Septage Operator Certification

What is a Certified Operator?

A "Certified Operator" is an individual who has been issued a certificate by the department to perform septage servicing as it is laid out in ch. NR 114, Wis. Adm. Code.[PDF exit DNR]

How do I become a Certified Septage Operator?

To become a certified septage operator you must pass an exam. A study guide [PDF 175KB] (along with ch. NR 113, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF]) is available to help you study for the exam.

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 calling a septage coordinator. 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 75% 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 at the next scheduled exam date by requesting an application and paying the exam fee.

Septage Operator Certification Grade Levels

• GRADE T - conduct all aspects of septage servicing except the land application of septage. You must pass the Grade T examination.
• GRADE L - conduct all aspects of septage servicing including the land application of septage. You must pass the Grade L examination.

Operator-in-Charge (OIC)

The business owner must designate an operator-in-charge at the appropriate level based upon the type of business and the method of septage disposal/re-use. The business owner shall notify the department of any change of the designated operator-in-charge as soon as practicable but no later than 15 days after the change.

If the business does not practice land application the operator-in-charge can be a Grade T or Grade L.

If the business DOES conduct land application the operator-in-charge MUST be a GRADE L.

To become an operator-in-charge you must already be a certified operator (Grade T or L as appropriate), have at least 1600 hours of experience in that grade level and participate in a mandatory training class sponsored by the Department and pass the class exam. The class exam is in addition to the original certification exam. Individuals may also become an operator-in-charge if they were "grandfathered" when ch. NR 114, Wis. Adm. Code was revised effective December 1, 2004.

The experience requirement can be documented by submitting a notarized certification experience statement outlining the length of time you’ve been working as a Grade L or Grade T operator and the duties performed in that grade level. The department will verify information submitted on a case-by-case basis.

The operator-in-charge class and exam is offered twice a year. Two continuing education credits will be awarded to all who attend the class. The class is open to anyone, even if you are exempt from requiring this class. The exam covers the topics discussed during the class. You may be placed on a mailing list to receive the class and exam notification by calling your Statewide Coordinator at (608) 266-8948.

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Operator-in-Training (OIT)

The operator-in-charge must register the name of the operator-in-training prior to the start of employment. The status of the operator-in-training is valid continuously for 12 months and is non-renewable. Within the 12 month period, the operator-in-training should apply to take the Grade L or Grade T exam. The operator-in-training is considered a septage operator working under the certification of the operator-in-charge. The operator-in-training may practice land application, provided the operator-in-charge is certified to do so.

Fees

Fees for certification are as follows:

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Certification Renewals

Ch. NR 114, Wis. Adm. Code requires an operator to earn continuing education credits in order to maintain an active certification. This continuing education requirement is designed to help you keep current on new requirements and technical innovations. Continuing education also assists in acquiring additional knowledge and skills.

Six weeks before a certification expires, courtesy renewal letters are mailed to active operators. It is important to notify a septage coordinator of any change in address so you can be sure to receive your renewal reminder letter. The renewal reminder letter serves as a courtesy reminder only. It is the responsibility of the operator to keep track of your certification expiration date and it is the responsibility of the operator to keep track of their continuing education credit slips. To renew, mail the renewal letter, the continuing education slips, and the $65 to the Statewide Certification Coordinator at:

WI DNR - Septage Certification
PO BOX 7921
MADISON WI 53707-7921

The renewal materials must be postmarked by the expiration date on your certificate (there is no grace period). Any renewal postmarked after the expiration date should also include the $100 penalty fee. Once your certification expires, you are not considered a certified septage operator. If you are an Operator-in-Charge and your certification is expired, your business is also out of compliance.

Once a certificate expires, you are given one year to renew your lapsed certification. You are NOT considered a certified operator during this lapse of your certification. If your certification is not renewed within that one year time period, you will need to re-take the written exam as a new operator. Operators may not renew their certificate by taking certification examinations unless their certificate has been expired for at least one year.

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Continuing Education

Your certification must be renewed every three years.

• Septage operators designated operator-in-charge (OIC) are required to earn 18 hours of continuing education in the three year renewal period.
• Septage operators not designated as operator-in-charge are required to earn 3 hours of continuing education in the three year renewal period.

Credits must be earned in the three year period prior to renewal. (e.g. July 1, 2008 is the expiration date of your certificate. Credits must be earned between July 1, 2005 and July 1, 2008 to be valid for your renewal on July 1, 2008). Extra credits do not carry over.

Continuing education credits may be obtained in a number of different ways, and credits for courses are generally earned on an hour-for-hour basis (e.g. one hour of training is equal to one continuing education credit.) A list of statewide approved courses is available on the DNR Operation Certification Training Calendar. You may also check with your regional septage coordinator for other opportunities in your area.

Activities acceptable for continuing education:

• Attendance at DNR approved training classes, workshops and seminars.
• Attendance at State and National Association workshops and seminars (e.g. Pumper & Cleaner Expo)
• Tour a wastewater treatment plant facility (a maximum of 3 hours can be applied).
• Complete a CPR/First Aid class offered through your local Red Cross chapter.
• Department of Commerce approved POWTS Maintainer Qualifier or Master Plumber classes.
• Business improvement classes.
• Attendance at professional association meetings, training seminars or conferences.
• Completion of WI Technical School courses (contact your septage coordinator for course approval).

Activities not acceptable for continuing education:

• Time spent learning new business specific operations or operating new equipment.
• Time spent completing routine business forms and paperwork.
• Time spent reading federal or state codes, septage-related publications (books, texts, magazines).
• Time spent watching septage related videos or television.
• Time spent working with a licensed plumber agronomist, or soils scientist.
• Time spent making septic evaluations
• Longevity in the septage business.

Per NR114.22(2), a certificate may not be issued if the continuing education requirement is not met. If you do not have enough credits to renew your certificate and your certification expires, send in the required Continuing Education Slips when you have accumulated enough credits and the $165 renewal fee ($65 renewal fee and $100 penalty fee) to the Department to get your certification renewed.

Contact

For more information or questions on the septage operator certification program, please contact:

Kelly Thompson
(608) 266-8948

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