All wastewater treatment facilities in Delaware must be operated under the direct supervision of a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control administers the certification program with advice and assistance from the Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Facilities. The program is governed by the Regulations for Licensing Operators Of Wastewater Facilities (7 DE Admin. Code 7204).

At the start of each year, all wastewater facilities in Delaware must report the names of all Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operators to the Department using a Section 4.04 Report Form. They must report any personnel changes involving Licensed Operators, within 30 days after the change. The form must be submitted via email to DOWLicensing@delaware.gov.

To become a licensed wastewater operator, applicants must first pass an exam and then submit an application. Applicants can apply for the exam, and for a license, using the Digital DNREC ePermitting system.

Those unable to take advantage of the Digital DNREC ePermitting system can contact the Division of Water at 302-739-9116.

The Exam

The exam is offered quarterly — in February, May, August and November. The exam application deadline is fourteen days prior to the exam date. Exam applications will be processed the day after the exam deadline. Exams will not be rescheduled once the application has been processed and the individual is assigned to an exam session. If an individual does not attend a scheduled exam, the exam will not be rescheduled, they will receive a zero and will need to reapply to sit for another exam.

Instructions: How to apply for the Wastewater Facility Operator License exam

Individuals are notified via email of examination details and examination grades.

There is a separate written exam for each level of license. The exams are made up of multiple-choice and true/false questions. Applicants must earn a score of 75% or higher to pass.

License Applications

Applicants who have passed the exam may submit an application for certification, along with their educational transcripts, using the DNREC ePermitting System.

Instructions: How to apply for a Wastewater Facility Operator License

Applicants who do not meet the experience or the educational requirements may, with the approval of the Board, receive an Operator-In-Training (OIT) license.

Applicants who hold certifications or licenses from other states, where requirements are found to be equal to Delaware’s requirements, may apply for certification in Delaware under the state’s reciprocity provision.

License Renewals

Surface Water Discharge licenses can be renewed up to two years from expiration.

Once the renewal period has expired, individuals must reapply for license, including applicable fees and successfully completing the exam. Individuals who apply and pass the exam after the renewal period has expired will receive a new license number different from the license number previously issued.

Instructions: How to renew a license

Please note that all fees are non-refundable.

Continuing Education Training

Wastewater operator licenses are issued for a two-year period. To renew, applicants must provide proof of at least 20 hours of approved training during the two years. A minimum of ten hours must be directly related to wastewater facility operations or maintenance. Up to ten hours may be indirectly related courses that are approved by the Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Facilities. 

Continuing education must be submitted through the individual’s Digital DNREC personal account, under the “Water Continuing Education” tab. Licensees are encouraged to submit their completed continuing education hours a minimum of 30 days prior to the license expiration date, to streamline the renewal process and prevent potential delays or a lapse in license.

Submitted proof of continuing education must be approved by DNREC staff prior to the individual renewing their license.

A list of approved courses can be found in the “Water Continuing Education” tab of your Digital DNREC personal account dashboard.

Duplication of directly related courses in consecutive renewal periods is not permitted.

The Board accepts requests for approval of continuing education training and courses. Instructions for submittal are at the top of the request form. Requests are reviewed monthly.

Submit request forms (with all required back up documentation) to DOWLicensing@delaware.gov.  

Related Links and Information

Wastewater Operator Licensing Overview Brochure

Delaware Technical & Community College Environmental Training Center

Delaware Rural Water Association

Water and Waste Operators Association of Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia

Related Topics:  boards and commissions, certification, clean water, commercial, government, permitting and regulation, surface water, treatment, wastewater, wastewater operator, water