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Minnesota · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Minnesota Water & Wastewater Operator License

Minnesota water & wastewater operators must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators) rule on September 4, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers Minnesota water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators).

When to renew

Minnesota 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.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9400.1200/)

The continuing education Minnesota requires

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators) requires 4 hours of approved continuing education every 3 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

    Minnesota 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 4 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators) requires 4 hours every 3 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (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 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators)

Minnesota water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Minnesota water & wastewater operators need?
Minnesota water & wastewater operators must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water Protection Program (water operators) + Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) (wastewater operators).
Can Minnesota water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Minnesota requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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