New Operator Certification

Drinking Water Operator Certification 

Trained and certified operators are necessary to ensure that the systems are managed in a manner that fully protects public health and the environment. 

Water distribution systems are classified according to the population served, and require operators to be certified as Distribution Levels 1-4.

Treatments plants are classified by assigning points for each unit process and then totalling these points according to OAR-333-061-0220. Use the operator classification worksheet: PDF -or- Excel

Note: Operating experience earned at a water treatment plant or distribution system is considered qualifying experience for examinations up to one classification level higher than that of the water system where the applicant gained their experience. In other words, if you have only worked for a Class 2 treatment plant, you may apply for a Level 3 certification but not a Level 4 certification. If you move on to a Class 3 plant, then you must have ½ the qualifying experience (at the Level 3 plant) before applying for a Level 4 certification.

Application

Operator certification requires applying for and passing a written exam. Use the application and materials below to apply for certification.  

• Operator Certification application - includes application, employment history form, affidavit form, and instructions
• Application Instructions
  
• Affidavit of Employment form 
• Employment History form
  
• Certification Level Requirements
  
• Operator Exam FAQs
• Exam Search Results - List of individuals who passed exam
  
  

Operator in Training (OIT)

• Operator in Training (OIT) Application
  
  

Reciprocity

Certification by reciprocity can be granted for individuals who have a current valid certification in another state or province which has a recognized certification program. The certification is granted where the examination, experience, and education requirements are equivalent to Oregon requirements and is determined on a case by case basis.

• Certification Reciprocity Application

Exam Study Information

• AWWA Operator Certification Study Guide (AWWA Publications)
• Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Resources:
• ABC Exam Formulas: ABC formulas for water treatment, distribution and lab exams
• ABC Water Distribution Operator Need-to-Know Criteria (2017 Edition)
  
• Distribution Operator Class 1
  
• Distribution Operator Class 2
• Distribution Operator Class 3
• Distribution Operator Class 4
• ABC Water Treatment Operator Need-to-Know Criteria (2017 Edition)
  
• Treatment Operator Class 1
  
• Treatment Operator Class 2
  
• Treatment Operator Class 3
  
• Treatment Operator Class 4
  
• Filtration Endorsement Need-to-Know
• Safe Drinking Water Act (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Online Payment