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New Mexico · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your New Mexico Water & Wastewater Operator License

New Mexico water & wastewater operators must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) rule on September 4, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers New Mexico water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP).

When to renew

New Mexico 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.srca.nm.gov/parts/title20/20.007.0004.html)

The continuing education New Mexico requires

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) requires 5 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • At least 10 of the 30 training credits must be in operation and maintenance of the same type of system/facility as the certification held (20.7.4.25(D) NMAC)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    New Mexico 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 5 hours of board-approved continuing education

    New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) requires 5 hours every 3 years, including At least 10 of the 30 training credits must be in operation and maintenance of the same type of system/facility as the certification held (20.7.4.25(D) NMAC). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP)

    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 New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP)

New Mexico water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do New Mexico water & wastewater operators need?
New Mexico water & wastewater operators must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP).
What topics are required for New Mexico water & wastewater operators continuing education?
New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Drinking Water Bureau - Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) requires coverage of: At least 10 of the 30 training credits must be in operation and maintenance of the same type of system/facility as the certification held (20.7.4.25(D) NMAC).
Can New Mexico water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the New Mexico requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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