Wastewater Operator Certification
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 Commission and rules governing wastewater operators include:
- protecting public health;
- conserving & protecting water resources; and
- protecting public investment.
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.
Celebrating Excellence
The Wilbur E. Long Jr. Award celebrates wastewater operators who demonstrate excellence in our field. Please consider nominating an operator. The deadline is June 1. Requirements can be found on the Nomination Form.
| Quicklinks: | Exams | Renew |
| Training | Forms | Staff |
Renew online: ePayment page
- Use your email address / receive a receipt by email and have a record
- You need to be an active operator to use the online payment
- You need to have your 6 Continuing Education credits to use the online payment.
To find the # of Continuing Education credits you have or need:
- Enter an operator certification # at this link
- If you do not know your certification number, search your name in this list for wastewater operators. (updated on Mondays)
Renewal fees:
- $53 per certification
- See Fee Increases below for more information on the increase.
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 | Fee Type | 2024 Fee | Fee as of July 1 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
90A-42.(a)(1) | Examination Processing Fee and Certificate | $85 | $101 |
90A-42.(a)(7) | Annual Renewal, per certification | $50 | $53 |
90A-42.(a)(9) | Late Payment Annual Renewal | $50 | $59 |
90A-42.(a)(9) | Late Payment Annual Renewal, per year | $100 | $119 |
90A-42.(a)(2) | Temporary Certificate | $200 | $237 |
90A-42.(a)(3) | Temporary Certification Renewal | $300 | $356 |
90A-42.(a)(6) | Reciprocity Certificate | $100 | $119 |
90A-42.(a)(6a) | OIT Conversion Certificate | $50 | $59 |
90A-42.(a)(8) | Replacement of Certificate | $20 | $24 |
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 |