| Updated: |
8/4/2009 |
| Description: |
As required under ORS 448.415, a valid (initial or renewal) certificate is required for a person to operate (without supervision by properly certified operator) or supervise the operation of a sewage treatment works (domestic wastewater treatment and collection system). The operator's certificate must correspond to the classification (type and grade level) of the system supervised.
Keywords: water quality, wastewater, operators |
| Statutes, Rules, Ordinances: |
ORS 448.410 to 448.430 and 448.992
OAR 340-049-0030
|
| Duration: |
Standard - 2 years; Provisional - 12 months |
| Fees - application, exam, etc.: |
Application with one exam (if required) or exam reciprocity:- Wastewater Treatment or Collection - Grade I: $100
- Wastewater Treatment and Collection - Grade I: $150
- Wastewater Treatment or Collection - Grade II: $120
- Wastewater Treatment or Collection - Grade III: $140
- Wastewater Treatment or Collection - Grade IV: $160
- Post-exam Application Fee (if required): $30
- Open Schedule (other than DEQ scheduled) Exam Fee: $100 (payable in addition to the application fee).
- Re-examination or Rescheduled Exam Fee: $50
Renewal: two-year Certificate (one or two certificate types): $100 |
| Responsible Agency: |
Environmental Quality Department (DEQ) |
| Fee Exemptions: |
None |
| Examination Information: |
As part of a certificate qualification process for standard (renewable) certification, applicants must pass a closed-book examination. Examinations are developed jointly by DEQ and the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), and consist of material in content and level appropriate to each certificate type and grade. The exam passing score is 70 percent correct answers. Examinations are scheduled and administered by DEQ at least twice each year at various locations state-wide. Persons may schedule exams with DEQ at other times for an additional fee. Persons may not take an exam for the same certificate type and grade level more than two times in a 12-month period without completion of additional DEQ approved education/training specific to the subject area of the examination. |
| Continuing Ed Requirements: |
Certificate Renewal: Renewal eligibility is based on the certificate holder completing continuing education of two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or two hours of college or university credit every two years in subject matter directly relevant to a wastewater system operator's job tasks and required knowledge. Certification: Only Grade IV for Wastewater Treatment has a one-year post-high school requirement which may be met with continuing education. As allowed by rule, each full year of relevant continuing education may reduce experience requirements at Grades II, III or IV. |
| Bonding Requirements: |
None |
| Insurance Requirements: |
None |
| Prerequisites: |
Minimum qualifications for certification:- High School diploma, GED Certificate, or equivalent (and for Grade IV Wastewater Treatment one year post High School);
- acceptable operating experience at a wastewater system as established for the certificate type and grade level; and
- passage of the examination for the certificate type and grade level.
Exam exception: passing an exam is not required for a provisional (conditional/non-renewable) Grade I certificate. Provisional Grade I certification requires enrollment in, or completion of, a DEQ-approved training program and training supervision by a certified operator. |
| Application Form: |
Applications for Wastewater System Operator Certification and Certification Renewal |
| Service Links: |
 Permit Application Status
Wastewater System Operator Certification Program
 Application
Agency Contact Information
|
| Required Documentation: |
Completed, signed and dated application form for the certificate type and grade level sought along with proof of education/training, and for the provisional Grade I certificate, a completed, signed and dated "Affidavit of Training and Supervision". |
| Additional Information: |
Program Contact: 541-298-7255 ext. 235 or 800-452-4011 (toll-free in Oregon).
Program E-mail:opcert@deq.state.or.us
Program Web Page: Wastewater System Operator Certification Website |
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| |
Agency Information
|
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Please refer to the Agency Website for further details and additional information.
|
| Agency Name: |
Environmental Quality Department (DEQ) |
| E-mail Address: |
DEQInfo@deq.state.or.us
|
| Phone: |
503-229-5696
or 800-452-4011 (toll-free in Oregon)
|
| Mail Address: |
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
811 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
- 1390
|
| Website Information: |
http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ/index.shtml |
