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Technical Assistance and Certification Unit :: FAQ

Questions Frequently Asked by Wastewater Operators...and others

Q.   How will I know if a course has been approved for continuing education credit?

Ans.   To view approved training courses, check the Technical Assistance and Certification web-site: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/tacu . Select Training Opportunities and then select Continuing Education.

 

Q.   Can my education experience replace the requirement for actual operator experience for the purpose of taking a state exam?

Ans.   In some cases, education experience will shorten the actual work experience an operator must have to obtain a certification. For example, to qualify for a Grade III Biological Water Pollution Control Certification, an operator must have two years (24 months) of actual experience. However, if the operator is a graduate of a two or four year college or university and has taken, and passed, a minimum of six courses in the basic sciences, then only 18 months of actual experience at a Grade II or higher biological water pollution control system is needed. See the Wastewater Rules on this web site for other examples.

 

Q.   I am a Professional Engineer, with several years of experience; do I have to attend a wastewater school to be eligible for an exam?

Ans.   Yes, regulations require all examinees to attend the appropriate grade and type of school prior to taking the exam.

 

Q.   I did not pay my annual fee last year, but I did have 6 hours of continuing education as required. What do I have to do to renew my certificate?

Ans.    You will have to pay the $50 annual fee, plus a $50 late fee, to update your status from "invalid" to "active".

 

Q.    I have not renewed my wastewater certification (license) in several years. What do I have to do to get my certification (license) reinstated?

Ans.   To renew a wastewater certificate that has been invalid for more than 2 consecutive years, you are required to take and make a passing score on an examination of the same type and grade as your former certificate. In order to be eligible for the exam, you must comply with all requirements of the regulation, which includes attending the appropriate grade and type of wastewater school.

 

Q.    I did not renew my wastewater license last year. What do I have to do to get my license reinstated?

Ans.    If your license has been invalid for no more than 2 consecutive years, all outstanding fees and penalties that have accrued must be paid, and all continuing education requirements must be met.

 

Q.    Can I renew my certification with a credit card?

Ans.    NO. Payment must be made using company check, money order, or personal check only.

 

Q.   How long will it take for me to receive my wallet card after Technical Assistance and Certification (TACU) processes the renewal invoice?

Ans.   It can take up to 6 weeks to receive your wallet card.

 

Q.   Are there any allowances for waiving late fees on renewals?

Ans.   The Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission waives the late fee for operators who have been called away for military duty.

 

Q.   After I complete a school, how much time do I have to take the exam before having to complete the school again?

Ans.   As long as you have successfully completed the school, it will always be valid. However, if you complete a school and subsequently fail the exam for the school a total of 3 consecutive times, you will be required to complete the school again.

 

Q.   If I did not receive my renewal form or did not receive it in time, do I have to pay a late fee once I renew my certification?

Ans.   Yes. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure his or her certification is renewed annually. Renewals are due before the end of the calendar year. On each operator's wallet card is the renewal due date. Technical Assistance and Certification Unit will send out renewal notices the same time every year. If you have not received an invoice before December 1, you should call the Technical Assistance and Certification Unit (919) 733-0026 and request an invoice.

 

Q.   Can I check on my grade for an exam by calling the Technical Assistance and Certification Unit?

Ans.   NO. Exam results (pass/fail) are only reported in writing, directly to the applicant, after all exams have been graded. No results will be given out over the telephone.

 

Q.   Will my operator's exam be given at the completion of my school (wastewater, physical chemical, land application, etc)?

Ans.   No. The examinations are administered by the State on the second Thursday in the months of March, June, September and November. Locations are Raleigh, Morganton, Kenansville, Salisbury and Williamston.