Certification Exams and CPE Regulations

Taking the Certification Exams

The Virginia Department of Occupation and Regulation (DPOR) is the governing body for professional licenses in Virginia. DPOR has established criteria for operators to be eligible to sit for exams in many areas including education, work hours, and criminal records to name a few. The complete set of regulations can be found on DPOR’s website or from our website Water / Wastewater Regulations 7.1.13.

VA DPOR had contracted with PSI (www.psiexams.com) to proctor the exam. PSI provides a computerized format for taking the test. Exams can be scheduled throughout the year and in various locations across the state. The operator is allowed to bring a calculator (non-programmable). The operator must be familiar with state regulations in addition to treatment knowledge in order to pass a certificate exam. PSI charges a fee each time an operator sits for an exam and the operator knows at the end of the exam only whether he/she has passed or failed; no numerical grade is given.

Wastewater Operator License Application (DPOR)

Water Operator License Application (DPOR)

Virginia Experience Verification Application for Water / Wastewater Operators (DPOR)

CPE's Required

Water / Wastewater operators are required to maintain Continuing Professional Contact Hours (CPE’s).

Water renewals are the end of February on odd years. Next renewal year 2025.

Wastewater renewals are the end of February on even years. Next renewal year 2024.

Wastewater Operator CPE Requirments

Class I, II and III will need to maintain 20 CPE’s each renewal cycle (every 2 years).

Class I and II need 5 CPE hours in management every cycle.

Class IV wastewater operators will need to maintain 16 CPE hours.

Conventional Onsite Sewage Installers / Operators need to maintain 10 CPE hours

An exception for CPE requirement is given during the first cycle of a new license and thereafter each time an operator sits for and passes the next grade of license.

Water Operator CPE Requirements

Class I, II and III will need to maintain 20 CPE’s each renewal cycle (every 2 years).

Class I and II need 5 CPE hours in management each cycle.

Class IV water operators will need to maintain 16 CPE hours.

Class V water operators will need to maintain 8 CPE hours.

Class VI water operators will need to maintain 4 CPE hours.

An exception for CPE requirement is given during the first cycle of a new license and thereafter each time an operator sits for and passes the next grade of license.