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Arkansas · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Arkansas Water & Wastewater Operator License

Arkansas water & wastewater operators must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope....

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope... rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
24 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
June 30, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Arkansas water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope....

When to renew

Arkansas water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is June 30, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (AR Water Operators (DW, Dept of Health): renewal period ends June 30 of odd years; wastewater = separate agency, unverified (healthy.arkansas.gov))

The continuing education Arkansas requires

Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope... requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • At least 12 of 24 hours must be directly applicable (water: supply, treatment, distribution, pumping, metering, management; wastewater: treatment processes, collection, pumping, management); remaining 12 hours may be indirectly applicable (e.g., safety, cross-connection control)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Arkansas sets water & wastewater operators requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is June 30, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope... requires 24 hours every 2 years, including At least 12 of 24 hours must be directly applicable (water: supply, treatment, distribution, pumping, metering, management; wastewater: treatment processes, collection, pumping, management); remaining 12 hours may be indirectly applicable (e.g., safety, cross-connection control). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Arkansas water & wastewater operators course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Arkansas, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope...

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope...

Arkansas water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Arkansas water & wastewater operators need?
Arkansas water & wastewater operators must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope....
What topics are required for Arkansas water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section (drinking water operator licensing; Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee) + Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment, Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (wastewater ope... requires coverage of: At least 12 of 24 hours must be directly applicable (water: supply, treatment, distribution, pumping, metering, management; wastewater: treatment processes, collection, pumping, management); remaining 12 hours may be indirectly applicable (e.g., safety, cross-connection control).
Can Arkansas water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Arkansas requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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