Water and Wastewater

Mandatory certification for chief operators and assistant/shift operators of wastewater treatment plants operating under SPDES permits. NYSDEC owns the regulatory program; the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) administers certification and renewals. Exams are the national ABC (WPI) standardized exams, delivered by PSI at test sites around the state; passing grade 70 percent. Grades run 1 through 4, with 'A' variants (1A-4A) for activated sludge plants.

Certification required under 10 NYCRR Subpart 5-4 for individuals at water treatment plants and distribution systems responsible for process control or system integrity decisions affecting public health. Graded structure includes Grades IA, IB, IIA, IIB, C, and D; education, training, exam, and experience requirements are set per grade in the State Sanitary Code. Administered by the New York State Department of Health, separately from NYSDEC's wastewater program.