Currently in Connecticut, Wastewater Operator Certification is the only type required by regulation although Collection System and Lab Analyst certification is recommended.
There are four levels of Operator Certification, Classes I through IV (lowest to highest). In order to qualify to take a Connecticut DEP – sponsored exam, an applicant must fully complete an application detailing how they meet the experience and education requirements appropriate for that particular class of exam. Once an exam is passed, a certificate is then issued, except in the case of an operator-in-training. In the case of an operator-in-training, a certificate is issued when the operator provides documentation of having fulfilled the experience requirement.
Class I –
High school diploma (or GED) and 9 CEUs in a DEP approved WWTF operation course
One year in the operation of a Class I or higher WWTF
No substation for experience
Class II –
High school diploma (or GED) and 30 CEUs of post-high school education in the field DEP determines is related to the operation of the WWTF
Three years in the operation of a Class I or higher WWTF
Post high school education may be substituted for up to a maximum of one and a half years (50%) of the experience required by using 45 CEUs as being equivalent to one year of full time post-high school education
Class III –
High school diploma (or GED) and 90 CEUs or two years of post-high school education in the field DEP determines is related to the operation of the WWTF
Four years in the operation of a Class II or higher WWTF
A maximum of four months experience as Chief Operator of a Class II WWTF or four months of DRC experience at a Class III WWTF may be substituted for up to 15 CEUs of post-high school education. Post-high school education may be substituted for up to two years (50%) of the experience required. In all cases, 45 CEUs is equivalent to one year of post-high school education
Class IV –
High school diploma (or GED) and 135 CEUs or three years of post-high school education in the field DEP determines is related to the operation of the WWTF
Four years in the operation of a Class III or IV WWTF, of which two of those years must be as Chief Operator or as a Shift or Process Control Operator of a Class IV WWTF
A maximum of eight months experience as Chief Operator of a Class III WWTF or eight months of DRC experience at a Class IV WWTF may be substituted for up to 30 CEUs of post-high school education. Post-high school education may be substituted for up to two years (50%) of the experience required. In all cases, 45 CEUs is equivalent to one year of post-high school education
Education cannot be substituted for direct responsible charge time
Application fee is $240.00
For more information contact the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency at:
WASTEWATER OPERATOR CERTIFICATION SECTION BUREAU OF WATER PROTECTION AND LAND REUSE
2nd Floor DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
79 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CT 06106-5127
860-424-3704