Drinking Water, Domestic Wastewater, and Water Distribution Systems Operator Certification Program Handbook - Operator Certification Program - September 2025

Sep 14, 2026

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Florida’s Operator Certification Program Handbook outlines eligibility, application steps, examination requirements, and licensing processes for drinking water, domestic wastewater, and water distribution system operators. It specifies minimum qualifications, required documents, examination fees, and procedures for licensure, experience verification, and reciprocity applicants. The handbook also covers course and continuing education approval, license renewal and possible invalidation for noncompliance, and additional guidance for technical assistance, training, and submitting applications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Mission of the Operator Certification Program

Introduction: Please Read This First!

Step One: Examination process

High School Diploma

Minimum Examination Eligibility Requirements

Examination Fees

Step Two: Licensing process

Licensure Application

Experience Verification

Minimum Licensure Eligibility Requirements

Examination Subject Area Overview

Approved Training Courses-Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator

Approved Training Courses-Water Distribution System Operator

License Renewal and Failure To Renew

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Continuing Education

State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water, Domestic Wastewater, and Water Distribution Systems Operator Certification Program Handbook Operator Certification Program 2600 Blair Stone Rd . MS 3506, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 Phone: (850) 245-7500 Fax: (850) 245-8410 [Email: Operator.Certification@FloridaDEP.gov](Email: Operator.Certification@FloridaDEP.gov) [http://www.floridadep.gov/ocp](http://www.floridadep.gov/ocp) Customer Satisfaction Survey Table of Contents Mission of the Operator Certification Program 2 Introduction: Please Read This First! 2 Step One: Examination process 2 High School Diploma 3 Minimum Examination Eligibility Requirements 4 Examination Fees 4 Wards of the State (Florida only) 5 Step Two: Licensing process 5 Licensure Application 6 Licensure Application Fee 6 Experience Verification 6 Employment Verification Current or Past: 7 What is required when submitting a License application? 7 Minimum Licensure Eligibility Requirements 7 Reciprocity Applicants 8 Mailing Addresses and Contact Information 9 Change of Address 9 Technical Assistance and Professional Training 10 Related Regulatory Information 10 Examination Subject Area Overview 11 Approved Training Courses-Water and Wastewater Treatment Operator 14 Training outside of Florida 14 Approved on-line and Community College course list 14 Approved Training Courses-Water Distribution System Operator 17 License Renewal and Failure To Renew 19 Null and Void Licenses 20 Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Continuing Education 21 Continuing Education Providers 22 Approved Correspondence Courses for CEUs 23 Things to Remember Before Sending in Your Application 26 Examination Applicants 26 License Applicants 26 Mission of the Operator Certification Program The mission of the Florida Operator Certification Program is to promote public health and safety, protect the environment, and conserve Florida’s water resources by ensuring that all persons working in drinking water, water distribution, and wastewater meet the highest standards for certification as determined by the rules and regulations of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection under the guidelines of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Introduction: Please Read This First! Chapter 62-602. Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C. ) defines specific requirements for application, examination, licensure, renewal, and regulation of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and Distribution System Operators. This handbook contains useful information on approved training courses, related regulations and associations that assist in training or technical programs. We encourage you to carefully read all information in the handbook before completing an application. Step One: Examination process You must meet all minimum eligibility requirements for the examination type and level for which you are applying. Here is what you will need to be considered eligible to qualify for examination for Water, Waste water or Water System Distribution operators. • Complete an examination application in full. [Application must be for examination] • Include your name, address, telephone number, date of birth, social security number and level/type of license. If you are requesting special testing accommodations, please send documentation as to the disability or accommodation needed. A doctor’s note or other documentation is required to obtain pre-approval. You may be contacted if we need any additional information. • One 2 X 2 photo. [Florida wards of the state please provide two photos] • Provide a copy of the FDEP approved coursework for the level and type of examination you are applying for. A list of approved coursework is provided in this handbook. • High school diploma, GED or college transcript showing date of graduation is also acceptable. Note: All educational diplomas or transcrip

FAQs

What are the key eligibility requirements to apply for the operator certification examination?

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the specific exam type and level. The handbook lists required items such as a complete application, identity and background information, required photos, approved coursework copies, and acceptable education documentation.

What documents and information are required when submitting a licensure application?

The handbook specifies that licensure applications must include required personal information and support materials, plus experience verification and employment verification as applicable. It also explains what is required when submitting the license application.

How does continuing education work for maintaining certification?

Continuing education requirements are addressed through provider approval, approved correspondence courses for CEUs, and guidance on what to remember before sending in an application. The handbook also covers license renewal and failure to renew, including possible invalidation.

Sep 14, 2026

Upload by Rowan