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Industrial Stormwater Certified Operator Training/Exam and Recertification

Two people conducting an industrial stormwater inspection; looking at an outdoor pumping system.
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Industrial Stormwater Certified Operator Training/Exam and Recertification

All facilities that require industrial stormwater permit coverage must have an Industrial StormWater (ISW) Certified Operator who has direct supervision over the stormwater treatment and/or control measures associated with the stormwater discharge.  The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division (WRD) manages the Industrial Stormwater Certification and Renewal

Certification Renewal - $95

The renewal form and $95 renewal fee must be submitted by August 31 for all certifications that expire this year in order to keep your certification.  Certifications may be renewed no earlier than January 1 of the year of expiration.  If you have any questions about this process, please contact Sarah Marshall at MarshallS15@Michigan.gov or 517-388-6679. 

Download the ISW Renewal Form

Certification Application and Exam - $30

The following self-training options to meet the requirements to obtain ISW Operator Certification.

To become certified as an Industrial Stormwater Operator, please register for an exam date.  Pass the exam with at least a 70%, and pay the $30 certification fee, and you will be issued a certification that is valid for 5 years.

INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER OPERATOR CERTFICATION EXAM INFORMATION

  • All exams are administered via an online platform (Evaexam).
  • You will receive an email with your specific exam link on the date you select.
  • You have 24 hours to open the exam. Once you access the link, you have two (2) hours to complete the exam. 

ISW EXAM DATES:

  • November 18, 2025 (registration closes Nov 12)
  • December 16, 2025 (registration closes Dec 9)
  • January 27, 2026 (registration closes Jan 20)
  • February 24, 2026 (registration closes Feb 17)
  • March 24, 2026 (registration closes Mar 17)
  • April 28, 2026 (registration closes April 18)
  • June 23, 2026 (registration closes June 16)
  • July 28, 2026 (registration closes July 21)
  • August 25, 2026 (registration closes Aug 18)
  • September 22, 2026 (registration closes Sept 15)
  • November 17, 2026 (registration closes Nov 10)
  • December 15, 2026 (registration closes Dec 8)
Register to take the Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A.  Anyone who wants to obtain an Industrial Stormwater Certified Operator Certification.

  • A.  The industrial Stormwater Operator Certification fee is $30, payable to the State of Michigan.

  • A.  The industrial Stormwater Certification renewal fee is $95, payable to the State of Michigan.

  • A.  Typically, you will receive your preliminary results via email two to three weeks following the exam date, and your formal certificate and exam results will be mailed to your home address within four to six weeks. You must pay for your exam before results are issued.  Contact Alyssa Sarver at SarverA@Michigan.gov or 517-881-1371 if you have questions about your certificate or exam results.

  • A.  Yes, a letter will be sent with the Certified Operator ID and a new expiration date.

  • A.  The Certified Operator Training Manual can be found on the Industrial Stormwater website at Michigan.gov/IndustrialStormWater.