Wastewater Operator Certification Program
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve an essential function to protect public health and the environment, including Washington's rivers, lakes, streams, and Puget Sound. The certification of wastewater treatment plant operators helps make sure they are knowledgeable and that WWTPs are properly operated and maintained.
Wastewater Operator Certification Program Fees
We are required to fund the Wastewater Operator Certification (OpCert) Program with fees (WAC 173-230-240). We review and evaluate these fees every two years, then propose changes, if needed, based on our budget and workload analysis. After our analysis, we ask for feedback on the proposed fees and respond to comments before finalizing the fees before the next fiscal year which starts July 1.
Based on our analysis, we did not propose any changes to the fees. We held a comment period on the draft fee schedule from March 26 to May 10, 2025. We have responded to public comments and did not make any changes to the proposed draft fee schedule, which is now final. Read Final fee schedule and our response to comments
Current fee schedule
| Category | Fiscal Year 2025-2027 July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Group I and Group I OIT Applications | $75 |
|
Groups II - IV and |
$125 |
| Renewals |
$200 |
Wastewater Operator Professional growth cycle and renewals
Operators commonly meet their professional growth by earning 3.0 continuing education units (CEUs) each professional growth cycle. Operators earn these CEUs by attending approved training courses. Operators must document their CEUs and submit it to the OpCert Program as they receive it. This ensures that they stay current on their requirements. Operators must meet their professional growth for the current cycle before renewing for 2025.
Drawing by James Davis
Wastewater Treatment Plant Awards
Plants are evaluated on individual permit conditions such as regularly meeting numeric effluent limits, for conducting monitoring, and for reporting data as required. We recognize these facilities through our award program. Many operators proudly display their award plaques to demonstrate their excellence and continued commitment to keeping Washington's lakes, rivers, and streams clean.
Related links
Contact information
Questions
opcert@ecy.wa.gov
1-800-633-6193, Option 1
Poppy Carre
Operator Certification Program Coordinator
poppy.carre@ecy.wa.gov
360-485-8906
Justin Thompson
Operator Certification Program Assistant
justin.thompson@ecy.wa.gov
360-480-3559