Certification Renewal Requirements
All Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators in New York State are required to renew their certificates every five (5) years. The requirement for an operator to renew their certificate is based on the completion of the required contact hours of approved training related to the field of wastewater treatment.
The following table summarizes the contact hours needed during the five (5) year period for each Grade:
| Renewal Training Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Certificate Grade | Contact Hours Needed |
| Grades 1 & 1A | 20 |
| Grades 2 & 2A | 40 |
| Grades 3 & 3A | 60 |
| Grades 4 & 4A | 80 |
Each course or seminar attended for the purpose of certification renewal must be verified by a course completion certificate designating the training hours involved and signed by the instructor. All training used for renewal training must be approved by NYSDEC. The organization or trainer providing the renewal training should receive approval prior to conducting the course or seminar. Renewal Training Course Guidelines can be obtained by contacting the NYSDEC, Facility Operations Assistance Section, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3506, Phone (518) 402-8177, Fax (518) 402-8082.
Renewal Procedures
Operators must renew their certificates every five (5) years as outlined under "Renewal Requirements." The operator must complete a Renewal Application and attach the training certificates for each course or seminar attended. The training certificate must have the date(s) of the training, document the number of contact hours of training received, and must be signed by the instructor.
The Renewal Application along with supporting documentation must be sent to:
NYSDEC
Facility Operations Assistance Section
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-3506
The renewal application must be received by DEC 90 days prior to expiration of the old certificate. If an operator does not renew his/her certificate in the specified time or fails to attain the proper amount of approved contact hours of training, his/her certificate will be considered expired. The operator will still be required to attain the required contact hours of training. If a certificate has expired for more than one (1) year, the operator must also pass the ABC exam. Also, remember only the most recent five (5) years of training will be credited towards renewal.
