Illinois · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Illinois Water & Wastewater Operator License
Illinois water & wastewater operators must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 15 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every 3 years
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Illinois water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
When to renew
Illinois 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. (IL Water Operators: 3 yrs from July 1 of issuance year (epa.illinois.gov) - per-licensee cohort)
The continuing education Illinois requires
Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program requires 15 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:
- At least 2/3 of hours on technical aspects of water treatment/distribution; no more than 1/3 non-technical (safety, computers, first aid)
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Illinois 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 15 hours of board-approved continuing education
Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program requires 15 hours every 3 years, including At least 2/3 of hours on technical aspects of water treatment/distribution; no more than 1/3 non-technical (safety, computers, first aid). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Illinois 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 Illinois, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program
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 Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program
Illinois water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Illinois water & wastewater operators need?
- Illinois water & wastewater operators must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program.
- What topics are required for Illinois water & wastewater operators continuing education?
- Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program requires coverage of: At least 2/3 of hours on technical aspects of water treatment/distribution; no more than 1/3 non-technical (safety, computers, first aid).
- Can Illinois water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Illinois requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Drinking Water Operator Certification Program — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- Illinois Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class