Certified operators of drinking water and wastewater systems are required to complete continuing education in order to renew their certificates. The requirement applies to both existing and newly acquired certifications. Below is a list of the current continuing education hourly requirements. In addition, all certified operators must complete the required DEP security course (information here).
| Wastewater Continuing Education Requirements | ||
| Operator Class | Hours - First 3-Yr Cycle | Hours - Subsequent 3-Yr Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| A | 15 | 30 |
| B | 15 | 30 |
| C | 15 | 30 |
| D | 8 | 15 |
| E | 8 | 15 |
| Grandparented (CSSP) | 8 | 15 |
| Drinking Water Continuing Education Requirements | ||
| Operator Class | Hours - First 3-Yr Cycle | Hours - Subsequent 3-Yr Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| A | 15 | 30 |
| B | 15 | 30 |
| C | 15 | 30 |
| D | 8 | 15 |
| E | 8 | 15 |
| Dc | 4 | 9 |
| Dn | 3 | 6 |
| Grandparented (NTNC) | 8 | 15 |
The first three-year cycle will require less continuing education than subsequent renewals. Continuing education acquired before your initial cycle will not count towards your continuing education requirement. You must acquire your continuing education within your three year cycle. You will not be able to bank hours. In other words, if you get 60 hours of continuing education, (and you were required to get 30), you will not be able to carry over the remaining 30 hours into the next cycle. Also, only continuing education approved by the department will count. Failure to meet your continuing education requirements within the three year period will result in the loss of your certification. Duplicate training courses (same DEP course ID) taken in the same cycle will not count towards your required continuing education credit. There is no grace period.
Training may be provided by any of the variety of organizations approved by DEP to provide such training; such as colleges and universities, technical institutes, educational units of governmental or industrial agencies, professional operator organizations, and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. Please see the following links for all DEP-approved courses: