Operator Group I
- Education
- High school diploma or GED.
- Operating experience
- One year of operating experience gained under the direction or supervision of a fully certified operator.
Washington wastewater operators
The steps from no certificate to a Washington Group I wastewater treatment plant operator certificate, and how to keep it. Every requirement links to Washington law or the Department of Ecology.
Ecology makes the final eligibility determination. Check with Ecology before you apply.
Why it matters
The operator in responsible charge must be certified at or above the plant classification. A lead operator on another shift must generally be no more than one level below the plant classification.
Full certification levels are Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV. Washington also offers separate, optional OIT levels.
Step 1
Group I: High school diploma or GED.
One year of relevant experience may replace each missing year of education through twelfth grade.
Step 2
Group I: One year of operating experience gained under the direction or supervision of a fully certified operator.
Operator in Training (OIT): A person who does not yet meet full-certification requirements may apply for an OIT exam when the separate OIT table is met. Someone without full certification may apply only for Group I OIT.
Step 3
Ecology reviews the application before a candidate registers for the certification exam. Include documentation of your education and experience.
Step 4
Pass the exam for the certification level with a Washington-approved passing score after Ecology approves the application.
Approval to take an exam does not itself establish certification.
Operator Master has free practice questions with an explanation after every answer, a timed full-length practice exam and step-by-step math help. It is an independent study tool, not the official exam.
Step 5
A certificate term runs annually. Renewal requires documented professional growth and the renewal fee; professional growth is measured on a separate three-year cycle.
Certificate holders must complete professional growth through at least three CEUs or college credits in approved wastewater training, or by advancing through a higher Washington wastewater exam.
When the renewal fee is not paid, Ecology sends a suspension notice for up to 60 calendar days. If payment is not made during that period, Ecology may proceed to revocation notice.
Moving up
Relevant credits or CEUs can satisfy specific education requirements or replace a limited amount of operating experience only where Table 2 or Table 3 says they can. They do not automatically replace operating experience.
From another state
Ecology may issue a Washington certificate without another exam when the applicant holds an equivalent credential from a reciprocal authority and all rule conditions are met.