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Exam application & instructions

Municipal wastewater operator certification
Exam application & instructions

Getting started

Education and experience requirements for each of the classifications are described in the Certification Board Policy. Please visit the Course Information section to learn more about Board Approved Semester Hour Equivalent (SHE) Courses that can be used to qualify for the A and B examinations. 

An operator must earn certification at the previous lower level to write an exam at the A, B, or C level. A - D exams can only be taken one at a time. If you test for L2 and pass you will receive the L1 as well. L1 and SC exams are standalone exams.

  • Example 1: You can take the C and SC exams at the same time.
  • Example 2: You cannot take the C & D exam at the same time.

Certified Wastewater Operator examinations are offered twice a year in May and November in six locations throughout the state. 

Current Submission Timeline

  • Application submission is: June 22, 2026
  • Application deadline: September 21, 2026

Application submittal 

Application submittals will be sent to EGLE WRD Operator Certification Unit. Applicants must attach the signed application, all education transcripts, and certificates to be considered complete. For those using overtime hours to qualify for an exam, please also attach written proof of hours worked. 

Always download the exam application from this page. Do not use an old application.  

ADA Accommodations are available. Please explain thoroughly in application. 

Exam notification letters are mailed 2-3 weeks before the exam. Please read your acceptance letter to verify the exam location and the exam time.  

Please submit your application as soon as possible within the application timeline. The earlier you submit your application, the more likely it is that staff can provide adequate feedback if you are missing information.

An incomplete application may be denied at any point during the application cycle; however, it is much more likely for staff to review and retrieve missing information to complete your application the earlier you apply.

Exam application and instructions

Upcoming exam dates

Nov 05

Municipal wastewater (MWW) operator certification exam

View all upcoming operator certification exam dates

Certification application fees

  • Class A, B, C, or D - $70.00 per exam 
  • Class L1, L2, or SC - $45.00 per exam 

Exam results

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.