California Operator Certification – American Water College

Program Overview

In California, both Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification are administered by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board). There are 3 different licenses under the Operator Certification Program that are split into two categories; Drinking Water Operator Certification and Wastewater Operator Certification.

There are also voluntary licenses issued by other organizations such as Collections or Laboratory by the California Water Environment Association. Even though these are technically voluntary licenses, they may be required by the local water or wastewater district.

Each certificate will come with it’s own set of requirements. Scroll down to the section you are interested in and select the certification to find information on obtaining and renewing that particular license.

Water Distribution

If you’re new to Water Distribution, it is the process of delivering tap water from the Treatment plant or wells to service connections. In California, Water Distribution Certifications start at Grade 1 (D1) and go up to Grade 5 (D5).

Many choose to skip the Grade 1 and go straight to the Grade 2 which is a great option if you’re just starting out.

Select the grade level you need from the list below and you’ll find all the information on obtaining and renewing that license.

Water Treatment

Water Treatment is the process of taking raw water (source water) and making it drinkable. The complexity ranges from a simple filter and disinfection to multi-step chemical and biological processes in order to make the water potable.

Like with the Distribution certifications, you may choose to skip the Grade 1 and go straight to the Grade 2.

Select the grade level you need from the list below and you’ll find all the information on obtaining and renewing that license.

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater Treatment takes the used tap water and makes it safe to put back into lakes, rivers, groundwater, or the ocean. In recent years, treated wastewater has also been used for irrigation. These are identified through Purple Pipes.

The grade levels start at Grade I (1) and go up through Grade V (5). With Wastewater Certifications you will be able to take any of the exams without prior experience and obtain and Operator-In-Training (OIT) certification. Once you meet the Experience Requirements, you will be able to become certified at that level.

Select the grade level you need from the list below and you’ll find all the information on obtaining and renewing that license.

Collection System

As mentioned at the top of the page, Collections is a voluntary license in California. However, many cities will either require or encourage the collection operators to obtain this certification from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).

Collection System Operators are responsible for the transmission of Wastewater through the Sewer system. They maintain the pipes, ensure there are no leaks or overflows and maintain lift stations (since collections is entirely gravity operated).

Select the grade level you need from the list below and you’ll find all the information on obtaining and renewing that license.