First, work with your supervisor and management to determine which type of exam you will want to take: Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and/or Wastewater Collection.

You will need to start by taking the Grade 1 level in any of the exams if you are not currently certified in that grade.  In order to be qualified to take the Grade 1 level, you MUST have at least a high school diploma or GED. 

Once you are certified at the Grade 1 level in any of the test areas, you will need to wait for ONE FULL YEAR prior to sitting for the next grade level (wait 365 days from the effective date of certification) before testing for the higher grade level.  Click HERE to check the effective date of your certificate(s).

Again, you MUST wait 365 days from the date of passing your test before you can sit for a higher-grade level of that type of exam; however, you may take another test in any of the other testing areas: Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Distribution or Collection.   

YOU are responsible for your eligibility.  When you sit for an exam, you are on your honor that you are eligible to sit for the specific exam.  It is NOT the responsibility of GateWay to determine whether you can take the exam.

ALL exams are given in the 2017 ABC Edition and it is advised that you study the type of material found in the NEED TO KNOW section HERE.

EXCEPTIONS

Of course, there always are a few exceptions.  When you feel that your issue is an exception, you must get approval from ADEQ.  Use the ADEQ Portal HERE to pursue any exceptions.  Here are some examples:

TEST EARLY: To request approval to pursue the higher-grade level before your 365 days are up, use the portal.

SKIP A GRADE: To start testing at the Grade 2 level or higher, qualifying education and work experience are required.  Please contact the Operator Certification Program through the portal.