The Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP Board) licenses individuals who operate water and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as onsite soil evaluators, onsite sewage system installers, and onsite sewage system operators. The 11-member board is composed of licensed practitioners, the director of the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Water Programs, the executive director of the State Water Control Board, and one citizen.

Applicants must read and understand the Waterworks/Wastewater Works Operators Regulations and Onsite Sewage System Professionals Regulations. Application fees are not refundable.

  • Go to: Most Requested Forms address change, criminal conviction reporting, certification request, etc.)

Problems opening interactive forms? 

Help for Google Chrome users here | Other troubleshooting resources here


Onsite Sewage System Professionals

Installers

  Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer - License Application Interactive Static
  Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer - License Application  Interactive Static
  Universal License Recognition Interactive Static
  Experience Verification Form (for Onsite Sewage System license applicants only)     (v11/15/2021) Interactive Static

 

Operators

 

  Conventional Operator Exam Waiver | License Application and Experience Verification Form Interactive Static
  Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator - License Application Interactive Static
  Universal License Recognition Interactive Static

  Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator - License Application

Interactive Static
  Experience Verification Form (for Onsite Sewage System license applicants only)   (v11/15/2021) Interactive Static


Evaluators

  Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator - License Application  Interactive Static
  Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator - License Application Interactive Static
  Universal License Recognition Interactive Static
  Experience Verification Form    (v11/15/2021) Interactive  Static

 

NOTE FOR WATERWORKS AND WASTEWATER WORKS APPLICANTS:

Make sure you are applying for the class of license for Virginia, not the classes established by ABC. Once you are approved, you will register on the AMP site for Virginia and take the class of license exam for Virginia. The AMP website for Virginia candidates includes a candidate handbook with links that will take you to ABC’s Need-to-Know criteria based on Virginia’s license classes. The classes established by ABC are not applicable to Virginia licenses.

Provisional Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators

  Provisional Waterworks Operator License Application Interactive Static
  Provisional Wastewater Works Operator License Application Interactive Static
  Description and Experience Verification Form Interactive Static
  Change in License Classification - Provisional License Holders only Interactive Static

Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators

  Waterworks Operator License Application Interactive Static
  Wastewater Works Operator License Application Interactive Static
  Waterworks Operator - Universal License Recognition Interactive Static
  Wastewater Works Operator - Universal License Recognition Interactive Static
  Change in License Classification - Provisional License Holders only Interactive Static
  Virginia Experience Verification Form Interactive Static
  Out-of-State Facility Description & Experience Verification Form Interactive Static

Education-Related Forms 

  Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Certificate of Completion Interactive Static
  Education and Training Substitution Form Interactive Static
  Application for Training Course Approval Interactive Static


 

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here

Statutes

Regulations

  • Waterworks & Wastewater Works Operator Regulations PDF | online 

Recent Regulatory Changes | Effective December 8, 2021: 

Requirements for licensure were revised to exclude marijuana-related misdemeanor convictions from convictions that must be disclosed on a license application.  Standards of conduct and practice were revised to exclude marijuana-related drug distribution misdemeanor convictions from convictions that a regulant must report to the Board.

 

  • Onsite Sewage System Professionals Regulations PDF | online 

Recent Regulatory Changes | Effective December 8, 2021: 

Requirements for licensure were revised to exclude marijuana-related misdemeanor convictions from convictions that must be disclosed on a license application. Standards of conduct and practice were revised to exclude marijuana-related drug distribution misdemeanor convictions from convictions that a regulant must report to the Board.

 

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here. 

The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.

Visit the Town Hallhttps://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=17

Applicants must submit forms directly to the Board at DPOR. Applications submitted to the exam vendor will be returned to the applicant and require re-submission to the Board for processing. 

  Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators Onsite Soil Systems Professionals 
Exam Administrator        PSI Exams
(833) 256-1420
PSI Exams
(855) 340-3910
Frequency and Dates of Exam Daily Daily
Deadline for Application No application deadline. Applications are reviewed by WWWOOSSP Board staff on a continuous basis. No application deadline. Applications are reviewed by WWWOOSSP Board staff on a continuous basis.
Exam Fees  
Waterworks Operators  Wastewater Works Operators   
Virginia Class  Virginia Class 

Exam Fees 

6 --  $83
5 --  $83
4* 4*  $124
3* 3*  $124
2* 2*  $124
1* 1*  $124
Examination          Exam Fee 
Onsite Soil EVALUATOR
(Alternative or Conventional)
 $80
Onsite Sewage System INSTALLER
(Alternative or Conventional)
 $80
Onsite Sewage System OPERATOR
(Alternative or Conventional) 
 $80
Exam Locations

Alexandria, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Fredericksburg, VA
Harrisonburg, VA
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
Vienna, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Salisbury, MD
Stafford, VA
Johnson City, TN

Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
Vienna, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Salisbury, MD
Stafford, VA
Johnson City, TN

Exam FAQs 
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Candidate Information Bulletins:
  • Wastewater Works Operators (Classes 1-4) CIB 
    Conversion for each exam is as follows:
    • VA Wastewater Works Class 4 = ABC Wastewater Treatment Operator Class I
    • VA Wastewater Works Class 3 = ABC Wastewater Treatment Operator Class II
    • VA Wastewater Works Class 2 = ABC Wastewater Treatment Operator Class III
    • VA Wastewater Works Class 1 = ABC Wastewater Treatment Operator Class IV
       
  • Waterworks Operators (Classes 1-6) CIB
    Conversion for each exam is as follows:
    • VA Waterwork Class 4 = ABC Water Treatment Operator Class I 
    • VA Waterwork Class 3 = ABC Water Treatment Operator Class II
    • VA Waterwork Class 2 = ABC Water Treatment Operator Class III
    • VA Waterwork Class 1 = ABC Water Treatment Operator Class IV
Candidate Information Bulletin:

 

Questions About Exam Scheduling or Registration?  Only applicants already approved by the Board should contact AMP with exam questions at (833) 256-1420. (AMP will not schedule an applicant for the exam until it receives Board verification of the applicant’s eligibility.)   Only applicants already approved by the Board should contact PSI with exam questions at (855) 340-3910. (PSI will not schedule an applicant for the exam until it receives Board verification of the applicant's eligibility.)
Other Questions?  To check on application status, contact the Board's Licensing Section at (804) 367-8595 or waterwasteoper@dpor.virginia.gov. To check on application status, contact the Board's Licensing Section at (804) 367-8595 or waterwasteoper@dpor.virginia.gov

 


Education

Training Credits

First-time applicants for licensure as Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators may apply some training to the experience requirements necessary to qualify. The list of specialized training programs/courses provides information about the specific amount of training credits (TCs) that may be used to substitute for up to half of the required experience for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Waterworks or Wastewater Works Operator licenses.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

Existing licensees (waterworks operators, wastewater works operators, and onsite sewage system professionals) are required to complete continuing education courses as a condition of license renewal. Board regulations outline the number of hours required depending on the type of license.

  • Waterworks & Wastewater Works Operator Regulations PDF | online 
  • Onsite Sewage System Professionals Regulations PDF | online 

Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
  • NEWS RELEASE | WWWOOSSP License Revocations | Oct. 28, 2021
  • Information about VDH Stakeholder Facilitation (SHIFT)Overview, meetings, and documents related to transition and private-sector participation in onsite sewage program administration and oversight. 

For DPOR news, visit the News Releases page.

How do I contact the Board office? Will I be able to speak directly to a Board member? 

You may reach us by phone at (804) 367-8595 (Licensing Section) or (804) 367-2648 (Board Office), by FAX at (866) 350-5354, or by e-mail at WaterWasteOper@dpor.virginia.gov. Additionally, if you have information that you would like to mail to the Board, please send it to:
Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233

The Board members do not work in the Board office. They come into the Board offices for Board meetings and hearings, but are not here on a daily basis. Board office staff members can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Board office. Please do not contact Board members directly.

Where can I find information about how the board interprets a specific regulation?

Guidance documents, including Board Interpretations and Policies, are available at the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/GDocs.cfm?boardid=17.

How do I become a waterworks/wastewater works operator apprentice?

The apprenticeship program is conducted through Virginia Works - Virginia's Workforce Development Agency. Registered apprenticeships provide opportunities for high school students age 16 or older.  You must contact Virginia Works directly to receive information regarding becoming an apprentice.

I need to renew my license, but I haven't received my renewal form. What do I need to do?

Send in the renewal fee, make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, and include your license number on your check. If you have had a change of address, include a letter with your new address. Mail this information to:
Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals
Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233

You CANNOT continue to practice a regulated profession in Virginia after your license has expired.

My renewal payment was one day late and I have always paid on time. Can you waive the late fee?

No. The Board's regulations allow a 30-day grace period in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late). Staff cannot waive the fee.

I did not renew on time because I didn't receive my renewal card. Do I still have to pay a late fee or reinstate my license?

Yes. Board regulations state that failure to receive the renewal notice does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew.

Does the Board office use the date of receipt or the postmark date to determine whether an application or renewal was received on time?

The date the application or renewal was received in the agency determines whether it is on time, not the postmark date. If the renewal fee is received after the due date, you will be required to pay the reinstatement fee. If the reinstatement fee is received after the due date, you will be required to apply as a new applicant, meeting all current requirements.

My address and/or name has changed. What do I need to do to notify the Board?

Many Boards allow you to update your ADDRESS using Online Services, so login to your personal profile to see if this is an option for your license type. The alternative is to complete, print, sign, and submit an Address Change Form to the Board office by mail. Unless updated online, all Address Change Forms must be received by the Board in writing. When providing a post office box as the mailing address, it must be accompanied by the physical address.

To report a NAME CHANGE: complete, print, sign, and submit a Name Change Form to the Board office. All name changes must be received by the Board in writing. Individual name change requests must be accompanied by a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official documentation that verifies the name change.

Board Roster

Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals

Executive Director

Marjorie King

Deputy Executive Director

Vacant

Board Administrators

Cameron Parris

Lisa Robinson

Member Roster

Board Member Roster

  • Vacant
  • Licensed Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator

Dwayne Roadcap

  • Indefinite Term
  • Dept. of Health Designee

Brandon Monnett

  • First term ends June 30, 2028
  • Wastewater Works Owner

Erica Duncan | Board Vice-Chair

  • Second term ends June 30, 2027
  • Wastewater Operator

John Ewing

  • Second term ends June 30, 2025
  • Licensed Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer

Caleb Taylor

  • Second term ends June 30, 2027
  • Waterworks Owner

Alvin Christian

  • First term ends June 30, 2027
  • Citizen Member

Pamela M. Pruett | Board Chair

  • Term ends June 30, 2026
  • Licensed Onsite Soil Evaluator

Josh Kirtley

  • First term ends June 30, 2027
  • Local or Regional VDH Representative

D. Wayne Staples

  • Indefinite Term
  • Dept. of Environmental Quality Designee

Thomas Wayne Fore

  • Second term ends June 30, 2025
  • Waterworks Operator

Board members are appointed by the Governor. To learn more about the gubernatorial appointment process, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website. 

DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.

Active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia).

Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application (Interactive | Static). A temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state who need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements is also an option if necessary. [Section 54.1-119

  • Military spouses also can get help covering the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse

For honorably discharged veterans, “substantially equivalent” military training, education, or experience may be credited toward certain license requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-118). The Virginia Department of Veteran Services does not reimburse for exam costs. However, Veterans can be reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The link for the information is here: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/test-fees.

(Please check back periodically as we modify transactions in the future.)


Address change

ALL license types  


Renew a license

ALL license types  

  • Except interim licenses 

 


Reinstate an expired license

ALL license types  

  • Except interim licenses 

 


Go to Online Services