Proctored Online ABC Certification Exams

Starting January 1, 2013, the Operator Training and Certification Program will no longer administer modified ABC exams. All exams will be the standardized ABC exams which are administered by all states that use ABC exams.

The following exams are available online:

To take an online exam, you must follow these steps:

1. Apply with DEC for an online exam. All application and exam fees must be included with the application.
2. Wait to receive email notification from DEC that you are approved for the exam.
3. Contact one of the eight (8) Testing Centers and schedule a time to take the exam. Online exams must be taken within two (2) months of being notified by DEC.
4. Arrive at the Testing Center, pay the per exam Testing Center fee, and take the online exam.

Online certification exams can be taken at university/college testing centers in the following communities:

There are three ways to apply for an online exam:

1. Apply online. Instructions for applying online for online exams are available by clicking here. In order to apply online for an exam you must currently hold an active certificate. Additionally, you must meet the following requirements:
   • You want to take an exam that you have previously failed (after January 1, 2008).
   • You have been previously scheduled for an exam, but did not show up to take the exam (after January 1, 2008).
   • You want to take an exam at the next higher level than a certificate you already hold. Certificates are not issued when taking an exam using this option. Click here for more information about taking an exam at the next level.

OR

2. Complete the Application for Operator Certification and submit it by the application deadline for the semi-annual statewide exams held in April and October. If approved, you will be given the option of switching from a paper/pencil exam to an online exam. These applications are reviewed just prior to the statewide exam.

OR

3. Complete the Online Exam Application. You can use the one page online exam application if you meet one of the following:
   • You want to take an exam that you have previously failed (after January 1, 2008).
   • You have been previously scheduled for an exam, but did not show up to take the exam (after January 1, 2008).
   • You want to take a provisional exam and you have completed an approved prerequisite course. Your certificate of completion from the approved prerequisite course must accompany your application. Click here for a list of approved prerequisite courses.
   • You want to take an exam at the next higher level than a certificate you already hold. Certificates are not issued when taking an exam using this option. Click here for more information about taking an exam at the next level.

The fees associated with taking an online exam are as follows:

The application deadline depends on the application you submit:

Full Applications: If you apply using a full application for operator certification, applications must be postmarked by one of the semi-annual statewide exam deadlines. Click here for the semi-annual statewide exam application deadlines. Once approved for the exam, you will be given the option of switching from a paper/pencil exam to an online exam.

Online Applications: If applying online, you must apply by the first (1st) or fifteenth (15th) of each month.

One Page Application: If applying using the one page application (retaking a previously failed exam, taking an exam previously scheduled, provisional exams, or taking an exam at the next level) the application deadline is the first (1st) or fifteenth (15th) of each month. Applications must be in the DEC office by close of business on the application deadline, no exceptions. If the 1st or 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the application deadline defaults to the first preceding business day. All application and exam fees must be paid in full at the time of application. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted. Exams are scheduled as follows:

If you do not take the online exam within the 60 days, you forfeit the application fee, and must reapply and pay all fees to take the exam.
If you want to retake an online exam that you failed, you must wait 30 days before reapplying to retake the exam.

You must receive notification from DEC that you are approved to take an online exam before contacting a Testing Center. Testing Center staff will not allow you to take an exam until DEC notifies them that you are scheduled for the exam. DEC cannot schedule exams at the last minute.

Click here to learn how to navigate the exam and TAKE A SAMPLE TEST.

Questions regarding online exams can be emailed to dec.water.fco.opcert@alaska.gov.
You can also contact the Operator Training and Certification Program at (907) 465-1139.