Renewal of Small Untreated/Small Treated Water System Certificates

FAQ’s

Do I have to retake the test to renew?

No.  You can renew your certificate by getting continuing education and paying a renewal fee.

How much continuing education is required and when do I have to get it?

Required Number of CEUs:

CEU Timeframe:

For example, if your certificate expires 12/31/09, you must have earned your CEUs between 1/1/07 and 12/31/09.

Where can I get CEUs?

Resources for Earning CEUs:

1. “ADEC Approved Correspondence Courses and Providers” webpage at http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/opcert/approvedcc.html. Only courses that are labeled drinking water core (DWC) are applicable.
2. Small Water Systems Video Information Series and Water Systems Operation and Maintenance Video Training Series courses at http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/opcert/videocourses.html.
3. Workshops and courses listed on the “Alaska Training Coalition Calendar” at http://www.uas.alaska.edu/attac/calendar.html.
4. ADEC online small untreated or small treated water systems courses at http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/opcert/onlinetraining.htm.
5. American Water Works Association (AWWA) online courses at http://awwa.org/learnonline/listing.cfm. The “Beginning-Level Courses” are applicable.
6. Montana Water Center’s Operator Basics 2005 Training Series at http://watercenter.montana.edu/training/ob2005/default.htm.

How do I know if I have met the CEU requirement for renewal?

Go to the Certified Operator Database, https://myalaska.state.ak.us/dec/water/opcert/Home.aspx?p=OperatorSearch, and search for your name.
On the Operator Information page it will show if you have met the CEU renewal requirement. To find out the specific number of CEUs you have toward renewal you will need your PIN to access your private record. If you do not know your PIN, please contact the Operator Certification Program at (907) 465-5042, (907) 465-5140, or (907) 465-5136.

I can’t afford to pay for training. Can I get any financial assistance?

The Operator Certification Program has funds available to reimburse water operators for costs associated with continuing education. Certified water operators of eligible water systems can be reimbursed for course fees, commercial travel costs (airfare, ferry) to and from courses, and hotel costs while attending courses. Operators must complete and submit a preapproval form and verification of employment as a water operator at an eligible water system is required. An approved operator may seek reimbursement for training costs up to $1,500. If an operator does not use the entire $1,500 at one training event, the remainder will be available for additional training until June 30, 2010. For more information about the Small Water System Operator Reimbursement Program go to: http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/opcert/reimbursement.html.

When and how do I renew my certificate?

Renewal notices will be mailed out at the end of October. If you have met the continuing education requirement, you can pay the renewal fee online or by check.

I have other questions that have not been answered by the FAQs. Who can I talk to?

Please contact the staff at the Operator Training and Certification Program.
Phone: (907) 465-5042
           (907) 465-5140
           (907) 465-5136
Email:  dec.water.fco.opcert@alaska.gov