic and Advanced with process subclasses A1-A5, B, C, D, L, N, P, SS and U.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Municipal waterworks subclasses D, G, I, L, S, V and Z at Grade T (operator-in-training) and Grade 1; small OTM/NN water-system general-operation certification. Wastewater levels are operator-in-training, Basic and Advanced with process subclasses A1-A5, B, C, D, L, N, P, SS and U.

Initial certification requirements

Waterworks candidates pass each applicable subclass exam; Grade 1 additionally requires one year/1,000 hours of documented experience. Small-system candidates pass the general-operation exam at 75%. Wastewater candidates pass the General exam plus each relevant subclass examination, then document experience for Basic/Advanced status.

Exam information

Waterworks candidates pass each applicable subclass exam; Grade 1 additionally requires one year/1,000 hours of documented experience. Small-system candidates pass the general-operation exam at 75%. Wastewater candidates pass the General exam plus each relevant subclass examination, then document experience for Basic/Advanced status.

Renewal cycle

Three years. Waterworks Grade T/1: 18 hours; surface-water operator-in-charge: 24. Small OTM/NN: 6. Wastewater OIT/Basic: 18; Advanced: 24. Renewal is online or by the mailed renewal package; certification may be reinstated within one year after expiration.

Continuing-education requirements

Three years. Waterworks Grade T/1: 18 hours; surface-water operator-in-charge: 24. Small OTM/NN: 6. Wastewater OIT/Basic: 18; Advanced: 24. Renewal is online or by the mailed renewal package; certification may be reinstated within one year after expiration.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

A currently certified out-of-state operator who earned that credential through examination may apply separately for waterworks and wastewater reciprocity with application, SSN request, experience/resume, certificate copy and facility experience forms.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Municipal waterworks subclasses D, G, I, L, S, V and Z at Grade T (operator-in-training) and Grade 1; small OTM/NN water-system general-operation certification. Wastewater levels are operator-in-training, Basic and Advanced with process subclasses A1-A5, B, C, D, L, N, P, SS and U.