Pennsylvania · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Pennsylvania Water & Wastewater Operator License
Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators must complete 6 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators).
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators) rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 6 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every 3 years
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators).
When to renew
Pennsylvania 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.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/water/bureau-of-safe-drinking-water/operator-certification/operator-certification-training/continuing-education)
The continuing education Pennsylvania requires
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators) requires 6 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:
- DEP security course (required of all certified operators)
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Pennsylvania 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
Complete 6 hours of board-approved continuing education
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators) requires 6 hours every 3 years, including DEP security course (required of all certified operators). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators course - 3
Save your certificate of completion
Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.
- 4
Make sure your hours reach the board
In Pennsylvania, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems 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 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators)
Pennsylvania water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators need?
- Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators must complete 6 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators).
- What topics are required for Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators continuing education?
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators) requires coverage of: DEP security course (required of all certified operators).
- Can Pennsylvania water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Pennsylvania requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification Program (State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators) — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- Pennsylvania Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class