OVERVIEW OF WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATOR LICENSURE
IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
 Read the Operator Certification Handbook! Located on the Department of Environmental
Protection web site, the Handbook is your ultimate source.
 http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wff/ocp/docs/ocp_handbook.pdf
 Note that there are two separate types of licensure with the same requirements for either license:
 Water Treatment Plant Operator
 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
 D-level (limited career opportunities with this license)
 Have a high school diploma or equivalent
 Pass the Class D exam for the type license you want. See the Handbook for course and
experience requirements.
 C-level (this is the entry level for a career in water or wastewater operations)
 Have a high school diploma or equivalent
 Complete a pre-licensure course approved by the Department of Environmental Protection
 Pass the Class C exam. Note: Prior work experience is not required to take the exam!
 If you do not have prior work experience when you pass the exam, you are “licensureeligible”. This improves your chances of getting (or keeping) an entry-level job because
employers know that you demonstrated the commitment to take the course and the
knowledge to pass the exam. Plus, they know that in one year they will have a licensed
operator which is what they are looking for.
 After passing the exam, you will need to document 2080 hours (one year) of operational
experience acquired before or after you pass the exam.
 If all is in order, you will be granted a C-level license as either a Water Treatment Plant
Operator or a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Congratulations!
 B-level (stepping stone to better jobs and better pay)
 Have a C-level license of the same type
 Complete a pre-licensure course approved by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
 Pass the Class B exam
 Document at least 6,240 hours (3 years) total operational experience (including the 2080
hours required for level C)
 If all is in order, you will be granted a B-level license as either a Water Treatment Plant
Operator or a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.
 A-level (stepping stone to management positions)
 Have a B-level license of the same type
 Complete a pre-licensure course approved by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
 Pass Class A exam
 Document at least 10,400 hours (5 years) total operational experience (including the hours
required for levels C and B)
 If all is in order, you will be granted an A-level license as either a Water Treatment Plant
Operator or a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator.