Skip to main content
N.C. Division of Water Quality
About the Division of Water Quality | Accesskey = a Contact Us | Accesskey = c Division of Water Quality Sections | Accesskey = s Glossary | Accesskey = g
To preserve, protect and enhance North Carolina's water... dwq banner

Navigation Links

Technical Assistance and Certification Unit :: General Eligibility Requirements for All Applicants

  • Applicants for certification as an operator of a water pollution control system must meet the following criteria and possess the knowledge and abilities listed as they relate to the specific type of system for which certification is being sought and shall, at a minimum, include:
    • a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) equivalent; and
    • at least 18 years of age; and
    • a general knowledge of typical wastewater characteristics and treatment processes; and
    • the ability to:
      • read and understand the statutes and rules which govern water pollution control system operators and the operation of the type of system for which certification is being sought; and
      • perform mathematical calculations required to operate the system for which certification is being sought; and
      • complete and maintain logs and regulatory reporting forms required to document the proper operation of the system; and
      • provide a description of the equipment employed in the operation of the type of system for which certification is being sought along with the ability to describe the general maintenance requirements for such equipment.


  • Applicants who fail to achieve a passing score on a specific type and grade of examination after three consecutive attempts must:
    • attend, and successfully complete, a Commission sponsored or co-sponsored training program of the same type and grade as the certification being sought; and
    • provide verification, in the form of a certificate of completion or other such documentation, of the satisfactory completion of the required training with any subsequent application made to the Certification Commission to sit for the examination.


  • Applicants for certification shall not have had any certification revoked by the Certification Commission within the 730 calendar day period (2 years) prior to the date of the application for certification.

  • Applicants for certification shall not be allowed to sit for any examination offered by the Certification Commission during the period of a suspension of any certification held by the applicant with the Certification Commission.