Class 4 Class 3
Class 2
Class 1 Class K
Collection System
Operator
Facility Classification
*Note: DAF = Design Average
Flow
* Lagoon Treatment Systems
(aerated and non-aerated)
*Fixed Film Processes
*Imhoff Tank Systems
*Stationary & Rotating
Biological Contactors
*Sand Filters
* Activated sludge systems with
a DAF of less than 1.0 MGD
* Wastewater treatment systems
with a DAF of 1.0 MGD or more
excluding lagoon systems and
primary treatment systems
* Industrial Wastewater
Treatment Facilities
Voluntary Program
Years of Wastewater
Experience & Qualifications (*
see below)
1 year and H.S. education or
equivalent.
2 years and H.S. education or
equivalent.
4 years and H.S. education or
equivalent
6 years and H.S. education or
equivalent
Active Supervision and/or
Operation of an Industrial
Wastewater Treatment Facility
1 year and H.S. education or
equivalent
Hands-On Requirement
Minimum 1 yr. Hands-On
experience.
Minimum 1 yr. Hands-On
experience.
Minimum 2 yrs. Hands-On
experience.
Minimum 3 yrs. Hands-On experience. *site specific
Minimum 6 months hands-on
experience.
Maximum 6 months Wastewater
training through courses/college
classes
Maximum 6 months Wastewater
training through courses/college
classes
Maximum 2 yrs. Wastewater
training through courses/college
classes
Maximum 2 yrs. Wastewater training
through courses/college classes
*site specific
Maximum 6 months (3 months
through courses/college classes
and 3 months wastewater exp)
Maximum 1 year other
experience such as non-
wastewater courses/ lab work/or
collection systems
Maximum 1 year other
experience such as non-
wastewater courses/ lab work/or
collection systems
Maximum 1 year other experience
such as non- wastewater courses/
lab work/or collection systems
Maximum 1 year other experience such
as non- wastewater courses/ lab
work/or collection systems
*site specific
Renewal Training
Required
No continuing education
requirements
ILLINOIS EPA - DIVISION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL - WASTEWATER OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
TOTAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
(all applicants shall be able to read and write English)
*
Wastewater operator experience includes direct hands-on physical operation of wastewater treatment equipment and/or wastewater treatment processes, direct active field supervision of wastewater
treatment equipment and/or wastewater treatment processes, and/or direct and active involvement in process control decisions for wastewater treatment processes. Wastewater operator experience may be
acquired at other domestic/municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
Some Substitution of
Training/Education Allowed for
Wastewater Experience
Class 1 & 2 Operators need 30 continuing education hours
over 3 years. (20 Technical hours training minimum and 10
Professional hours maximum)
Class 3 & 4 Operators need 15 continuing education
hours over 3 years. (10 Technical hours training
minimum and 5 Professional hours maximum)
WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING
CERTIFICATE
Any person who passes a Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4 wastewater operator exam shall be considered an Operator in Training
for the class of examination passed. The results are valid for a period of 5 years.
