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Wisconsin · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Wisconsin Water & Wastewater Operator License

Wisconsin water & wastewater operators must complete 6 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program 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 Wisconsin water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program.

When to renew

Wisconsin 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://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/nr/100/114.pdf)

The continuing education Wisconsin requires

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program requires 6 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. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Wisconsin 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 6 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program requires 6 hours every 3 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), 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 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program

Wisconsin water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Wisconsin water & wastewater operators need?
Wisconsin water & wastewater operators must complete 6 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Operator Certification Program.
Can Wisconsin water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Wisconsin requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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