Scott Schmidt
SchmidtS@Michigan.gov
517-899-6906
Drinking Water Operator Training and Certification is now accepting exam applications via email. The exam applications have been completely reformatted as a fillable PDF. The applications have changed, so be sure to read the instructions carefully within the application. To apply by email, follow these three steps:
Step 1) Fill out the exam application(s)
Step 2) Complete payment online
Step 3) Submit both the payment receipt and the exam application(s) to EGLE-DWEHD-OTCU-Exams@Michigan.gov
Approval/Denial Letters for the exam are typically sent out about one month before the exam date. If you do not receive an approval/denial letter from OTCU at least two weeks before the exam date, please contact our office.
*You will receive a reply email if it was submitted to the correct email address. Be sure to send it to the correct email address. Refunds will not be given for failed submissions.
Location preference for examination is on a first come, first serve basis, therefore, emailing the application will get it to us much faster.
Here are the links to the new Distribution, Limited Treatment, Complete Treatment, and Level 5 exam applications.
Drinking Water Training and Certification continually updates the 2025 Training Calendar for Drinking Water Courses taught by EGLE. There is a combination of webinars and in-person trainings available throughout the year. Continue to check for an updated calendar as we will be adding new courses as the year goes on.
No matter your skills or interests, there is a career for you in water. It takes a variety of positions to help ensure Michiganders have clean water, and there is a substantial and immediate demand for workers in these fields. Careers in water operations are stable and offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.
These are the most commonly used and asked for resources in Operator Training and Certification.
All certification renewal information can be found here.
EGLE offers a number of independent training courses, as well as courses co-sponsored with various technical assistance providers throughout the year. In addition to the EGLE courses, we approve courses by other providers for CEC credits.
You need to know which exam or exams you would like to take. The exams available are based on the classifications and requirements explained in our Exam Applications and Study Guides section. After you know which test you want to take you need to get a copy of an exam application. You can do that by contacting us or by printing the application available on this web site.
Certification Exams are offered twice a year in May and November. Certification exam application and study guides can be found on the right. In addition to applying for exams, you can also check the number of CECs you have earned, as well as look up certification renewal information.
Do not send in applications before 90 days prior to your certification expiration date. Do not use this application for any other certification renewal.
| Certification Level Held | Renewal CECs Needed | 1-90 Days Expired | 91-180 Days Expired | 181-270 Days Expired | 271-365 Days Expired |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, or 3 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 3 | 3.2 |
| 4 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| 5 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
The State of Michigan allows for temporary reciprocity of certification for operators that have certification in another state. Operators holding certification in another state who would like to become certified in Michigan are allowed to apply for a temporary reciprocal license under Rule R325.11914 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399 as amended. A temporary license will be issued for a time frame to where the applicant can take and receive the results from the next certification exam, which shall not exceed 18 months. Temporary license holder(s) who pass the certification exams will receive full certification in the State of Michigan. If the applicant fails to pass the certification examination their temporary license will no longer be valid.
The following list contains items the reciprocity applicants must complete before submission:
Courses submitted for Continuing Education Credit (CEC) must relate directly to the operation, maintenance, or management of a drinking water system. Wastewater CECs are managed separately. If you feel that your course could also qualify for wastewater CECs, please see the Wastewater Operator Certification page for the information on applying for wastewater CECs.
To obtain approval of a training course, the course sponsor must submit an Education and Training Programs CEC Approval Application and a course agenda for each training program electronically to EGLE-OTCU-Training@Michigan.gov or to one of the addresses on the application. The agenda must list, at a minimum, the topic of discussion for each segment of the program and the duration of each program segment. (See example agenda) Please provide as much detail as you can about the topics and learning objectives of your course to help the Drinking Water Advisory Board of Examiners (ABE) make their decision.
Following receipt of the application and agenda, the course will be submitted for approval by the ABE. The ABE meets at least twice a year and all meeting dates are posted on the EGLE website. Please submit all courses for approval at least two weeks before the scheduled meeting. All applicants will receive notification of course approval or disapproval as well as specific course completion requirements after the ABE decision. CEC course approval is valid for three years.
Any live webinars that are about drinking water, including technical and managerial topics, that grant CECs, and are at least 1 hour in length, are approved for CECs. In order to earn credit, you must sign-up and watch the webinar on your own and request a certificate from the EPA. We are unable to grant CECs without a certificate from the EPA, so if it is unclear as to whether certificates are being awarded for any particular webinar, please contact the EPA directly before attending. Please submit the certificate(s) to EGLE-OTCU-Training@Michigan.gov.
In Person Classes
No Current Events
Online Course(s)
August 6, 2025 - Basic Hydraulics for Operators - Course Code 4375 - 0.2 Technical CECs
FEMA - Emergency Management Institute Classes
Reports are submitted annually to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Safe Drinking Water Act 399 contains information for Supplying Water to the Public, and consists of 27 parts. The Rules for Drinking Water Operator Certification are included in Part 19.
