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​​​​The Certification and Licensing Branch is home to the solid waste, drinking water and wastewater certification programs. Through education and certification exams, these three programs help ensure that the people charged with dealing with community solid waste, drinking water and wastewater are knowledgeable and capable of handling the responsibilities required of those positions.​

News and Events

New Hotline!

We're excited to introduce our new Operator Certification Program hotline​, offering direct support at 502-564-3170 for all your certification-related inquiries. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you with application queries, education & experience requirements, exam preparation, and more. 

Facility Update

Operators and facilities can now embrace​ the convenience and efficiency of the new Facility Update eForm 136​. This streamlined tool is the go-to method for allowing operators and facilities to effortlessly communicate certified operator employment changes to their facilities, ensuring compliance and seamless communication with regulatory bodies.​ The Facility Update fact sheet and eForm 136 SOP can be found here​.

​Training and Exam Information​

In-person training has been scheduled for the remainder of the year. Seats for these classes are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. When you register, register for the class and e​xam​.

Exam only dates are available on the schedule as well. When you register, register for the exam only.

The training and exam calendar can be found here.

We also provide training course material online for all approved testers at no additional charge. A link to the training materials will be provided to you in your notification email. 

Math study guides are now available on our test preparation page.​​​

​What does the Certification and Licensing Branch do to ensure that operators are properly trained?

The Kentucky Operator Certification Program provides training and issues certifications to ensure that individuals engaged in performing many of Kentucky's critical environmental activities are qualified and capable to perform their duties. Program activities include:

  • Issuing certification licenses to Kentucky's bottled water, collection, distribution, treatment and solid waste operators.
  • Presenting classes for bottled water, collection, distribution, treatment, landfarm​, landfill and composting operators.
  • Assisting the Kentucky Board of Certification of Water Treatment and Distribution System Operators and the Kentucky Board of Certification of Wastewater System Operators.
  • Developing and implementing an operator recruitment strategy that encourages individuals to consider a career in wastewater, drinking water and solid waste facilities.
  • Attending career fairs and speaking to groups about water treatment and solid waste careers.
  • Providing relevant information to certified operators and interested parties through e-mail newsletters and the program blog. You can be added to the program's distribution list by calling the Certification and Licensing Branch​​​​​​ at (502) 564-3170, or by emailing envhelp@ky.gov.

Operator Certification is responsible for the testing and training records of certified operators. The Certification Program does not administer facility requirements. If you have a question on what classification of operator your drinking water, wastewater or solid waste facility is required to have or any other staffing requirements, contact the Kentucky Division of Water at (502) 564-3410 or the Kentucky Division of Waste Management at (502) 564-6716.​​​

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601

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The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability or sex. This policy protects the rights of Cabinet employees, service applicants and customers. Vendors, agencies and organizations providing services to the Cabinet or its recipients of federally-aided programs also must comply with this policy.