Training Contact Hours (TCHs)
License holders must earn continuing education credits for license renewal. The number of training contact hours (TCHs) required for license renewal depends on the classification of the license. Operator training is available in a variety of programs. Self-study programs are also available. Training topics must be relevant to the treatment or distribution licenses held.
Relevant training topics will:
- Have an influence on water quality, water supply, or public health protection; and
- Be directly related to the operation or maintenance of a water system; or
- Be directly related to managing the operation or maintenance of a water system.
- Renewal Training Requirements Fact Sheet (PDF)
Operator TCH Records
The Drinking Water Program maintains a record of operator contact hours.
AWRA Webinars for TCH
Operators needing three or fewer training contact hours for the current licensing cycle may wish to consider taking webinars being offered by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA). Each webinar is rated for 1.0 TCH and costs $25.00.
This reference is not an exclusive endorsement by the Board of Licensure of Water System Operators, acknowledging the competing training providers.
EPA Small Systems Monthly Webinar Series
Free webinars allow attendees the option of receiving a certificate for one continuing education contact hour for each live webcast attended.
In-House Training
Public Water Systems may offer training in-house provided by a water training professional. These trainings may need prior approval or may have been previously approved. Safety programs offering training do not need to be preapproved whether offered by an outside provider or in-house trainer. Accurate records must be maintained and signed attendance sheets should be kept on file in case of audit. Topics may only be used once during a renewal cycle. General safety topics (for example, first aid) do not meet relevancy requirements.
- Training Contact Hours Attendance Sheer (PDF) must be submitted after each training session.
- Email DWP Licensing Clerk
Online Training & Webinars
E-learning courses over 8-10 weeks provide syllabi, assignments, class lectures, and other course materials on screen, while communication with the instructor and other students in the class is via messaging platforms, personal e-mail, and other media. E-learning classes do not meet in person, and learners work on assignments according to their own time schedules.
Very Small Water System Study Guide
From the Association of Boards of Certification: The Very Small Water System Operators' Guidebook to Preparing for Certification (PDF) provides study guidance for certification to operate a small public water system.
WaterOperator.org Free Online Resources
- WaterOperator.org and the organization's document database
- Courses: Groundwater and Well Care for Public Water Systems
- Basics for Small Water Systems in Oregon Manual (PDF)
- Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification Manual (PDF)
- Course: Introduction to Small Water Systems: For Level I Operators
- Introduction to Water & Wastewater Treatment Technology
- Water Sifu and Video: Water Sifu
- New Mexico Water Systems Operator Certification Study Manual (PDF)
- Five Common Questions on Water Treatment Operator Exams
- Water Distribution Operator Certification Exam: 4 Practice Problems
- Video: Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Exam: 4 Practice Problems
Training Providers
- American Water College
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- At Your Pace Online
- CEU Plan
- Environmental Finance Center Network
- Hach Training Center
- Jacman Group Safety
- Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC)
- Life Safety Specialists
- Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA)
- Maine Water Utilities Association (MWUA)
- New England Water Works Association (NEWWA)
- Northeast Water and Wastewater Training Associates (NEWWTA)
- RCAP Solutions
- Email: Sam Elliot (Correspondence)
- Email: Sandra Bolotsky (Correspondence)
- Small Water Supply
- Technical Learning College
- Tom's Water Solutions
- University of California - Sacramento
- Vector Solutions
- Water Otter
- Zarathom
Contact the Drinking Licensing Clerk
- Email the DWP Licensing Clerk
- Phone the DWP Licensing Clerk at (207) 287-2070
Becoming a Training Provider
Some organizations wish to become approved training providers. The following information will assist your organization in reviewing the options to provide water operator training in Maine. Email the DWP Licensing Clerk for further guidance.