Landfill Operator Certification
What is a Certified Operator?
Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. NR 524 [PDF Exit DNR] was created as authorized by ss. 289.06, 289.42, and 227.11 (2), Wis. Stats., which contain the requirements for the department to develop a program of certification for persons participating in, or responsible for, the operation of Solid Waste Disposal Facilities. See Certification Requirements for Landfill Managers and Operators for details.
Exams
To become a certified Facility Manager or Site Operator, you must pass an exam. Study guides are available to help you prepare:
Certification exams are given twice annually in May and November at the following locations: Green Bay, Madison, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, Rice Lake and West Allis. Applications are available approximately two months before the exam and can be found online or by contacting the statewide coordinator Kelly Thompson (608) 266-8948. The application must be postmarked at least 28 days prior to the scheduled exam date. Any exam applications postmarked after the due date will be returned and the applicant will not be able to participate in the exam.
A score of 70% or higher is a passing score on each exam. Operators will receive written notice of their exam results approximately three weeks after the exam date. Applicants who have failed a written exam may apply to re-take the exam on a scheduled exam date in the future by requesting an application and paying the exam fee. There is no restriction regarding the number of times an incumbent may take the exam.
Certification Levels
- Facility Manager
- Exam Application Required: Yes - Form 4400-181A
- Experience Required: Two Years (Documented) - Form 4400-180 [PDF]
- Examination: Yes (Score 70% or better)
- Exam Fee: $200
- Duration of Certification: Two Years
- Site Operator
- Exam Application Required: Yes - Form 4400-181A
- Examination: Yes (Score 70% or better)
- Exam Fee: $200
- Duration of Certification: Two Years
- Interim Facility Manager/Interim Site Operator
Interim Facility and Site Operator certifications are provided temporarily to personnel while waiting for a scheduled certification exam or in special circumstances where a designated certified Facility Manager or Site Operator is unable to perform duties under ch. NR 524, Wis. Adm. Code. Please see s. NR 524.10, Wis. Adm. Code for more information. Contact Amalendu Bagchi (608) 267-7576 for questions on the interim approval process. An interim certification application [PDF] must be completed.
Continuing Education & Renewals
Every certified Facility Manager and Site Operator is required to complete a number of Continuing Education Hours during the term of certification. Those who want to renew their certificate need to submit the Continuing Education Hours Slip provided with their renewal reminder letter and pay the Certification Renewal Fee of $150.00. The Credit Slip must be signed by a certified manager or landfill owner indicating that the site operator/facility manager has taken the training required for recertification.
- Facility Manager - 8 continuing education hours every two-years
- Site Operator - 4 continuing education hours every two-years
- Performance Technologies at (207)252-3830 or e-mail Leo Larochelle
- SWANA at (608)339-9178 or e-mail Myrna Diemart
- Lindberg Compliance at (414)427-9844
For additional information or questions on the landfill operator certification program, please contact:
Kelly Thompson
(608) 266-8948
Amalendu Bagchi
(608) 267-7576
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