Top 10 Utilities Operator Certifications

Certifications are important for utilities operators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers look for when hiring. A certification validates that an individual has the necessary qualifications to do a particular job. It also shows potential employers that the operator is committed to their profession and is willing to invest time and money in furthering their education and training. Additionally, certifications can make an operator more competitive in the job market as it can give them an edge over other applicants who don’t have the same credentials. Finally, having a certification can open up opportunities for higher pay or promotion within a company.

This article reviews the top certifications for Utilities Operators and explains how they can enhance an utilities operator's career.

What are Utilities Operator Certifications?

Utilities operator certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills related to operating and maintaining utility systems. This certification is often offered by organizations such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or the National Rural Water Association (NRWA). The certification process typically involves passing an exam, completing a training program, and having relevant work experience.

Utilities operator certification can be beneficial to individuals who want to demonstrate their qualifications for working in the utilities sector. It can also help employers identify qualified operators for utility systems. Additionally, receiving this certification may make it easier for individuals to find employment opportunities in the industry, as employers are more likely to hire certified applicants with demonstrated knowledge and skills. Furthermore, having a utilities operator certification may also lead to higher salaries for those with relevant experience and expertise in this field. Overall, obtaining a utilities operator certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when seeking employment in the industry, as well as improve their career prospects by opening up new job opportunities.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for utilities operator certification in your state or region, as they can vary. Also, be sure to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to the certification process.

Related: What does an Utilities Operator do?

Top 10 Utilities Operator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Utilities Operators today.

1. Certified Plant Operator (CPO)

Certified Plant Operator (CPO) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently operate industrial plants. The CPO certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in plant operations, safety, maintenance, and environmental management.

The CPO certification program typically takes about six months to complete. It consists of classroom instruction, hands-on training, exams, and practical experience. To get certified as a CPO, you must meet certain requirements such as having at least two years of experience in plant operations or related field. You must also pass an exam administered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

The cost of the CPO certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1,000. This includes tuition fees for the coursework and exam fees.

2. Certified Utility Operator (COU)

Certified Utility Operator (COU) is a certification program offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in water and wastewater operations. The COU program provides a comprehensive set of standards for operators, covering all aspects of water and wastewater operations.

The COU program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level has its own set of requirements and examinations that must be completed in order to become certified. To receive the COU certification, an operator must pass the required examinations at each level. The examinations are based on knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, safety practices, regulations, mathematics, chemistry, biology and other related topics.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete the COU program depending on the individual’s experience level. In order to become certified an individual must have at least one year of experience in water or wastewater operations or have completed a recognized training program.

In order to get started with the COU program an individual must first apply for membership with AWWA. After becoming a member they will then need to register for the examinations at each level which can be done online through AWWA’s website.

The cost for taking each examination varies depending on if you are an AWWA member or not but generally ranges from $150-$200 per exam. Additionally there is also a fee for registering for the examinations which is currently $35 per exam.

3. Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (CWTPO)

Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (CWTPO) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated competency in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. The certification is administered by the National Association of Boards of Certification (NABC).

The program requires successful completion of an approved course of study, an exam, and a minimum number of years of experience in the field. The course typically takes about two weeks to complete and covers topics such as wastewater treatment processes, plant operations, safety regulations, and environmental regulations. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam administered by NABC to become certified.

Applicants must also meet experience requirements to be eligible for certification. Generally, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants within the past five years or four years part-time experience within the past ten years.

The cost for taking the CWTPO exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $100 - $200 USD.

4. Certified Water Treatment Plant Operator (CWTPO)

Certified Water Treatment Plant Operator (CWTPO) is a certification program for water treatment plant operators that is administered by the National Environmental Training Association (NETA). The program is designed to provide operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively operate, maintain, and troubleshoot water treatment plants.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CWTPO certification. To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved training course in water treatment plant operations. They must then pass an examination administered by NETA. The cost of the training course and exam varies depending on location, but can range from $500-$2,000.

5. Certified Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (CIWTPO)

Certified Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (CIWTPO) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental Training Association (NETA). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively operate an industrial wastewater treatment plant. It provides training on topics such as water quality, wastewater regulations, laboratory analysis, chemical processes, sludge management, and more.

The CIWTPO certification requires completion of a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction followed by a written examination. The course typically takes two weeks to complete in full. In order to be eligible for the certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience operating an industrial wastewater treatment plant or equivalent experience in related fields.

The cost of the CIWTPO certification varies depending on where you take the course and any additional fees associated with it. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $500-$1,500 USD depending on location and other factors.

6. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

A Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the management of hazardous materials. The CHMM certification is offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.

The CHMM certification requires successful completion of an examination that covers topics such as hazardous materials regulations, safety practices, risk assessment and management, emergency response planning, waste management, and environmental compliance. To be eligible for the exam applicants must have at least four years of experience in hazardous materials management or related fields.

The exam is administered twice each year and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

The cost to take the CHMM exam is $450 for IHMM members and $550 for non-members. Additional fees may apply for late registration or rescheduling exams.

7. Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)

Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of environmental management. CEPs are qualified to work on a variety of environmental issues, from air and water pollution control to hazardous waste management.

To become certified as a CEP, applicants must meet certain qualifications and pass an examination administered by the Institute of Certified Environmental Professionals (ICPE). The ICPE is an international organization that provides accreditation for environmental professionals.

In order to qualify for the CEP exam, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in the environmental field, a bachelor’s degree in an environmental or related field, and a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education in relevant topics. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from two current or former employers.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as air quality management, water quality management, hazardous waste management, and environmental law and regulations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $400 USD.

Once applicants pass the exam, they must maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years. In addition, they must pay an annual fee of $100 USD to remain certified.

8. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Compliance Inspector

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Compliance Inspector is a certification program offered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is designed to ensure that individuals who inspect facilities for compliance with NPDES permits have the necessary qualifications and experience to do so. The NPDES permit compliance inspector certification is valid for five years from the date of issue and must be renewed every five years.

To become an NPDES permit compliance inspector, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least three years of experience in environmental protection or related fields, such as engineering, chemistry, biology, or hydrology; completing 40 hours of training in NPDES permit compliance; and passing an exam administered by the EPA. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The cost to become an NPDES permit compliance inspector varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$600 to apply for the certification. This fee covers the cost of application materials, exam fees, and other administrative costs associated with becoming certified.

In most cases, it takes about four to six weeks for an applicant to receive their certification once they have submitted their application materials and passed the exam.

9. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Inspector

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Inspector is a professional who ensures that projects comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This includes conducting environmental assessments, developing environmental impact statements, and ensuring that all NEPA requirements are met.

How long does it take to get it? It can take anywhere from 1-2 years to become a NEPA Compliance Inspector. This includes completing a bachelor's degree in an environmental science or related field, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining experience in the field.

How to get it? To become a NEPA Compliance Inspector, you must first complete a bachelor's degree in an environmental science or related field. After completing your degree, you can pursue relevant certifications such as Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), Certified Environmental Manager (CEM), and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM). You should also gain experience in the field by working for an environmental consulting firm or government agency.

How much does it cost? The cost of becoming a NEPA Compliance Inspector will vary depending on the certifications you pursue and your educational background. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 for certification courses and exams. Additionally, you may need to pay for tuition if pursuing additional education.

10. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate is a program that provides safety and health training to workers in general industry settings. It is designed to help employers, supervisors, and employees recognize and reduce the risk of workplace hazards. The program consists of two parts: a 10-hour course for entry-level workers, and an additional 10-hour course for supervisors.

The 10-hour course for entry-level workers covers topics such as hazard identification, accident prevention, emergency action planning, personal protective equipment, fire safety, materials handling, machine guarding, ergonomics, and workplace violence prevention. The 10-hour course for supervisors focuses on topics such as hazard communication, lockout/tagout procedures, bloodborne pathogens awareness and prevention, fall protection systems, confined spaces awareness and prevention, respiratory protection programs, hearing conservation programs, hazard assessment procedures, accident investigation procedures and recordkeeping requirements.

It typically takes about two days to complete the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate program. The courses are offered by authorized training providers throughout the country. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider; however it generally ranges from $100-$200 per person.

Do You Really Need a Utilities Operator Certificate?

The short answer is yes, you do need an Utilities Operator Certificate if you plan to work in the utilities industry. This certification proves that you are qualified to safely and effectively operate equipment associated with this field.

The Utilities Operator Certificate is essential for anyone who wants to be employed in the utilities industry because it verifies that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a safe and effective manner. Without this certificate, employers may not be willing to hire someone since they cannot be sure of their qualifications. The certificate also shows potential employers that the individual has been trained and certified in safety procedures related to operating utilities equipment.

Having a Utilities Operator Certificate also shows prospective employers that the individual has undergone extensive training and has a good understanding of how to operate utility equipment safely and efficiently. It also serves as proof of an individual’s commitment to their profession, as obtaining this certification requires significant time and effort on behalf of the applicant.

In addition, having a Utilities Operator Certificate can help an individual stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in this field. Employers often look favorably upon individuals who have taken the initiative to obtain additional training or certification related to their desired job, so having a Utilities Operator Certificate could give an applicant an edge over other candidates.

For these reasons, it is essential for anyone interested in working in the utilities industry to obtain a Utilities Operator Certificate in order to demonstrate their competency and commitment to the field.

Related: Utilities Operator Resume Examples

FAQs About Utilities Operator Certifications

1. What is a Utilities Operator Certification?

Answer: A Utilities Operator Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate, maintain, and manage utility systems.

2. What does a Utilities Operator do?

Answer: A Utilities Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing utility systems such as water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and power generation plants. They ensure that these systems are running efficiently and in compliance with regulations.

3. How do I become certified as a Utilities Operator?

Answer: To become certified as a Utilities Operator, you must complete the necessary training courses and pass an exam administered by an accredited certification organization.

4. How long is a Utilities Operator Certification valid for?

Answer: Most certifications are valid for three years from the date of issue. After this time period you will need to renew your certification by taking additional courses or exams to maintain your status as a certified operator.

5. What are the benefits of having a Utilities Operator Certification?

Answer: Having a Utilities Operator Certification demonstrates your commitment to safety and professionalism in the field of utilities operations. It can also provide you with greater job opportunities within the industry as well as higher wages due to employers recognizing your qualifications and expertise in this area of work.