In Ontario, there are five different classes of certificates and licences for operators of classified drinking water or wastewater systems, beginning at the Operator-in-Training level. Operators can obtain a higher level Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 operator’s certificate or licence by fulfilling specific experience and education requirements. Generally, the higher the class, the more experience and education is required.
This page is for operators looking to upgrade their current certificate or licence to a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4. It includes information on the steps to obtain a higher level of certification, the different requirements for each class of certification, information on the application process and fees, and the forms you are required to complete and submit.
If you want to find out how to get your very first certificate or licence in Ontario (i.e. how to become an Operator-in-Training), please visit the Getting Your Certificate or Licence for the First Time page.
To upgrade to a higher level certificate or licence, you must complete the following:
- register for, and successfully pass the corresponding examination with a mark of 70% or higher;
- meet the experience and education requirements for the corresponding class of certificate or licence;
- complete either the Drinking Water Certificate Application Form or the Wastewater Licence Application Form, filling out all the required information; and
- submit the application, along with fee payment, for assessment.
All classes of certification, regardless of the level, require the following:
- proof of grade 12 or equivalent (if not previously submitted);
- successful completion (70% or higher) of the relevant exam; and
- operational experience gained under a valid certificate/licence.
Post-secondary education or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required for Class 3 and 4. For specific requirements of each class of certificate or licence, click on the appropriate tab below.
Education or CEUs | For Drinking Water certificates, completion of the Entry Level Drinking Water Operator Course (ELC). |
Operating Experience | 1 year operational experience (no substitutions are allowed). |
Operating Experience | 3 years operational experience |
Experience Substitutions | Up to 50% of the operational experience requirements (1 year 6 months) can be substituted by using CEUs |
Education or CEUs | 2 years of relevant post-secondary education (90 CEUs) |
Operating Experience | 4 years operational experience |
OIC Experience | 2 years in a Class 2, 3, or 4 system |
Experience Substitutions | Up to 50% of the operational experience requirements (2 years) can be substituted by using CEUs above the minimum 90 required OR using experience gained in a different type of system at a ratio |
CEU Substitutions | Up to 50% of the CEU requirement (45 CEUs) can be substituted by using OIC experience above the minimum 2 years required |
Education or CEUs | 4 years of relevant post-secondary education (180 CEUs) |
Operating Experience | 4 years operational experience |
OIC Experience | 2 years in a Class 3, or 4 system |
Experience Substitutions | Up to 50% of the operational experience requirements (2 years) can be substituted by using CEUs above the minimum 180 required OR using experience gained in a different type of system at a ratio |
CEU Substitutions | Up to 50% of the CEU requirement (90 CEUs) can be substituted by using OIC experience above the minimum 2 years required |
Education or CEUs | 1 year of experience performing tests in a drinking water system OR completion of Director approved training |
The Director may issue a conditional operator certificate for operators holding any type and class of municipal residential subsystem certificate (except for an operator-in-training certificate) and for operators holding a limited subsystem certificate.
The Director may issue a conditional certificate if:
- the owner or operating authority that employs or has offered to employ the applicant satisfies the Director that they cannot obtain the services of an operator of the type and class required under this regulation (for example, if an owner of a Class III water treatment subsystem is unable to find an operator holding a Class III water treatment certificate); and
- the owner or operating authority gives both the applicant and the Director a written commitment to help the applicant comply with all the conditions of the subsystem; and
- the required fee is paid.
The Director may issue a conditional operator licence for operators holding any type and class of licence (except for an operator-in-training licence).
The Director may issue a conditional licence if:
- the owner or operating authority that employs or has offered to employ the applicant satisfies the Director that they cannot obtain the services of an operator of the type and class required under this regulation (for example, if an owner of a Class III wastewater treatment facility is unable to find an operator holding a Class III wastewater treatment licence); and
- the owner or operating authority gives both the applicant and the Director a written commitment to help the applicant comply with all the conditions of the facility; and
- the required fee is paid.
You must complete and submit a separate Conditional Drinking Water Certificate and Wastewater Licence Application for each certificate or license you wish to request.
You must complete and submit a separate application form for each certificate or license you wish to hold.
FORMS AND FEES FOR CERTIFICATE/LICENCE REQUESTED | ||||
Type of Certificate/Licence | Drinking Water Certificate | Wastewater Licence | WQA Certificate | Reciprocity Certificate/Licence |
Issuing Form | Form 2136E – Drinking Water Certificate and Wastewater Licence Application | Form 2136E – Drinking Water Certificate and Wastewater Licence Application | Form 2136E – Drinking Water Certificate and Wastewater Licence Application | Form 2136E – Drinking Water Certificate and Wastewater Licence Application |
Fee | $175 per certificate/licence requested |
Please ensure that your application is complete by filling out all the required sections, providing the appropriate signatures, and including the required attachments and payment information.
Upgrade applications take up to 30 days to process on receipt of a COMPLETE application and payment of the correct fee. Incomplete applications may be returned.
Submit all applications to:
Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office
295 The West Mall, Suite 302
Etobicoke, ON M9C 4Z4
Fax: (416) 231-2107
Payment is required with each completed application, and can be made by Visa, MasterCard, cheque, or money order. If paying by cheque or money order, please make the payment out to the Minister of Finance.
The following guidance documents can help you understand various aspects of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program.
They cover different scenarios that may apply to you, e.g., you work as a part-time operator, or are a contractor etc.
Certification Guide for Operators and Water Quality Analysts of Drinking Water Systems | Review this guide for information on the requirements for a drinking water operator or water quality analyst. |
Licensing Guide for Operators of Wastewater Facilities | Review this guide for information on the requirements for a wastewater operator. |
Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators | A fact sheet with information on the Entry Level Course (ELC) required for Class 1 drinking water operators. |
Guideline 3.3 – Water Quality Analyst Experience and Director Approved Course | For those seeking to obtain a water quality analyst certificate, this guideline details the experience and education requirements. |
Guideline 3.4 – Experience as a Drinking Water Operator | This guideline outlines the experience requirements for a drinking water certificate, as well as the potential substitutions which could be made. |
Guideline 3.4b – Experience as a Wastewater Operator | This guideline outlines the experience requirements for a wastewater licence, as well as the potential substitutions which could be made. |
Guideline 3.5 – Reciprocity Recognition of Certificates Obtained in Other Jurisdictions | This guideline explains the process for having an out-of-province certificate or licence recognized in Ontario. |
Guideline 3.10 – Accepted CEUs to Upgrade Certificates/Licences | Review this guideline for further information on the types of CEUs which can be used for class 3 and 4 upgrade applications. |
Guideline 5.1 – Overall Responsible Operator vs. Operator-in-Charge | Read this if you require clarification on the different responsibilities of an ORO and an OIC. |
Guideline 5.3 – Obtaining Experience for Contractors | This guideline applies to operators who do not work on a full time basis for a municipality. Seasonal or part-time operators are not necessarily contract employees. |