Certification information
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 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.
How to be certified
- Apply by the deadline: Applications received after the deadline will not be processed.
- Application Review: We will review your application to make sure you have the required operating experience and education requirements for the certification(s) you are applying for.
- Eligibility: You will be notified whether or not you have been approved to take an exam approximately two weeks prior to the exam date. If approved, you will be notified of the time and place you will be taking the exam.
- Exam time: The next step in the process is taking the exam itself.
- Immediately after the exam: The grading process is started. You will be notified of your score within 45 days of the exam date for levels 1-5. If you pass, you will receive a certificate.
- Certifications: Certifications have a renewal requirement that involves completion of drinking water Advisory Board approved courses. Within three years from the issue date on your certificate, you will need to earn Continuing Education Credits ( CEC's) for your certification(s) to be renewed. Certificates that expire can be renewed if the pro-rated continuing education requirement is satisfied within one year of the certification expiration date. A certification "Renewal" postcard is mailed to all individuals 8 weeks prior to their expiration date detailing steps necessary to renew current certification(s). Use the chart below to determine renewal requirements for each certification level. The CEC's required are based on the highest certification level held.
| 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 |
Certification reciprocity
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:
- A completed Drinking Water Operator Reciprocal License Application.
- An exam application(s) (F,D, or S) to the corresponding license.
- A copy of your resume.
- A copy of your position description for job(s) held in the drinking water sector.
- A copy of all education/training records.
- A current copy of your drinking water license/certificate.
Resources
