Wyoming Water Operator Certification Guide

Who regulates water operators in Wyoming?

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program. administers the credentials covered here.

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Certification types

Water Treatment Levels 1-4
Water Distribution Levels 1-2
Wastewater Treatment Levels 1-4
Wastewater Collection Levels 1-2
Well System
Lagoon System. Operators obtain the desired level and all preceding levels.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Water Treatment Levels 1-4; Water Distribution Levels 1-2; Wastewater Treatment Levels 1-4; Wastewater Collection Levels 1-2; Well System; Lagoon System. Operators obtain the desired level and all preceding levels.

Initial certification requirements

Applicant must reside in Wyoming or be employed there as an operator, hold a high-school diploma/equivalent, meet the level-specific experience/training requirements, and pass each applicable nationally standardized examination for the desired and preceding levels. Passing is 70% or another score set by the exam-development program; an applicant who passes before meeting education/experience has two years to complete those requirements.

Exam information

Applicant must reside in Wyoming or be employed there as an operator, hold a high-school diploma/equivalent, meet the level-specific experience/training requirements, and pass each applicable nationally standardized examination for the desired and preceding levels. Passing is 70% or another score set by the exam-development program; an applicant who passes before meeting education/experience has two years to complete those requirements.

Renewal cycle

The first certificate is valid for the remainder of its issue year plus two calendar years; later certificates are valid three calendar years, all expiring December 31. Renewal requires 24 pertinent continuing-education hours per certificate in the three-year period, including at least 8 core-topic hours and 2 hours of pertinent state/federal rule training. Training is entered into the operator's DEQ-provided online account.

Continuing-education requirements

The first certificate is valid for the remainder of its issue year plus two calendar years; later certificates are valid three calendar years, all expiring December 31. Renewal requires 24 pertinent continuing-education hours per certificate in the three-year period, including at least 8 core-topic hours and 2 hours of pertinent state/federal rule training. Training is entered into the operator's DEQ-provided online account.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

A currently certified out-of-state water or wastewater operator may obtain Wyoming reciprocity when WDEQ receives a licensing-agency letter of good standing/current status containing original issue date, expiration, level/area and discipline history, and the applicant meets Wyoming Section 6 requirements. The Wyoming certificate expires December 31 of the source credential's expiration year, capped at three years, then follows Wyoming renewal rules.

Water vs. wastewater differences