Operator
Access to any services, lists or forms you may need as an operator, or to become an operator, can be found here. Use the eBusiness Center, to submit a variety of applications, access your profile, update contact information and pay fees online.
REQUIRED TRAINING: Starting Aug. 15, 2018, all applicants will need to review the Ohio EPA Professional Operator Certification Training document prior to submitting the Ohio EPA exam, third-party exam certification, reciprocity and renewal applications and Operator-in-Training forms.
RENEWAL GRACE PERIOD: A complete renewal application must be received by June 30 of the year following your expiration date. If a complete renewal application is not received by June 30 of the year following you expiration date, you must re-take the examination to be certified.
eBusiness Center
Most operator functions, including exam and renewal applications, are completed through the eBusiness Center. Please ensure you have a valid email as all eBusiness Center correspondence is sent by email. Please click the links below to see instructions for the available services:
- Obtaining an eBusiness Center Account
- Obtaining a Personal Identification Number (PIN) — Required for application submittals
- Requesting Operator Service
- Certification Application — NOTE: This for Third-Party Examinees ONLY
- Reciprocity Application
- Renewal Application (eBiz is the only accepted application starting in 2018)
- Operator contact hour application (Video) — Applications must be submitted within 30 days of course completion.
- Update Contact Information
- Instructions for Minimum staffing reporting
- How to View Your PIN (Video)
- How to update your eBusiness contact information (Video)
Certification
- Learn how to become a certified water or wastewater operator
- Education and Experience Requirements
- FAQ (coming soon)
- Hierarchy Chart – Clarification on holding more than one certificate.
- An applicant holding a valid certificate or license from another state or province can apply for Reciprocity. More information about reciprocity can be found in Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-7-13.
- Renewal Application
- Class A Certification Fact Sheet
- Class III Certification Fact Sheet
Renewal
If you have any questions about your renewal or are having trouble obtaining continuing education credit, feel free to contact the operator certification unit at opcert@epa.ohio.gov or the operator certification hotline at 866-411-OPCT(6728).
Ohio EPA has also worked closely with training providers to expand online training options and all the major training organizations in Ohio have converted to some form of web-based training. Correspondence training (e.g. California State at Sacramento Office of Water Programs) is also an option for obtaining contact hours for those who do not have a computer. These courses generally have a large number of contact hours for a relatively low price. Please also refer to the list of internet and correspondence training providers which is listed below.
Ohio’s certified operators are required to complete contact hour training to renew their certificates. Online renewals will become available on August 1 of your renewal year. It is your responsibility to update your contact information to ensure you receive all correspondence.
- Training Calendar - Click here for information about upcoming approved contact hour training events.
- Frequently Asked Questions for eBusiness Center Renewals
- Renewal Palm Card
- Contact Hour Requirements
- Below is a complete list of approved courses separated for water and wastewater. All training dates must be scheduled to be considered approved. Please ensure with the provider that the date has been scheduled. Internet and correspondence courses are not scheduled.
- Water (as of Sept. 2, 2025)
- Wastewater (as of Sept. 2, 2025)
- Internet and Correspondence providers — To be added to the list, please contact the Operator Certification Unit at 614-644-2752.
- Greenleaf Training Providers
- Free small systems training Small Systems | American Water Works Association (awwa.org)
Reciprocity
- Reciprocity Application
- Water Supply and Distribution System Reciprocity Comparison Chart
- Wastewater Treatment and Collection System Reciprocity Comparison Chart
Operator Lists
Ohio EPA maintains lists of certified operators and contract operators across the state.
- Active Certified Operators with Valid Certificates
- Contract Operators (PDF) (Excel)
Operator of Record
Operator of Record Lists
Operator of Record (ORC) Notification Form
- ORC forms (Word) must be submitted within three days of the change. This is the responsibility of both owner and operator.
- For questions regarding the ORC Notification Form, please contact the following:
- Water Supply or Distribution: Contact DDAGW at 614-644-2752 and ask for the Operations Unit.
- Wastewater and Collection: Contact the Division of Surface Water at 614-644-2001.