Operator Certification Application Checklist

  1. Fill out the application COMPLETELY, sign and notarize it. Full completion of this application is important in determining your qualifications to become a fully certified operator. Operator responsibilities are listed on the back of the classification chart.

    Read and follow instructions provided in each section of the application.

    Apply to be certified for the class (1-5) and type (distribution-A; water-B; wastewater-C) of system described on the classification chart enclosed.

  2. Send in the application with the appropriate application and examination fees to the address at the top of the application. NOTE: The completed application and fees must be returned to the department postmarked at least 15 days before the date of the next examination. Properly completed applications will take 2-3 weeks to be processed. 

    3. Make checks payable to DEQ WWOC

    Application fees are $70 for water and/or $70 for wastewater. Examination fees are $70 for each type of examination (water distribution, water treatment, and/or wastewater). Note that Well Water Systems are combined in one examination and fee for classes: 2A3B, 3A4B, 4AB, or 5AB. Examination fees are due for each type of exam you take. Application and fees are good for one year and are not refundable.

  3. If you apply for any Class 1 or Class 2 types of water or wastewater certification, you should order the study manuals from California State University as indicated on the manual information sheet. Please be aware that the study guide materials our office provides upon receipt of applications and fees are strictly supplemental materials and other documents and training should be utilized.

  4. All applicants for every class must pass an examination with a grade of 70 or above. Examinations are scheduled several times throughout the year for all classifications.  Applicants can take an exam at one of the scheduled exam sites OR by appointment in one of our DEQ offices located in Billings, Helena or Kalispell. To make arrangements, call the Operator Certification Program at (406) 444-4584.

    5. The scheduled exams for all classifications are given each year, spring, summer and fall, following Water Schools. Depending on demand, the spring examination will be held at seven locations: Billings, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, and Missoula in or around April. The fall examination will be held in Bozeman in or around September. See examination notices for specific dates or contact the certification office at 444-4584.

    The deadline to receive applications for any examinations is fifteen (15) days before the exam date. No exam will be given unless the completed application and appropriate fees has been turned to the department postmarked at least 15 days before the date of the examination.

  5. To be fully certified, Class 1-5 operators must fulfill experience requirements working with the system described for that class and type. Once certified, operators will be required to earn Continuing Education Credits units every two years.

    6. CLASS

    EXPERIENCE NEEDED

    CEC REQUIREMENTS

    Class 1

    2 yrs

    20 hours (2.0)

    Class 2

    1.5 yrs

    10 hours (1.0)

    Class 3

    1 yr

    10 hours (1.0)

    Class 4

    6 months

    10 hours (1.0)

    Class 5

    3 months

    4 hours (0.4)

    Report the number of months or years experience working with water and wastewater systems on the EMPLOYMENT RECORD-GENERAL section inside the application. Report where this experience was gained on the EMPLOYMENT RECORD-SPECIFIC section along with any other work experience you think might be applicable. Do not enclose a copy of your work resume; the information listed on the application is enough information for certification purposes.

    Describe the system you presently operate where indicated at the end of the experience records.

    Report post-secondary education on your application. Post-secondary education deemed applicable may satisfy up to one-half of any experience requirement if properly reported on the application. Applicants who pass their examinations before completing experience requirements are certified as operators-in-training until such time as the requirements are met and reported by the operator to our office on the Experience Voucher supplied with the Operator-In-Training Certificate.

  6. All applicants are required to have graduated from high school or hold a G.E.D. certificate, unless the applicant submits a written application for special exception from this requirement and the department grants the exception. If you require an application form for this special exception, please notify Lizbeth Geary or call (406) 444-4584.

    If you have any questions about the certification process, please contact the Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Office: http://www.deq.mt.gov/wqinfo/opcert