Wastewater Operator Certification Program

No. Ecology offices are closed and staff is prohibited from going into the office to get new applications and operator files.

No. After careful consideration, we decided to suspend reviewing and processing all wastewater applications until state employees can return to their offices.

Since Ecology offices are closed and staff are prohibited from going into the building to get applications and operator files, OpCert staff cannot review upgrade applications.

The only exceptions are temporary certificates, including those needed on an emergency basis. See Emergency Certificates for more information.

The OpCert program is not going to issue emergency certificates through reciprocity. Operators seeking certification through reciprocity need to meet applicable requirements in WAC 173-230-280(3)(a-c).

The OpCert program will issue temporary certificates on an emergency basis to fill an operator in responsible charge position or lead operator of a shift position when the designated certified operator unexpectedly vacates the position. We will evaluate the situation and any request based on the requirements in WAC 173-230-320(1). 

An operator wanting to help, an owner of a wastewater treatment plant, a public works director, or an operator in responsible charge can all request a temporary certificate.

After you determine that you need a temporary certificate, you will need to submit a letter naming the operator and explaining why you need the temporary certificate; a completed application for the operator named in the letter; and the appropriate application fee. The application is available to download on our certificate information webpage.

Please email the application and letter to opcert@ecy.wa.gov with Request for Emergency Temporary Certificate in the subject line. Then mail the original with the application fee to the address in the upper right hand corner of the application.

No. The exams are secure and confidential and only authorized personnel can administer or proctor the exams. All Ecology buildings are closed. We're complying with the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and will not travel to proctor exams during this time.

No. At this time, the only place to take an exam is at an authorized testing center. There are no other options for testing.

Updated 5/4/2020 – PSI began reopening some test centers nationwide starting May 1, 2020. However, in Washington, Governor Inslee has extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 31, 2020. Find the latest test center re-opening information and updates.

The OpCert program will issue extensions when we have more information about when testing centers will reopen. At that time, OpCert staff will send out an email notification to all examinees letting you know how to request an extension.

Yes, the OpCert program will continue to review applications received prior to or on April 1, 2020. You will get an email notification when your application is approved.

You will automatically receive a six month extension when you’re approved to take the exam. Instead of having one year to take the exam you will have one year and six months to take the exam.

Yes. However, as stated above, the OpCert program will not review applications received after April 1, 2020 until we return to the office.

No, we are currently in the 2^nd year of the three year professional growth cycle. There are many approved online and correspondence courses. There are also approved WEF and PNCWA webinars. OpCert program staff will shift their priority to review online training course requests ahead of classroom training requests.

The Approved Course List is available on our Professional Growth and Training webpage (see Where can I find approved courses or trainers?). Continue to submit you completion certificates to opcert@ecy.wa.gov.

Yes, we do not have a lot of flexibility to make adjustments to the professional growth requirement. With the online and correspondence courses, and webinars that are available, operators should be able to continue to meet the professional growth requirements. We will follow the closures closely and revisit this decision if necessary.

Yes. We're working with trainers that have approved classroom trainings to modify their courses so they can administer them via webinar or other remote learning methods.

Yes, the OpCert program put together an emergency on-call list of wastewater operators who are willing to help answer questions, or may be able to help with the operations of a wastewater treatment plant, in a time of emergency.

If you are a wastewater operator certified in Washington and are willing to help in this capacity, please send an e-mail to opcert@ecy.wa.gov, and include the following information.

• Name: First, middle initial, last
• City
• Certification number
• Certification level
• Phone number
• Cell phone number
• Primary e-mail address
• Secondary e-mail address

You can find the list on the OpCert webpage. Being on the list does not represent a commitent to an emergency.

The OpCert program manages a listserv just for operators or wastewater treatment plant owners and public works staff. Operators can use the listserv to communicate with others across the state, as a resource toolbox, to ask questions or make announcements, and request equipment they need, or equipment they have to share.

Join the listserv

Once you've been approved to join the listserv:

1.  Register your password.
2. Check your email to confirm your registration.
3. You're ready to post and read messages.