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Montana · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Montana Water & Wastewater Operator License

Montana water & wastewater operators must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program rule on September 4, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers Montana water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program.

When to renew

Montana 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 30 days before that date. (MT Water Operators: renew annually before July 1; even-year CE cycle effectively closes May 31 - 30-day window (MCA 37-42-308, ARM 17.40.213))

The continuing education Montana requires

Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program requires 4 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

    Montana 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 4 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program requires 4 hours every 2 years. Finish at least 30 days before your deadline so the completion is on file in time.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program

    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 Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program

Montana water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Montana water & wastewater operators need?
Montana water & wastewater operators must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Montana Department of Environmental Quality — Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program.
Can Montana water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Montana requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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