How Do I Renew My License?

When do I need to renew my certification?

Drinking water treatment, distribution and bottled water certifications expire on June 30 of even-numbered years; and wastewater treatment and collection system certifications expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years. Certifications shall remain valid until the expiration date, unless suspended, revoked or replaced by a higher classification certificate before that date. Certificates issued between Jan. 1 and June 30 of a renewal year will be issued to include the next two-year renewal period. If a certified operator fails to renew his or her certificate, the certificate shall terminate if not renewed on or before Dec. 31 of the year the certification expired.

Certified operators with expired certificates shall not be in responsible charge of a drinking water or wastewater facility.

Certified operators (excluding OIT certificates) may renew their license(s) electronically through the cabinet website using the E-Search page or by submitting the Application for Certification Renewal and the appropriate fee to the Division of Compliance Assistance, Certification and Licensing Branch, 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601. All paper applications will incur a $50 additional processing fee. Certified operators who are designated an Operator in Training may renew a certification without examination if the operator has:

Satisfied the continuing education requirements;
Earned the required years of operational experience;
Submitted an Education and Experience Documentation form verifying his or her experience;
Submitted a letter of recommendation from a mentor; and
Submitted a completed Application for Certification Renewal form and the renewal fee to the cabinet or has renewed the certification electronically on the cabinet's website.

What are the renewal fees?

Online Renewal:

$200 if renewed prior to expiration date.
$450 if not renewed prior to expiration date.

Paper Renewal Application:

$300 ($250 renewal fee and $50 surcharge fee) if renewed prior to expiration date.
$550 ($500 late renewal fee and $50 surcharge fee) if not renewed prior to expiration date.

Inactive License Renewal:

$100 if renewed through the cabinet website.
$150 ($100 renewal fee and $50 surcharge fee) if renewed by paper application

Where can I locate a copy of the Application for Certification Renewal?

All forms necessary for the application, registration and renewal of drinking water and wastewater operator certification are available on the department's forms library. All paper applications will incur a $50 additional processing fee.

This fact sheet will provide general guidance on how to renew drinking water and/or wastewater system operator certification.

Where can I locate the renewal requirements?

Renewal requirements are outlined in 401 KAR 11:050, Section 3.

What are the continuing education requirements for each certification level?

Drinking water treatment, bottled water and distribution certified operators must complete their continuing education for each renewal during the two-year period immediately prior to the certificate expiration date. Certified operators holding separate treatment, distribution and bottled water certificates shall complete the training hours for recertification required only for the highest certificate in lieu of the continuing education requirements specified for both certificates.

Wastewater treatment and collection certified operators must complete their continuing education for each renewal during the two-year period immediately prior to the certificate expiration date. Certified operators holding both a treatment and a collection certificate shall complete the required number of cabinet-approved training hours for the highest certificate held in lieu of completing the required number of continuing education hours required for both certificates.

Reminder -- Continuing education hours earned prior to certification shall not count toward certificate renewal.