Industrial wastewater operator certification
FAQ

The next exam date varies depending on the type of wastewater operator certification you're interested in.

View all upcoming certification exam dates

The exam fee varies depending on the type of wastewater operator certification:

• Industrial wastewater operator certification exam fees:
  • Level 1 and 2 exams: $35 per exam
  • Level 3 exam: $40
• Municipal wastewater operator certification exam fees:
  • Class A, B, C, or D: $70 per exam
  • Class L1, L2, or SC: $45 per exam

All are payable to the State of Michigan. Payment instructions will be provided during registration.

The Board of Certification must provide recommendation to the Department on the issuance or denial of certificates, so a Board meeting must be held before results are released.

The Board typically meets approximately one month following each exam date, and results are also usually mailed the same week as the Board meeting.

Operators can reasonably expect their results in the mail approximately 6-8 weeks following an exam date.

Submit replacement wastewater operator certification requests to EGLE-WRD-OpCert@Michigan.gov.

You should include:

• Operator’s full name
• Certification number(s)

This is the process for municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, industrial stormwater, construction stormwater, and SESC PRD operator certification. 

For municipal wastewater operator certificates, as soon as the certificate expiration date passes and you fail to renew, your certificate is considered expired. 

• A municipal wastewater certificate that has expired may be reinstated within 1-year from the expiration date of the certificate only when an individual has completed the necessary continuing education requirements as prorated from the certificate’s expiration date.
• If a certificate is not reinstated within 1-year, the individual will lose their certification and will be required to re-test for the desired certification. 

People with an expired municipal wastewater certificates are eligible for employment at a sewerage system; however, they cannot serve as the “certified operator." 

Guide to municipal wastewater operator certification renewal

For industrial wastewater operators, certificates expire July 1. If you have not renewed your license on or before July 1, your certification is considered expired.

• If your industrial wastewater operator certification lapsed, you have until August 31 to submit the renewal paperwork and get your certificate renewed without having to retake the exam.
• If you haven't submitted your renewal paperwork by September 1, your certificate is terminated and you will have to retake the exam to regain your certification.