EPA Region 6 Tribal Operator Certification Program

Tribal water operators are essential in providing safe drinking water and protecting the public health of the Tribal communities they serve. The goal of the EPA Region 6 Tribal Operator Certification Program is to increase operator competency and to assist Tribal operators in achieving certification. The Program offers an opportunity for Tribal drinking water operators to attend training specifically developed for Tribes and to work towards certification.

As members of the Association of Boards Certification (ABC) for over 15 years, we are pleased to offer:

  • Both paper based testing and computer based testing
  • Quarterly and as requested EPA Region 6 operator certification exams
  • Tribal Utility Advisory Committee (TUAC) meetings
  • Reciprocity for Tribal water operators certified by other entities
  • Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for SW EFC trainings
  • Trainings in test-taking and basic math skills
  • Countrywide testing at AMP testing centers

Requirements for Certification for Water Distribution and Treatment Testing

Level

1
  • Work Experience
  • 1 year of operating experience. (Education cannot be substituted for experience.)
  • Education
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Continuing Education Hours
  • 10 hours

Level

2
  • Work Experience
  • 2 years of operating experience. (Post high school education or approved training may be substituted for up to 6 months of experience)
  • Education
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Continuing Education Hours
  • 30 hours

Level

3
  • Work Experience
  • 5 years of operating experience. (Post high school education or approved training may be substituted for up to 1½ years of experience)
  • Education
  • High school diploma or GED & 1 year of post high school education or the equivalent in approved training
  • Continuing Education Hours
  • 50 hours

Level

4
  • Work Experience
  • 6 years of operating experience, of which at least 1½ years must have occurred after obtaining a Level 3 Certificate. (Post high school education or approved training may be substituted for up to 4 years of experience.)
  • Education
  • High school diploma or GED & 2 years of post high school education or the equivalent in approved training
  • Continuing Education Hours
  • 80 hours

Please complete and return the forms listed below along with the required documentation to the address listed at least two (2) weeks before the expected testing date:

Water Operator Certification Resources

 

Mailing Address

Operator Certification Program
SWEFC/Civil Engineering Department
MSC01 1070, 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

For more information about the Tribal Operator Certification Program, please email swefctribal@unm.edu