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

    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.

    Licensing Section  (804) 367-8595
    Board Office  (804) 367-0362
    FAX  (866) 350-5354
    Email  WaterWasteOper@dpor.virginia.gov 
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    Forms & Applications

    Onsite Sewage System Professionals | PROVISIONAL Waterworks/Wastewater Works Operators | Waterworks/Wastewater Works Operators | Education-Related Forms 

    • Go to: Most Requested Forms 

    Applicants must read and understand the WWWOOSSP Board Regulations (PDF).

    DPOR Boards only accept the most recent versions of the applications provided below DPOR Boards are not responsible for processing delays associated with forms that do not conform to this requirement.
    Need help opening, viewing or printing? Troubleshooting resources available here.

    Application fees are not refundable.


    Onsite Sewage System Professionals

    • Conventional Installer Exam Waiver and License Application (PDF) (effective until June 30, 2016) 
    • Installer Exam and License Application (PDF)(Conventional and Alternative) 
    • Evaluator Exam and License Application (PDF) 
    • Operator Exam and License Application (PDF) 
    • Experience Verification Form (PDF) 

    Provisional Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators

    • Waterworks Operator Exam and License Application (PDF) 
    • Wastewater Works Operator Exam and License Application (PDF) 
    • Description and Experience Verification Form (PDF) 
    • Application to Upgrade Provisional License (PDF) 

    Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators

    • Waterworks Operator Exam and License Application (PDF) 
    • Wastewater Works Operator Exam and License Application (PDF) 
    • Virginia Experience Verification Form (PDF) 
    • Out-of-State Experience Verification Form (PDF) 

    Education-Related Forms

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

    Laws & Regulations

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
    • Chapter 23 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia  
    • Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP) Regulations (PDF) 
    • Guidance Documents on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall

    Meetings & Minutes

    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 Hall: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewboard.cfm?boardid=17&display=meetings 

    Education & Exams

    Examinations | Education | Continuing Professional Education (CPE) 


    Examination

    Applicants must pass the examination BEFORE applying to DPOR for licensure. 

    Exam Administrator  PSI
    (800) 733-9267
    comments@psiexams.com 
    Frequency and Dates of Exam  Daily
    Deadline for Application   No application deadline. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.
    Exam Fees   $94
    Exam Locations  Charlottesville
    Falls Church
    Richmond
    Roanoke
    Tyson's Corner
    Virginia Beach
    Salisbury, MD
    Johnson City, TN
    Questions About Exam Scheduling or Registration?  See Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) below or contact PSI at (800) 733-9267 or comments@psiexams.com.
    CIB-Waterworks Operator (PDF)
    CIB-Wastewater Works Operator (PDF)
    CIB-Onsite Sewage System Professionals (PDF) 
    Other Questions?  DPOR Examinations Section
    (804) 367-8569 or exams@dpor.virginia.gov
    To check on application status, contact the Board's Licensing Section at (804) 367-8595.

    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.

    • Approved Specialized Training Programs/Courses (PDF) 

     

    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. The number of hours required depends on the type of license.

    • Wastewater Works Operators CPE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

    News & Publications

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
    • Exam Waiver for Qualified Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer Applicants 

    For DPOR news, visit the Press Releases page.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How do I contact the Board office? 
    2. When I call the Board office, will I be able to speak directly with a Board member? 
    3. Where can I find information about how the board interprets a specific regulation? 
    4. How do I become a waterworks/wastewater works operator apprentice? 
    5. I need to renew my license, but I haven't received my renewal form. What do I need to do? 
    6. My renewal payment was one day late and I have always paid on time. Can you waive the late fee? 
    7. 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? 
    8. Does the Board office use the date of receipt or the postmark date to determine whether an application or renewal was received on time? 
    9. My address and/or name has changed. What do I need to do to notify the Board? 

    How do I contact the Board office?

    You may reach the Board office 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

    When I call the Board office, will I be able to speak directly with a Board member?

    No. 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, conducted through the Department of Labor and Industry, provides an opportunity for high school students age 16 or older to become eligible for the Class IV waterworks and wastewater works operator exams. You must contact the Department of Labor and Industry 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?

    Complete, print, sign, and submit a Name/Address Change Form to the Board office. All address changes 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.

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

    Board Staff

    Executive Director

    Trisha L. Henshaw

    Board Administrator

    Michele L. Atkinson

    Board Member Roster

    Frank L. Davis, Jr.
    Second four-year term ends December 31, 2012
    Waterworks Operator
    Kornell R. Davis, Jr.
    Board Vice-Chair
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2015
    Licensed Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
    Barry T. Dunkley
    First four-year term ends December 31, 2015
    Rep: Wastewater Works Owners
    D. Perry Greene
    First four-year term ends December 31, 2014
    Wastewater Operator
    John Aulbach, II, P.E.
    Indefinite Term
    Dept. of Health Designee
    Kristen Lentz
    First four-year term ends December 31, 2014
    Rep. of Waterworks Owners
    Michelle Ann Magrino
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2015
    OSSP Citizen Member
    E. Brooke Philpy
    Board Chair
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2015
    Licensed Onsite Soil Evaluator
    Gary Schafran
    First four-year term ends December 31, 2014
    Faculty Member 
    D. Wayne Staples
    Indefinite Term
    DEQ Designee 
    Ronald R. Thomas
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2015
    Licensed Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
     

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

    Military and Veterans Services

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

    Veterans and active-duty military personnel are 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 (PDF).

    In addition, the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs may reimburse the cost of veterans´ examinations.

    • DVA Pays the Cost of a License or Certification Test (VA Pamphlet 22-02-1) (PDF).

    Online License Services

    Online transactions for many regulatory programs include new (initial) license applications, renewals of existing licenses, reinstatement of expired licenses, upgrades to licenses, address changes, and other maintenance of a license. However, some programs do not yet offer the full range of services, and only allow for renewals of existing licenses. 

    • Visit the login page for this board's online services.
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