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Ohio · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Ohio Water & Wastewater Operator License

Ohio water & wastewater operators must complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
8 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Ohio water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program.

When to renew

Ohio water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (OH Water/Wastewater Operators: expire Dec 31 of second year after issuance/renewal (OAC 3745-7-15) - per-licensee cohort)

The continuing education Ohio requires

Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program requires 8 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • At least half of contact hours must be operations and maintenance

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Ohio 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 8 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program requires 8 hours every 2 years, including At least half of contact hours must be operations and maintenance. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, 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 Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program

Ohio water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Ohio water & wastewater operators need?
Ohio water & wastewater operators must complete 8 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program.
What topics are required for Ohio water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, Operator Certification Program requires coverage of: At least half of contact hours must be operations and maintenance.
Can Ohio water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Ohio requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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