Examination Information
Individuals interested in becoming a Biological Wastewater Operator, Physical/Chemical Wastewater Operator, Water Distribution Operator, Water Treatment Operator, Bottled Water Operator or Well Driller must pass the appropriate level examination.
Bottled Water Operators: Exam eligibility is granted upon application approval. A passing grade of 52 is required.
Biological Wastewater: Exam eligibility for the level ‘D’ exam is granted upon application approval. A passing grade of 70 is required.
Physical/Chemical Wastewater: Exam eligibility for the level ‘D’ exam is granted upon application approval. A passing grade of 70 is required.
Water Distribution: Exam eligibility for the level ‘D’ exam is granted upon application approval. A passing grade of 70 is required.
Water Treatment: Exam eligibility for the level ‘E’ exam is granted upon application approval. A passing grade of 42 is required.
Well Driller: Exam eligibility for the level ‘D’ exam is granted upon application approval. A passing grade of 70 is required.
Classes and/or training are not required before taking any exam listed here.
Before you will be allowed to sit for a Biological Wastewater, Physical/Chemical Wastewater, Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Bottled Water or Well Driller examination, your application must be approved by the Environmental Certification Board.
Once the application and fees have been processed, you will be notified regarding examination eligibility.
All examination fees are paid directly to PSI. Examinations cannot be scheduled prior to board approval.
Operator exams level ‘E’ through ‘A’: $136
Well Driller exam: $99
The examinations are administered by appointment only Monday - Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Click here to register for the exam, or call (833) 256-1420.
Please find links below that will assist you with preparing for each examination.
FORMULA/COMVERSION TABLES
WPI NEED-TO-KNOW CRITERIA (Class I = D Level; Class IV = A Level)
- Water Treatment Operator
- Water Distribution Operator
- Biological Wastewater Treatment Operator
- Physical/Chemical (Industrial Waste) Wastewater Operator
WATER TREATMENT
Study Material:
American Water Works Association Bookstore
Phone (800) 926-7337
WATER DISTRIBUTION
Study Material:
American Water Works Association
Sacramento State:
BIOLOGICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT
WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION (WEF):
Sacramento State:
- Operations of Wastewater Treatment Plants (Vol. I: D, C Level & Vol. II: B & A Level)
PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Study Material:
WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION (WEF):
Sacramento State:
- Industrial Waste Treatment (Vol. I: D, C Level & Vol. II: B & A Level)
- Treatment of Metal Wastestreams
BOTTLED WATER
WELL DRILLER
- Do I have to wait a year to take the next exam?
No. If you are in good standing with the Board, you only have to wait until we receive your passing scores to apply for the next exam. This usually takes 7-10 business days. - Who do I contact to schedule an exam?
To register for the exam, visit https://test-takers.psiexams.com/abc-sc or call 833-256-1420. - How much does the exam cost and who do I pay?
Operator exams are $136. Well Driller exams are $99. Payment is made to PSI during the scheduling of the exam. The Board does not schedule exams nor take payment for them. - Where can I find study materials for the new standard exams in Water Distribution, Water Treatment, and Biological Wastewater?
The Association of Board of Certification website, Testing Services
Reciprocity for licensure based on licensure in another state is assessed on an individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Board. Operators applying via reciprocity may not have to take an exam depending on previous examinations passed in licensing state. Applicants will be notified of their examination and licensure status after review.