Public water system operators in Texas who perform process control duties in production or distribution of drinking water must be licensed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class B is the second highest level for Water System Operator licenses in Texas. In order to get your Class B license, you must meet one of two education and work experience options described below.
Bachelor’s Degree
- Education: Degree major must be in chemistry, biology, engineering, microbiology, bacteriology, or another similar discipline as approved by the TCEQ Executive Director.
- Work Experience: 2.5 years of “hands-on” experience. At least one-half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field for the license that is requested.
High School or General Equivalency Diploma
- Education: High School diploma or GED.
- Work Experience: Five years of work experience, three of which must be “hands-on”. At least one-half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field for the license that is requested.
Acceptable Work Experience Substitute
Applicants with a High School diploma or GED may substitute up to two years of experience with college hours or additional TCEQ approved water operator training.
- 64 semester hours of college or 80 additional hours of approved training for two years of work experience.
- 32 semester hours of college or 40 additional hours of approved training for one year of work experience.
Note: For laboratory experience to be fully acceptable towards operator licensing, the laboratory must be owned and operated by the public water system and the laboratory personnel must consult on a daily basis with a public water system’s licensed operator personnel.
American Water College offers courses to help Texas Water Operators meet the training requirements and prepare to pass their licensing exams the first time. Our exam preparation courses cover all the material you need to know using the most effective training methods so you will have the confidence you need to succeed. Click HERE to download your FREE copy of Certification Exam Tips.
Our next post will address the training, application, and examination requirements to get a Class B water operator license in Texas. Click HERE to download your FREE Guide to Getting and Maintaining Your Water Operator License in Texas.