Wastewater Operator Certification Program

The Wastewater Operator Certification program (WWOCP) administers Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification examinations, certifications (grades I to V), and certification renewals. Additionally, the WWOCP classifies Wastewater Treatment Plants. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 active certified wastewater treatment plant operators. Since 1972, the State Water Board examines and certifies wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operators for competency to operate WWTPs. Since 1994, the State Water Board has registered contract operators to operate WWTPs. As of April 2013, all classified privately owned Wastewater Treatment Plants must have certified wastewater treatment plant operators and now have the same requirements as publically owned WWTPs.

Latest Information

• Announcements
• General Info
• Certifications
• Examinations
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• Plant Classification

• Public Notice of Proposed Emergency Rule Making
• OCIS Online Application Submittal Portal for Grades 1 and 2 Examinations. To register and submit your examination application electronically go to: https://wbapps.waterboards.ca.gov/opcert/
• Customer Service Survey
• Computer Based Testing Process Overview
• Computer Based Testing FAQs
• How to Become a Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Brochure
• Office of Enforcement operator training video
• Newsletter (coming soon)
• Chief Plant Operator (CPO) Brochure
• Operator-In-Training (OIT) Information Brochure
• OCIS Phase II: You can now access your file in our database! Go to: https://wbapps.waterboards.ca.gov/opcert/ to register.
• The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) has revised its regulations in chapter 26 of division 3 of title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, regarding wastewater treatment plant classification, operator certification, and contractor registration for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Program. The regulations are effective April 1, 2013. Please see: Current Regulations
• If you have questions about the Wastewater Operator Certification Program (WWOCP), contact us. If you have questions about the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (DWOCP), view the Drinking Water Treatment & Distribution System Operators page.

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