Official sources
- Expires
- Yes
- Renewal
- 3 years
- Continuing education
- 30 hours of continuing education per 3-year term, including at least 2 hours of approved resiliency training (required for all water operators since April 1, 2024, under Senate Bill 3 after Winter Storm Uri). Class A and B operators may not count the Basic Water course for renewal credit.
Exam and eligibility details
Four classes, lowest to highest: D, C, B, A. Licensing is mandatory for public water system operators who perform process control duties in production or distribution of drinking water. Class D: high school diploma or GED, no experience, Basic Water Operations and Resiliency Overview courses; most Class D licenses are not renewable. Class C: two years' experience (at least one hands-on), field-specific core courses plus one elective. Class B: 2.5 years with a relevant bachelor's degree or 5 years with high school diploma. Class A: 4-8 years hands-on depending on education, nine core courses plus 20 elective hours (184 course hours total), six-hour computer-based exam. Application fee $111 per class.