Water Operators

All licenses expire December 31st of each odd-numbered year.

For continuing education info, please contact Mike Wentink at mike.wentink@nebraska.gov or (308) 535-8135.

To renew a license, the license holder must: 

• Submit the completed renewal application
• Have obtained acceptable Department approved continuing education for the license grade held
• Pay the license renewal fee

Grade V licensees are exempt from the continuing education and renewal requirements. All other licensed operators must obtain the number of continuing education hours as follows:

• Licensees obtaining their initial license during an even-numbered year must have at least 5 hours of continuing education for their first renewal.
• Licensees obtaining their initial license during an odd-numbered year will have continuing education waived for their first renewal.
• All licensees other than initial licensees must have at least 10 hours of continuing education at the time of renewal. 

To qualify for a license as a water operator in Nebraska you must:

• Be in adequate physical condition
• Be able to read and write the English language
• Be able to maintain logs and records of operation and perform maintenance consistent with the applicable grade
• Be at least 19 years of age and of good character
• Be a citizen of the United States, or an alien or nonimmigrant eligible for a credential under the requirements of the Uniform Credentialing Act
• Document the minimum required experience and education obtained for the water operator grade requested
  Requirements 
• Successfully complete a written exam for the water operator grade requested. Individual exams are scheduled for the first Monday of each month at locations in Lincoln, Blair, Norfolk, Grand Island, North Platte and Chadron. Written exams are also offered at conclusion of water operator training courses delivered by the Public Water Supply Program through the year.

Application for Water Operator Training Courses and Exams (This form opens in Rich Text Format (RTF) allowing you to edit and save to your hard drive.)

• Fee waiver information NEW (Dec 2019)

COURSES - Click here for the latest course listings.

Reinstatement

An application for license reinstatement to practice as a water operator is required if your license has been revoked, expired, placed on inactive status, lapsed or voluntarily surrendered without disciplinary action.

The individual must re-take and re-pass the examination in order to have a license reinstated if:

• The license has been expired or on inactive status for a period of two or more years; or
• The individual did not meet the requirements for continuing education before each renewal period

Reinstatement Application
  (This link takes you to the Nebraska Dept. of Environment and Energy website.)