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Virginia · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Virginia Water & Wastewater Operator License

Virginia water & wastewater operators must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
4 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
February 28, 2027
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Virginia water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals.

When to renew

Virginia water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is February 28, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (VA Water/Wastewater Operators: waterworks expire last day of Feb odd years (2027); wastewater Feb even years (2028) (18VAC160-30-150))

The continuing education Virginia requires

Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals requires 4 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Safety subjects capped at 25% of required CPE hours (18VAC160-30-190)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Virginia 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 February 28, 2027.

  2. 2

    Complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals requires 4 hours every 2 years, including Safety subjects capped at 25% of required CPE hours (18VAC160-30-190). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals

    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 Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals

Virginia water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Virginia water & wastewater operators need?
Virginia water & wastewater operators must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals.
What topics are required for Virginia water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals requires coverage of: Safety subjects capped at 25% of required CPE hours (18VAC160-30-190).
Can Virginia water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Virginia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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