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Protecting Public Health and the Environment

Leading the way in water quality management

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic: Existing Operators (5)
Question : How do I renew my WWTP Operator certificate? (1)

​​Answer: Submit the “Application For Renewal Of Certificate: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator”. Specific instructions are on the back, or second page of this form.​
Question : How long is my certification period? (1)
Answer: From the date of your initial certification (or prior renewal), a WWTP Operator is certified for a period of five years.
Question: I don’t have enough contact hours for renewal; how can I quickly satisfy my renewal requirements before my certificate expires? (1)
Answer: We often recommend that operators take a home study correspondence course. This is generally reasonably priced and can be done at the operator’s leisure.
Question : I’ve received a letter that my certification has expired. What does that mean to me? (1)
Answer: From the date of your expiration you are not a certified operator. To maintain your certification for job/Civil Service requirements, you would need to complete the required renewal contact hours for your grade certification. Upon notice of expiration, you have 1 year to complete the required training. Failure to do so beyond that point will require the applicant to retake the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) exam, in addition to completing the required training. Only training completed within five (5) years of the date we receive your renewal application will be allowed.
Question: Where I work, it’s tough to get approval for training. Additionally, there is not much offered in the way of training. How do I satisfy my renewal requirements? (1)
Answer: Same recommendation as above, and many professional associations conduct local/regional training programs. See examples of types of renewal training and a listing of pre-approved training and crediting of hours Renewal Training and Approved Distance Learning​.

Topic: Prospective Operators (5)
Question: How do I know what grade level of certification I might be eligible for? (1)

​The level of certification is based on the facility plant score. This is a worksheet generally on file with the Facility Operations Assistance Section that takes the cumulative point score of all the unit processes that relate to your treatment flow scheme. The plant score indicates what level the chief operator and assistant shift operator must be certified at. The WWTP course training you have completed in conjunction with your education, operating and approved operating experience (at the required plant score) will determine what grade level you may apply for.
Question: I have questions that were not specifically addressed, or I need further clarification on a particular issue. How can I contact someone from NYWEA for additional assistance? (1)

​E-mail Operator Certification Administrator Carolyn Steinhauer ([email protected]) or call (315) 422-7811 x4
NYWEA
525 Plum Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
Question: What are the requirements for WWTP Operator Certification in New York State? (1)

​Answer: Please see our web page Requirements for WWTP Operator Certification.

In general, certification approval is based on the following:

  • Minimum education requirements.
  • Required training courses.​
  • Approved operating experience.
  • Pass the ABC Certification exam.
Question: What consists of a complete application package? (1)

​A complete application package contains the following:

  • A copy of your High School or College Diploma, or a High School Equivalency.
  • Completed “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Statement of Experience” forms for each WWTP where experience was acquired.
  • A Notice of Training Course Completion for each required training course for the grade certification you seek.
  • A Notice of Training Course Completion for a NYSDEC approved Basic Laboratory Course, or proof that you have satisfactorily completed a NYSDEC laboratory exam (except Grade 1 & 1A candidates).
  • If your package is deemed complete and adequate by NYWEA, you will be granted admission to the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) exam.
  • Incomplete application packages may be returned and rejected.
Question : What is the “ABC” exam referenced above? (1)

The “ABC” exam is a WWTP exam given throughout the country. It is a 3 hour exam that consists of 100 multiple choice questions (or  in the case of a Grade 1A, 2A or 3A exam, 110 questions). A passing score is a grade of seventy (70) or higher. The exam is offered through a testing service, PSI with testing locations available throughout New York State and the country. No exam candidates can take an exam without NYWEA approval. To find out more about the new testing procedure go to NYSDEC’s ABC Certification Exam page.

Always remember to make a copy of your entire application for your records before you mail it into NYWEA!