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Iowa · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Iowa Water & Wastewater Operator License

Iowa water & wastewater operators must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification rule on September 4, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers Iowa water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification.

When to renew

Iowa 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 91 days before that date. (IA Water/Wastewater Operators: expire June 30 of odd years; CE biennium ends Mar 31 of odd years - 91-day CE window (IAC 567-81))

The continuing education Iowa requires

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification requires 10 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. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Iowa 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 10 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification requires 10 hours every 2 years. Finish at least 91 days before your deadline so the completion is on file in time.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification

    Submit your renewal 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 Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification

Iowa water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Iowa water & wastewater operators need?
Iowa water & wastewater operators must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water Supply Operations - Operator Certification.
Can Iowa water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Iowa requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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