Wastewater Operator Certification
Click for Renewal Info
The Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPCSOCC) is responsible for examination and certification of water pollution control system operators . Learn more about the Commission.
The purpose of the rules governing wastewater operators include: protecting public health; conserving, protecting, and maintaining quality water resources, and protecting public investment in water pollution control systems.
See the Exam page for the list of requirements needed to apply to take an exam to become a wastewater operator.
One of those requirements is a Certification School. See the Training page for the list of Certification School providers.
The Wilbur E. Long Jr. Award celebrates wastewater operators who demonstrate excellence in our field. Please consider nominating an operator. The nomination deadline is June 1. Requirements can be found in the Nomination form.
| Quicklinks: | Exams | Renew |
| Training | Forms | Staff |
Renew online: ePayment page
Renewing online with an email will give you an instant receipt. It is the best method of renewal.
Check your Continuing Education hours:
- Enter an operator certification # at this link to determine if you need continuing education hours.
- If you DO NOT know your certification number, look it up using these lists for Wastewater.
General Statute § 143B-279.19 directs the Department of Environmental Quality to adjust fees every 4 years beginning July 1, 2025.
Fees are adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics over the past 4 years.
Some fees were adjusted in 2023 and that adjustment has been taken into account for this 2025 fee adjustment.
Quadrennial Fee Adjustment Report
Statutory Reference | Program | Fee Type | 2024 Fee | July 1 2025 Fee Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
90A-42.(a)(1) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Examination Processing Fee and Certificate | $85 | $101 |
90A-42.(a)(2) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Temporary Certificate | $200 | $237 |
90A-42.(a)(3) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Temporary Certification Renewal | $300 | $356 |
90A-42.(a)(6) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Reciprocity Certificate | $100 | $119 |
90A-42.(a)(6a) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | OIT Conversion Certificate | $50 | $59 |
90A-42.(a)(7) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Annual Renewal, per certification | $50 | $53 |
90A-42.(a)(8) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Replacement of Certificate | $20 | $24 |
90A-42.(a)(9) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Late Payment Annual Renewal | $50 | $59 |
90A-42.(a)(9) | Wastewater Operators Renewal | Late Payment Annual Renewal, per year | $100 | $119 |
Email certadmin@deq.nc.gov for: |
Email Jenee Williamston for:
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Email Ashley Coleman for:
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Email Patrick Beggs for: |
Email Renee' Thompson for: |
Email Jeff Talbot for: |
This list of Contract Operators is not comprehensive nor an endorsement. It is provided for convenience, and the information is provided by operators.
To be listed as a contract operator for NC Carolina Water Pollution Control Systems, please submit this form. To remain on the list, you must submit the form once a year.
If you are hiring a contract operator, verify the operator has active certification status of the appropriate type and grade by checking the Certified Operator Status below. Ask the operator for their operator number.
You can check operator status 2 different ways:
- Check a single operator's status by entering the certified operator number in this form . or
Use the following lists. The files list name, type, operator number, & county.
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For currently active Certified Operators, use the Certified Operator Portal to check your billing, continuing education, exam status, etc. Use your NCID to login. ( NCID Registration & NCID Instructions)
By entering a wastewater facility permit number, you can find the:
- ORC
- Backup
- Permit Type
- Facility Classification
Click on a logo below to open the form:
- NPDES (discharge) permit #s begin with NC
- Collections permit #s begin with WQCS
- Non-discharge permit #s begin with: WQ
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Mail Address: WPCSOCC |
Physical Address: WPCSOCC / Archdale Bldg |
| Main Phone: 919.707.9190 |