How to Renew Your Massachusetts Water & Wastewater Operator License

Who has to renew

This guide covers Massachusetts water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators.

When to renew

Massachusetts 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 December 31, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (MA Wastewater Operators: renewals expire Dec 31 of odd years (236 CMR 4.07))

The continuing education Massachusetts requires

Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators requires 20 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

   Massachusetts 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 December 31, 2027.

2. 2

   Complete 20 hours of board-approved continuing education

   Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators requires 20 hours every 2 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

5. 5

   Renew with Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators

   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 Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators

Massachusetts water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Massachusetts water & wastewater operators need?

Massachusetts water & wastewater operators must complete 20 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators.

Can Massachusetts water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?

Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Massachusetts requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources

• Massachusetts Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities (MassDEP) and Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators — official board site
• Massachusetts Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class