• Key links to the Certification Process: Initial Certification & Maintenance
  • Eligibility: - education and work experience required for certification,*.pdf
  • Examination Process
    • Application form,*.pdf
    • Fee,*.pdf
    • Exam schedule,*.pdf
  • Maintaining Certification:
    • Number of CEUs required,*.pdf
    • Eligible Topics and Courses: CEU Course Guidance Lists,*.pdf
    • CEU policy and Issuing Agencies information,*.pdf
  • Other links:
    • Renewal Fees,*.pdf
    • Renewal Frequency
    • Reciprocity: offered on a case-by-case basis; IAC 567-81.11(455B) (off-site)
    • Reciprocity Application form,*.pdf
    • Operator feedback and stakeholders
    
    
    

    Operator Certification Database and Training Calendar

Iowa Operator Certification (OpCert) Program Summary:

Qualified and well-trained Drinking Water and Wastewater operators play a vital role in drinking water quality. The WSO Section is responsible for certifying public water supply treatment and distribution operators and Wastewater and lagoon operators as prescribed by Chapter 81 (*.pdf) of the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC). The purpose of the OpCert program is to insure that water and wastewater operators have sufficient knowledge and experience to properly operate the system, and in turn protect human health and safety and the environment. The WSO Section has developed a 2005, Five Year Strategic Plan, (*.pdf) to achieve those goals.

Eligibility:
To become certified one must meet the minimum education and work experience requirements (*.pdf) for the type and grade of certification sought, complete an application form (*.pdf), pay applicable pay fees (*.pdf) and pass an examination (*.pdf) offered throughout the state.

Maintaining Certification: To maintain certification, operators must earn the minimum number of Continuing Education training Units ( CEUs),(*pdf) every two years.

The department works with colleges, universities and issuing agencies to make relevant training available. Training for water and wastewater operators is offered at various times throughout the year. The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities in cooperation with the DNR maintains a training calendar of these events. CEUs must be acquired at least 90 days before the expiration date of the certificate and be directly related to the subject matter of the certificate.

The WSO Section, in cooperation with the Iowa Joint Operator Certification and Training Coordination Committee, has developed a CEU Course Guidance List,(*.pdf) of topics and courses related to the subject matter and "Need To Know" of water and wastewater operators:. Training provided by Issuing Agencies must comply with the IDNR " CEU Policy and Procedures Guide" (*.pdf). to be eligible for CEU credit. It is the operator's responsibility to confirm that a course is eligible for CEU credit. The department also offers Training Manuals that have been developed for various topics and certification types.