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

2^nd Floor DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

79 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CT 06106-5127

860-424-3704