1. Operator Training and Certification Program
Program Manager:
Carrie Bohan
Program Staff:
Ken Smith
Martin Suzuki
Galen Heffern

2. Operator Training and Certification Program
Regulations (18 AAC 74)
The Three Articles
Primary Function
Classification of Systems
Water Systems
Water Distribution Systems
Certification of Operators
New Programs
Taking Exams at the Next Level
Online Exams
Operator Reimbursement Program

3. Operator Certification and Training Regulations (18 AAC 74)
Article One
Requirements for large water/wastewater systems
Classifying systems/certifying operators
Article Two
Requirements for small water systems
Article Three
Requirements common to both
Renewal requirements
Fees
Definitions

4. Finding Your Very Own Copy of the Regulations
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

5. The Basic Rule What we do: Certify Operators Classify Systems
Supervising operators of water systems must be certified at levels equal to system classifications.
What we do:
Certify Operators
Classify Systems

6. Types of Systems We Classify
Water Systems
Chevak WT Plant
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Emmonak WT Plant
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Akiak WT Plant
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Types of Systems We Classify
Fire Hydrant in Chignik
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Water Distribution
Water Lines in Saint Michael
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Water Tanks in False Pass
Photo Courtesy of DCCED

7. Water Systems
Eklutka WT Plant
Photo Courtesy of AWWU
Anaktuvuk Pass WT Plant
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Kongiganak WT Plant
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Public Water Systems provide water for human consumption through pipes or other conveyances to at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year.
A Community Water System (CWS) serves the same population year round.
A Non-Transient Non-Community Water System (NTNCWS) serves at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year.
A Transient Non-Community Water System (TNCWS) does not regularly serve at least 25 of the same individuals over six months per year.
PWSID
Classification based on complexity
646 water systems

8. Water System Classification
< 500 people
No Chemicals – Small Untreated
One Chemical – Small Treated
Complex treatment – Point rating system determines
Water Treatment classification
> 500 people
Point rating system determines
Water Treatment classification
Hoonah

9. Water Distribution Systems
Insulated Piping in Alakanuk
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Water Tank in Fort Yukon
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Fire Hydrant in Akiak
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
More than 500 people or 100 service connections
More than 15 service connections
Classification based on size and complexity
100 systems

10. Water Distribution Classification
Fires Hydrants in Nuiqsut
Photo Courtesy of DCCED
Water Main Leak Repair in Saxman
Photo Courtesy of Kerry Lindley
FIRST - Number of Service Connections
Class 1 = 15 to 500
Class 2 = 501 to 5,000
Class 3 = 5,001 to 15,000
Class 4 = >15,000
THEN
If water is circulated or heated to prevent freezing, then one class
If five or more pressure zones, then one class
If both occur, then only one class

11. Finding the Classification of a System
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

12. Finding the Classification of a System

13. Finding the Classification of a System

15. Management/System Owner Considerations Regarding System Classification
Know the classification of each system under their control
Know why each system is classified at the level it is
Question authority (don’t take our word for it)
Be aware that changes to the system might affect system classification

16. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements
Education
Experience
Exams

17. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Small Systems
Small Untreated Water Systems
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Three months of operating experience at a system classified as a small, untreated water system or greater (or completion of a department approved training course)
Small Treated Water Systems
Six months of operating experience at a system classified as a small, treated water system or greater (or completion of a department approved training course)

18. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Education
Experience

19. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Provisional Level
High School Diploma or G.E.D., and
Three months of operating experience in the system type requested, or
Completion of a department-approved course

20. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level I
High School Diploma or G.E.D., and
One year (1,950 hours) of operating experience in the system type requested

21. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level II
High School Diploma or G.E.D., and
Three years of operating experience in the system type requested

22. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level III
Water Distribution
High School Diploma or G.E.D.;
Four years of operating experience of which two years must be specific to water distribution in a class II or higher facility; and
One year of post-secondary education (45 CEUs)
Water Treatment
Four Years of operating experience of which two years must be specific to the water treatment in a class II or higher facility; and
2 years of postsecondary education (90 CEUs).

23. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements – Large Systems
Level IV
Water Distribution
High School Diploma or G.E.D.;
Six years of operating experience, of which three years must be specific to water distribution in a class III or higher facility; and
One year of postsecondary education (45 CEUs).
Water Treatment
Four years of operating experience, of which two years must be specific to water treatment in a class III or higher facility; and
Four years of post-secondary education (180 CEUs)

24. Counting Simultaneous Experience
The Catch 22:
Operator Works 2 Hours / Day
Eligible for Level 1 exams in
8 years!
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Simultaneous Experience:
Operator Works 2 Hours / Day
Eligible for Level 1 exams in
1 year.
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Applies only to the Supervising Operator;
Applies only to systems REQUIRED to have a certified operator;
A system-specific certificate is issued;
Once the eligibility requirement for the level of certification are met, it is the responsibility of the operator to submit an application to the Department.

25. Operator Certification
Eligibility Requirements
Education
Experience
Exams
10 Different Drinking Water-Oriented Exams
Small Water Systems Untreated, Treated
Water Treatment P/1, 2, 3, 4
Water Distribution P/1, 2, 3, 4
Twice Yearly Exam Cycles (April/October)
Online
Provisional level exams are also available at the conclusion of introductory courses.

26. A Note about Exams ABC (Association of Boards of Certification)
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
All ABC exams are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions.
HOWEVER…

27. A Note about Exams Water Treatment Water Distribution ABC Prescriptive
(Modified based on Alaskan systems)
Exams are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions.
Exam descriptions are available online at:
Keep in mind:
Exams test across the range of classification, not just one system.
Cover both surface water and groundwater
Sample Topics:
KMnO4, Greensand
Circulating Systems
Chlorination

28. Small Water System Exams
Small Untreated Water System
50-question multiple choice exam
Exam description available at
Small Treated Water System

29. “Paper & Pencil” Exams
Written certification exams are administered statewide twice a year, in April and October.
Application Deadline
Exam Date
August 23, 2011
October 7, 2011
February 21, 2012
April 6, 2012
August 21, 2012
October 5, 2012
February 19, 2013
April 5, 2013
August 27, 2013
October 11, 2013
February 25, 2014
April 11, 2014
August 26, 2014
October 10, 2014

30. Small Water System Online Certification Exams
Online Exams Available
Small, Untreated Water System
Small, Treated Water System
Application
One-page application
Fees
At the time of application:
$20 application fee
At the time of testing:
$30 exam fee payable to the Testing Center
There are No Application Deadlines
As soon as we receive your application and application fee, we will authorize you to take the online exam at one of the testing centers.
Locations:
Anchorage
Dillingham
Fairbanks
Glennallen
Kenai
Ketchikan
Palmer

31. Online ABC Exams Online ABC Exams Available Now: Water Treatment
Water Distribution
One-Page Application
No-shows for previous exams
Retakes (previously failed)
One level higher
Full Application
During exam cycles
Online Application

32. Online ABC Exams Locations: Anchorage Juneau Kenai Ketchikan Fairbanks
Online Exams Now:
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Fees
At the time of application:
$20 application fee
$40/exam fee ( from $30)
At the time of testing:
Per exam testing center fee (varies)
Application Deadlines
1st and 15th of every month
15 days to activate
Must take within 2 months
Locations:
Anchorage
Juneau
Kenai
Ketchikan
Fairbanks
Valdez
Bethel
Barrow

33. Exams at the Next Level Before: Now:
An operator MUST meet the education and experience requirements BEFORE taking the exam.
Now:
An operator can take the next higher exam BEFORE meeting the education and experience requirements.
 You hold a level 1 certificate, you can take a level 2 exam
 You hold a level 2 certificate, you can take a level 3 exam
 You hold a level 3 certificate, you can take a level 4 exam
 You hold a P, you can’t take anything
Restrictions:
The passing score for the next level higher exams is valid as long as the certificate at the lower level is active, i.e., not expired.
Operators must apply to upgrade the certificate.
Applications are reviewed 4 times per year.

34. Finding an Operator
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

35. Finding an Operator

36. Renewing a Certificate
To renew the following certificates, 3.0 CEUs are required (2.0 must be core to the water/wastewater industry):
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Additionally, the certificate renewal fees must be paid:
$50 per certificate by mail or
$35 per certificate online using a credit card.

37. Getting CEUs
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered in a variety of formats:
Correspondence courses
Online courses
Classroom courses
Conferences
Workshops
1 CEU is equivalent to 10 hours of class time.

38. Getting CEUs - Resources
Approved Course List
Correspondence courses
Online courses
Training Calendar
Classroom courses
Upcoming workshops
Upcoming conferences

39. Core/Non-Core/DW-Core?
Core CEUs – training/education specifically related to water/wastewater systems, or integral to their operation
Non-core CEUs – relevant to water/wastewater industry, but indirectly
Drinking-water core CEUs – core CEUs specifically related to water systems
Only required for SU or ST certification
If you do not hold an SU or ST certification, you will receive Core credit for a DW Core class.

40. Management Considerations Regarding Operator Certification
Know the required levels of certification for each operator
Be aware that operators may need more than one certificate
Be aware of the certification requirements – that it takes time and education
Be aware of how certification exams are administered (online, at courses, or in the community)
Budget for application fees, exam fees, training fees, and possibly travel
Budget time for the operator to study
Be aware of training opportunity formats
Be proactive in providing out-of-the-ordinary training opportunities to operators
Be aware of what help/funding is out there

41. Operator Reimbursement Program
The Operator Training and Certification Program has funds available to reimburse water operators for costs associated with continuing education.
Each eligible operator may receive up to $1,500 towards education expenses.
The program was started in 2008.
Since 2008, approximately $265,000 in education expenses have been reimbursed.

42. Operator Reimbursement - Eligibility
Certified operators of water systems that require a certified operator
Non-Certified operators of water systems that require a certified operator
These operators may only be reimbursed for courses that make them eligible for certification exams.

43. Operator Reimbursement – Approved Expenses
Major Travel
Airfare, Ferry. No taxis or car rentals.
Course Fees
No Application or exam fees.
Lodging
Hotel only. No per diem or food expenses.

44. Operator Reimbursement – Approved Courses
Classroom
Operators may be reimbursed for travel to and from the course, course fees, and lodging while attending the course.
Correspondence
Operators may be reimbursed for course fees and postage.
Online
Operators may be reimbursed for course fees.

45. Operator Reimbursement – Process
An operator* submits a pre-approval form.
DEC reviews this form and sends the operator* approval (or denial) that they are eligible for the reimbursement program.
The operator attends an approved training course.
The operator* then submits a reimbursement form, in addition to all relevant receipts.
If everything is in order, DEC will send a check to the operator*.
*A city/utility may also claim reimbursement on the operator’s behalf.

46. Operator Reimbursement – Fine Print
In order to receive reimbursement for a classroom, online, or correspondence course, an operator MUST complete that course.
More information may be found on our website:
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm

47. Operator Reimbursement Program
Eligible Systems
Approved course lists depending on certification
Forms depending on who we’re reimbursing
Forms for requesting reimbursement after the course

50. Water System Classification and Operator Certification Contact Information
Ken Smith
Martin Suzuki
Galen Heffern
(907)
dec.alaska.gov/water/opcert/index.htm