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Kentucky · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Kentucky Water & Wastewater Operator License

Kentucky water & wastewater operators must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators) rule on September 4, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers Kentucky water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators).

When to renew

Kentucky 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 before you submit the renewal. (KY Water/Wastewater Operators: WW expire June 30 odd years (2027), DW June 30 even years (2028) (401 KAR 11:050))

The continuing education Kentucky requires

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators) requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Courses reviewed against the cabinet/Board core content list; submissions must include learning objectives, criteria for successful completion, timed agenda and instructor credentials

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Kentucky 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 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators) requires 24 hours every 2 years, including Courses reviewed against the cabinet/Board core content list; submissions must include learning objectives, criteria for successful completion, timed agenda and instructor credentials. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators)

    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 Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators)

Kentucky water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Kentucky water & wastewater operators need?
Kentucky water & wastewater operators must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators).
What topics are required for Kentucky water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection - Division of Compliance Assistance, Operator Certification Program (with Boards of Certification for Drinking Water and Wastewater operators) requires coverage of: Courses reviewed against the cabinet/Board core content list; submissions must include learning objectives, criteria for successful completion, timed agenda and instructor credentials.
Can Kentucky water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Kentucky requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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