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Colorado · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Colorado Water & Wastewater Operator License

Colorado water & wastewater operators must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Colorado water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals).

When to renew

Colorado water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/5-CCR-1003-2-100.16)

The continuing education Colorado requires

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals) requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • At least 50% of training units must be in the specific certificate category being renewed
  • Mandatory Regulatory Training (MRT) course completion (drinking water and/or wastewater), valid three years, counted within the required TUs

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Colorado sets water & wastewater operators requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals) requires 30 hours every 3 years, including At least 50% of training units must be in the specific certificate category being renewed, Mandatory Regulatory Training (MRT) course completion (drinking water and/or wastewater), valid three years, counted within the required TUs. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals)

    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 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals)

Colorado water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Colorado water & wastewater operators need?
Colorado water & wastewater operators must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals).
What topics are required for Colorado water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board (administered by Colorado Certified Water Professionals) requires coverage of: At least 50% of training units must be in the specific certificate category being renewed; Mandatory Regulatory Training (MRT) course completion (drinking water and/or wastewater), valid three years, counted within the required TUs.
Can Colorado water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Colorado requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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