California Water & Wastewater Operator Continuing Education Requirements
California water & wastewater operators must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program).
Applies to All licensees.
- Built to State Rules
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Requirements at a glance
What California requires of water & wastewater operators
- CE hours required
- 12 hours
- per renewal 3 years
- Renewal cycle
- Every 3 years
- License classes
- All licensees
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Find your license class
The course California water & wastewater operators need
One course, planned to the exact hours and topics State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program) requires.
- 1 license class
12 hours
of board-approved CE every 3 years
- All licensees
Course for this class is in board review.
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How renewal works
From course to renewed license in California
- Step 1
Pick the course for your license class
Each course above is planned to the 12 hours and topics State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program) requires.
- Step 2
Complete it online, at your pace
Timed lessons and checkpoints record your seat time so the hours hold up to an audit.
- Step 3
Download your certificate instantly
Your certificate lists the approved hours and completion date the moment you pass.
- Step 4
Renew with the board
Keep your certificate — the board verifies completion on renewal or audit. Then renew every 3 years.
Renewing soon? Read the step-by-step guide: How to renew your California water & wastewater operator license.
Questions California water & wastewater operators ask
Frequently asked questions
- How many continuing education hours do California water & wastewater operators need?
- California water & wastewater operators must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program).
- Can California water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the California requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Official California water & wastewater operators licensing resources
- State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program)
The California board that licenses water & wastewater operators and sets the CE rule.
- The rule this page is based on
Primary source for the hours, cycle and topics listed above.
Requirements on this page come from State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program)’s published rules and were last verified on September 4, 2026. Always confirm your renewal date with the board.
Why California professionals choose us
California water & wastewater operators CE, done right
Every water & wastewater operators course is built to meet State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, Office of Operator Certification (Drinking Water Operator Certification Program) requirements so the credit you earn actually counts toward your renewal.
Built to the board rule
Every course is planned to the exact hours and mandated topics the state publishes, so the credit you earn counts toward renewal.
Instant certificate
Finish the assessment and download your certificate of completion the moment you pass — no waiting.
Credit reported for you
Where the board supports it, we report your earned CE hours directly so you do not have to.
Learn at your own pace
Work on any device, start and stop anytime. Your progress saves automatically as you go.
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Other California continuing education
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Renew your California water & wastewater operators license on time
12 hours every 3 years — completed online, with an instant certificate and a money-back guarantee.