Certification in New York State is a mandatory system whereby an individual is determined to be qualified as a chief operator or assistant/shift operator for the complete and actual operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for the purpose of meeting the requirements of its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (SPDES).
Billions of dollars have been spent on the abatement of water pollution. Thousands of WWTP's have been built or upgraded in the quest for clean waters. These complex, expensive WWTP's are ineffectual without competent, well-trained individuals to direct and maintain the process and machinery used in modern wastewater treatment. The operator is the first line of defense against waterborne diseases, our guardian of water qualify, and the safeguard of public health. We, in New York State, recognize the value of our operators and utilize the certification system to ensure that all operators are educated, trained, and experienced individuals.
Every operator in New York State who wishes to be certified at any level (Grade 1,2,3, or 4) must satisfy the minimum qualifications. The qualifications consist of education, experience at a WWTP, training, laboratory proficiency (except Grade 1), and passage of an Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) exam.
New York State has reciprocity with other states through the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Reciprocity Register. Certified operators from states that also have agreements with ABC may be certified in New York without taking an exam, provided their qualifications meet New York State standards. Certified operators from other states may apply to the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), 525 Plum Street, Suite 102, Syracuse, NY 13204 to have their qualifications reviewed. Click Certification Reciprocity to obtain more information about out of state requirements and procedures.
New York regulations at 6NYCRR Part 650, require wastewater treatment plants to be supervised by a certified operator. There are four levels of activated sludge certification (Grades 1A - 4A) and four levels of non-activated sludge certification (Grades 1 - 4). The amount of training and experience required increases with the size and complexity of the wastewater treatment process.
The New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) administers operator certification and certificate renewal for wastewater treatment plant operators in New York State. NYWEA processes all applications for certification and certificate renewal for a fee. Please visit the NYWEA website for more information about the wastewater treatment plant operator certification program. NYSDEC is responsible for the regulatory aspects of the program, and approval of both pre-certification and renewal training courses. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regulates drinking water treatment operator certification. Visit the NYSDOH website for more information on that program.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Manual (PDF) lists the minimum qualifications that applicants must meet to obtain wastewater treatment plant operator certification. This manual lists the educational requirements, explains what approved operating experience is, contains a list of the pre-certification training courses required for each certification grade, and provides contact information for classroom and home-study training options. This information is also available on the NYWEA website.
When you are ready to apply for WWTP Operator Certification in New York State, visit the NYWEA website for the application and mailing instructions. When your application materials are approved, NYWEA will send instructions on how to register and schedule the exam.
Wastewater treatment plants are scored based on the type and complexity of the treatment using a point system outlined in the 6 NYCRR Part 650. In order to determine the Operator Grade levels required for a facility's Chief and Assistant/shift operators, you must first know the facility's plant score.
The most recent plant scores for the majority of New York's municipal wastewater treatment plants (PDF) is available. These plant scores are not all accurate, as they may not have been updated to reflect facility upgrades or SPDES Permit changes. The listing is ordered by SPDES number and each score report contains information about the facility's unit processes, point score, and plant classification. If a facility is not included in this list, or a plant score needs to be updated, complete the WWTP Facility Score Sheet form (PDF). Completed score sheets are subject to DEC review and approval.
The final step to becoming a New York State Certified WWTP Operator is passing the required certification exam. New York State uses an Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Exam. The ABC exam is a computer-based exam which consists of 100 - 110 multiple choice questions. A passing score is a grade of 70 or higher.
ABC offers the exam through a testing service, PSI, with numerous locations.
More information about the ABC Exam is available from the Water Professionals International (WPI) website.
An Operator's certification is valid for five years from the date of initial certification (or prior renewal). The certificate expiration date is listed on the operator certification card. Certificates are renewed by completing DEC-approved training courses to receive renewal training contact (RTC) hours. Renewal training completion certificates, along with the renewal application must be submitted to NYWEA for review and approval. The number of hours required to renew depends on the operator certification grade.
If an operator does not renew their certification before the date of expiration, they are no longer a New York State certified operator. DEC allows one year after the expiration date to get a complete renewal application to NYWEA , including all the required training. If you do not renew within one year, you will need to complete the required training and retake the ABC certification exam. For expired applicants, NYWEA will only accept training completed within five years of the date they received the renewal application.
New York State does not have a formal reciprocity agreement with any other state. However, as a member of the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), New York does accept the result of any ABC or equivalent certification exam. Any non-New York operator must meet the same education, experience and training requirements as resident operators. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Manual (PDF) outlines the necessary steps to become a NY certified WWTP operator, including how to apply for reciprocity in New York State. Please also see the NYWEA website for information on this process.
A biological wastewater treatment process in which a mixture of wastewater and activated sludge is agitated and aerated. The activated sludge is subsequently separated from the treated wastewater (mixed liquor) by sedimentation and wasted or returned to the process as needed.
An individual who is employed or appointed by any county, city, village, town, district, or by any State department, agency or authority, or by any sewer company, corporation, person or group of persons, or by any industry or institution, and who is designated by appointing officials as a person who, under the direction of the chief operator, is in responsible supervision of the wastewater treatment plant during a shift or in the absence of the chief operator.
An individual who is employed or appointed by any county, city, village, town, district, or by any state department, agency or authority, or by any sewer company, corporation, person or group of persons, or by any industry or institution, who is designated by the appointing officials as the person in responsible supervision of the complete and actual operation of any wastewater treatment plant. It is not intended to include city managers, superintendents of public works or municipal or other officials unless their duties include the actual operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
One hour of acceptable instruction or training in a course or seminar relevant to the field of wastewater treatment.
Any plant or facility owned or maintained by any county, city, village, town, district, or by any State department, agency or authority, or by any sewer company corporation, person or group of persons, or by any industry or institution, which subjects wastewater to a process for removing or altering the objectionable constituents of wastewater for the purpose of meeting the requirements of its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (SPDES) and making it less offensive or dangerous. Pretreatment facilities (sewer users) are not required to have certified operators and any operational experience acquired at a pretreatment plant does not qualify for certification.
Work experience at a wastewater treatment plant with a SPDES permit. A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the work experience must include hands-on operation of all unit processes at the WWTP.
Work experience at a wastewater treatment plant with a SPDES permit having the same or higher point score for which certification is being sought. Candidates for "A" certification must acquire this experience at an activated sludge WWTP having the same or higher point score for the grade in which certification is being sought. A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the experience must include hands-on operation of all unit processes at the WWTP.
All biological, physical, and chemical treatment processes other than the activated sludge process. It is intended to include, but is not limited to, treatment processes such as trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, sand filters, biofilters, oxidation ponds, stabilization ponds, activated carbon or any other device or processes performing similar functions.
The accountability for performance of active, daily on-site operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
If you are currently certified in another state and wish to transfer to New York State, there is no reciprocity for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification. All candidates are required to meet the same qualifications as New York State applicants. New York State does honor exam reciprocity with other states through the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Exam Reciprocity Register. Currently certified operators from states that also have agreements with ABC may obtain certification in New York without taking an exam, provided their training, and experience qualifications meet New York State standards. Certified operators from other states may have their qualifications reviewed by mailing to:
NYWEA
525 Plum Street, Site 102
Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 422-7811 x4
This information is intended to assist you in applying for a New York State wastewater operator certificate. Through our affiliation with the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), New York State recognizes the examination of those states who use the ABC examination service. If you have passed an ABC exam from one of the member states (those associated in agreement with ABC), you do not have to retake that certification grade exam. To receive this exemption, you must provide proof of completing an equivalent exam in another state which utilizes the ABC exam service.
However, out-of-state applicants must meet the same requirements as all other applicants. The New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), is responsible for the review and processing of Out-of-State applications. The "Guidelines for Out-of-State Applicants" can be found off the NYWEA Operator Certification page with the link to NYWEA in the right column on this page. The following forms must be completed and returned with your application. The forms are available on the NYWEA Operator Certification page.
Facility Scoring Sheet - Indicates which treatment units are employed at the wastewater plant(s) where you are seeking experience credit. Also, include a current flow diagram of each of the facilities. DEC will confirm this information. Please provide a contact name and phone number at the regulatory agency for which the plant information can be verified.
Application for Approval of Qualifications - This form is used to detail your wastewater qualifications and can be obtained on the NYWEA website.
Statement of Experience - On this form, provide a summary of your applicable operations, laboratory, and maintenance experience at the plant. Part-time operation may count towards the experience requirement on a pro-rata basis. The form can be obtained on the NYWEA website.
All applicants must complete training equivalent to New York State operators.
Activated Sludge Course: Applicants seeking certification in an activated sludge treatment process, (A designation after Grade), must complete a DEC-approved activated sludge course equivalent to 24.0 hours of classroom instruction.
Grade 1 or 1A Basic Operations Course: Completion of a DEC-approved Basic Wastewater Operations course equivalent to 60.0 hours of instruction is a requirement for all Grade levels of certification.
Note: The California State University home-study course (the Sacramento Course) is accepted for Grade 1 or 1A certification only.
Grade 2 Laboratory Course: Applicants for a Grade 2, 2A or higher must have completed a DEC-approved 30.0 hour Basic Laboratory course, have experience as a lab technician, or pass the New York State laboratory proficiency exam (held at various locations, including Albany).
Grade 3 Supervision and Technical Operations Course: Applicants for certification at Grade 3, 3A (or higher) must have completed a DEC approved Grade 3 Technical Operations and Supervision course or the equivalent. Several home study courses in conjunction with the one day Technical Operations Module are acceptable for the "Supervision" requirement. The "Technical Operations Module" requirement includes training on Odor Control, Nutrient Removal, and Toxics Control.
Grade 4 Management Course: Applicants for Grade 4 or 4A certification must have completed the Grade 4 Management Course. At present, there are no home-study or alternative options to this course.
Remember to include proof of completion for all courses that you wish to receive credit for along with contact information for the course providers. No credit can be awarded for training that cannot be verified. All applicable training courses, including both credit and non-credit courses will be considered.
College course work is acceptable on a case-by-case basis. Attach an original college transcript for the courses you are requesting approval for along with a description from the college catalog and contact information for the school.
Wastewater treatment plant operators require many resources and information to keep their facilities operating within their required permit specifications, and to plan for maintenance and growth. A toolbox of resources is available with information on a variety of topics relevant to the management and operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
Refer to 6 NYCRR Part 650, Qualification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Plants, for information on the following:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification is valid for five years from the date of initial certification (or prior renewal). The certificate expiration date is listed on the operator certification card. Certificates are renewed by completing DEC-approved training courses to receive renewal training contact (RTC) hours. Renewal training completion certificates, along with the renewal application must be submitted to New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) for review and approval. The number of hours required to renew depends on the operator certification grade.
A contact hour equals 60 minutes of training related to the operation, maintenance, or management of a wastewater treatment plant or collection system. Lunch and breaks cannot be counted when calculating contact hours.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Manual (PDF) lists out the contact hour requirements to renew for each of the certificate grades. The manual also provides an overview of the renewal procedures.
For renewal forms, an explanation of application fees and contact information, visit the NYWEA website.
All renewal training must be approved by DEC as per the regulations in Part 650.8.
Some training courses are pre-approved for an assigned number of renewal training credits. The summary of approved distance learning courses for operator renewal (PDF) includes the number of contact hours approved for each course and contact information for the training organizations. After completing these courses, you will receive a completion certificate that must be submitted to NYWEA along with your renewal application.
Other training programs are submitted to DEC by the trainer for DEC approval. The contact hours must be relevant to the operation, maintenance or management of a wastewater plant. It is suggested that the organization or trainer providing the renewal training should receive approval prior to conducting the course or seminar. Training provided by professional associations, equipment representatives/vendors, consulting firms/engineers, or an in-plant training coordinator/officer may be acceptable for renewal contact hours. The sponsoring organization must apply (see instructions below) using the Request for Approval of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Renewal Training (PDF) application form.
If you are a trainer seeking approval and contact hours for a renewal training course, please fill out the Request for Approval of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Renewal Training (PDF) application form and return it to the address listed on the form or email [email protected] . We recommend that you allow at least one month for review by DEC before the start date of the training. If approved by DEC, the applicant will receive an approval letter or email with the number of contact hours the course was approved for and a Renewal Training Course (RTC) number that needs to be printed on the course completion notices provided to students upon completing the course.
DEC provides an example renewal course training sign-in roster (PDF) meeting our requirements, which trainers may use for their courses.
After completing the training course, the course instructor is responsible for providing the completed "Participant Roster" form to DEC. The organization or instructor is also required to issue a certificate or letter of completion to each student which has the following information:
DEC requires an approved trainer to oversee all in-house training offered by a municipality.
The trainer is responsible for ensuring that all in-house wastewater training meets basic instructional objectives and that the program(s) have been approved by DEC.
The requirement to become a DEC approved trainer includes completion of a basic instructional technology (Train-the-Trainer) program.
Email [email protected] with any questions about this process.