ADEQ's Operator Certification Program establishes guidelines to ensure that only certified operators make decisions about process control or system integrity that affects public health. The program establishes minimum standards for certification and re certificationof the operators of community and non-transient non-community public water systems.

Obtaining certificate copies
The Operator Certification Program will provide copies for valid certificates that have been lost or damaged. Because ADEQ no longer charges certificate fees, only one copy on cardstock with the ADEQ logo in the background will be provided during a three year certification term. Requests for additional copies can only be honored based on resource availability. To obtain a certificate copy, please provide the following information in writing:

• Name
• Operator identification number
• Social security number
• Current mailing address
• Arizona county
• Employment information (name and identification number of water and/or wastewater systems that you operate.

Requests for certificate copies will be processed monthly. Current or potential employers may contact the Operator Certification Program directly to verify your certification.

Reciprocity
ADEQ will recognize certifications obtained from other states or jurisdictions. To receive reciprocity, you must:

• Demonstrate that you passed an examination that is substantially equivalent to those administered by ADEQ approved testers,
• Complete the Arizona Request for Operator Certification Reciprocity and
• Submit written evidence that you meet the experience and education requirements of A.A.C R18-5-112.

Forms and Guidance
To renew an operator certificate, complete and return Certificate Renewal and PDH Tracking Form to the department via fax or regular mail. All renewal requests will be processed in the month certificates actually expire. Please allow four to six weeks from your certificate expiration date for delivery of your new certificates.

Operator Certification Rule and Fact sheet

• The administrative rule for the operator certification program is found in the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 5, Article 1 .
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Operator Certification Program and Career Paths in the Water/Wastewater Industry
  This fact sheetcontains frequently asked questions about the Operator Certification Program and employment in the Water/Wastewater industry.

Contacts
Operator Certification Database
Meetings, Workshops and Training