Hawaii · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Hawaii Water & Wastewater Operator License
Hawaii water & wastewater operators must complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater).
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater) rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 8 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Hawaii water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater).
When to renew
Hawaii water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/operatorcert/)
The continuing education Hawaii requires
Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater) requires 8 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The board does not mandate specific topics beyond the approved-course requirement.
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Hawaii 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
Complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education
Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater) requires 8 hours every 2 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Hawaii water & wastewater operators course - 3
Save your certificate of completion
Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.
- 4
Make sure your hours reach the board
In Hawaii, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater)
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 Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater)
Hawaii water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Hawaii water & wastewater operators need?
- Hawaii water & wastewater operators must complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater).
- Can Hawaii water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Hawaii requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Hawaii Department of Health — Safe Drinking Water Branch / Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators (drinking water); Wastewater Branch / Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants (wastewater) — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- Hawaii Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class