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
- Notice of Approval of Emergency Regulatory Action
- Updated SEEKING NOMINATIONS for the Wastewater Advisory Committee
- OCIS Online Application Submittal Portal for Grades I, II, and III Examinations. To register and submit your examination application electronically go to: https://wbapps.waterboards.ca.gov/opcert/
- Customer Service Survey
- How to Become a Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 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
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Classification and Operator Certification Statutes
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.
- UPDATE! OCIS Online Application Submittal Portal for Grades I, II and III Examinations. To register and submit your examination application electronically go to: https://wbapps.waterboards.ca.gov/opcert/
- Examinations
- Examination Waiver (Reciprocity)
Upcoming Events
TBD
Advisory Committee Meeting
Date and Time: Wednesday / 1:00PM
Agenda: English | Spanish
Statistics
More Information
Advisory Committee Minutes October 30, 2024
Presentation
Examination Application
Examination Schedule and Important Information for Examinees
Wastewater Operators
Operator Certification Information System (OCIS)
(Access your file in our database!)
Wastewater Operator Certificate Renewals
(Renewal is very important; as it is illegal to work as an operator with an expired certificate.)
Wastewater Operator Online Payments
Disclosure: By clicking on the above "Online Payment" link, you will be redirected to the State’s data collector website, First Data.
First Data is not under the control of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the SWRCB is NOT responsible for the contents or links contained in their website.
The SWRCB recommends that you view. First Data's security and confidentiality statements.
Online Quick Payment Instruction
Online Payments User Guide
Online Payments FAQ
Contact Information
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Mailing Address:
Wastewater Operator Certification
State Water Resources Control Board
P.O. Box 944212
Sacramento, CA 94244-2120Physical Address
State Water Resources Control Board
Wastewater Operator Certification Program
1001 "I" Street, 17th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(Page last updated 12/02/2024)
