Skip to main content

Indiana · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Indiana Water & Wastewater Operator License

Indiana water & wastewater operators must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program 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 Indiana water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program.

When to renew

Indiana 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/indiana/327-IAC-8-12-7.5)

The continuing education Indiana requires

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • At least 70% of contact hours from the technical category (water distribution/treatment); not more than 30% nontechnical/general

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Indiana 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

    Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program requires 30 hours every 3 years, including At least 70% of contact hours from the technical category (water distribution/treatment); not more than 30% nontechnical/general. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - 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 Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program

Indiana water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Indiana water & wastewater operators need?
Indiana water & wastewater operators must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program.
What topics are required for Indiana water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Office of Water Quality - Operator Certification Program requires coverage of: At least 70% of contact hours from the technical category (water distribution/treatment); not more than 30% nontechnical/general.
Can Indiana water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Indiana requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources