Tennessee · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Tennessee Water & Wastewater Operator License
Tennessee water & wastewater operators must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center.
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 12 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every 3 years
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Tennessee water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center.
When to renew
Tennessee 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.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/fleming-training-center/op-cert.html)
The continuing education Tennessee requires
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center requires 12 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The board does not mandate specific topics beyond the approved-course requirement.
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Tennessee 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 12 hours of board-approved continuing education
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center requires 12 hours every 3 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Tennessee 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 Tennessee, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center
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 Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center
Tennessee water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Tennessee water & wastewater operators need?
- Tennessee water & wastewater operators must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center.
- Can Tennessee water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Tennessee requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) - Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board / Fleming Training Center — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- Tennessee Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class