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North Dakota · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your North Dakota Water & Wastewater Operator License

North Dakota water & wastewater operators must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
24 hours
Renewal cycle
Every year
Next deadline
January 1, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers North Dakota water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program.

When to renew

North Dakota water & wastewater operators licenses renew every year, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is January 1, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (ND Water Operators: max 1 yr, expire Jan 1 (NDAC 33.1-19-01-07))

The continuing education North Dakota requires

North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program requires 24 hours of approved continuing education every year. 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

    North Dakota 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 January 1, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education

    North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program requires 24 hours every year. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — 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 North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program

North Dakota water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do North Dakota water & wastewater operators need?
North Dakota water & wastewater operators must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Municipal Facilities Division — Operator Certification Program.
Can North Dakota water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the North Dakota requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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