Maine Wastewater Operator Certification Exams

The first step in becoming a certified operator in Maine is to complete the exam application form and return it with the $125 application fee to NEIWPCC’s South Portland office. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reviews and approves all applications for eligibility to sit for an exam.

The exam application fee allows an examinee to take the same grade level exam as many times as needed within a two-year approval period. Unless applying for a different grade level or the two-year period has expired, it is not necessary to reapply to NEIWPCC’s South Portland office or pay another application fee. There is a separate exam administration fee payable to PSI for each attempt.

Exams are given using a computerized test. Computer-Based Testing (CBT) gives examinees a convenient testing schedule, more opportunities to take the Biological or Physical-Chemical exam, and receive results immediately upon completion of the exam.

Computer-Based Testing (CBT) exams are administered through PSI at any Assessment Center in the United States. Maine-based PSI Assessment Centers are located in Portland, Farmington, and Presque Isle. There are also Assessment Centers in Portsmouth and Newington, NH.

After your application is approved by the DEP, you will receive an email confirmation from PSI Customer Service with a unique ID# and instructions on how to schedule your exam. The CBT exam fee covers the PSI testing services.

Test results are available immediately after completing the exam. If you successfully pass the exam, NEIWPCC’s South Portland office will automatically be notified by PSI and will update your records, print, and mail your new operator certificate within four weeks.

Refer to the Maine DEP Regulations for Wastewater Operator Certification (Chapter 531) for information and specific requirements for each operator grade level. Use the following table to assist in determining the Biological grade level exam you may qualify for:

Physical/chemical treatment means a wastewater treatment facility that employs physical and chemical processes as the primary means of treatment as opposed to biological treatment. This type of certification is used primarily for industrial treatment facilities.

SITS paper exams are offered on an as-needed basis at four testing locations: Portland, Augusta, Bangor, or Presque Isle. To schedule an exam, first submit the application and $125 application fee. NEIWPCC’s South Portland office will coordinate with Maine DEP to schedule an exam date.