Skip to main content

Maryland · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Maryland Water & Wastewater Operator License

Maryland water & wastewater operators must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
16 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Maryland water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment).

When to renew

Maryland 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://mde.maryland.gov/programs/permits/EnvironmentalBoards/Documents/COMAR%2026.06.01_WWSO_Board_Regulations.pdf)

The continuing education Maryland requires

Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment) requires 16 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Process-related training (>=50% of renewal training units must concern treatment processes for most operator categories, per COMAR 26.06.01.13G(4) and Table 8 note 4)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Maryland 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 16 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment) requires 16 hours every 3 years, including Process-related training (>=50% of renewal training units must concern treatment processes for most operator categories, per COMAR 26.06.01.13G(4) and Table 8 note 4). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment)

    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 Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment)

Maryland water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Maryland water & wastewater operators need?
Maryland water & wastewater operators must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment).
What topics are required for Maryland water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators (Maryland Department of the Environment) requires coverage of: Process-related training (>=50% of renewal training units must concern treatment processes for most operator categories, per COMAR 26.06.01.13G(4) and Table 8 note 4).
Can Maryland water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Maryland requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources