To protect public health and the environment, it is critical that water and wastewater utility operators, like those that operate public drinking water systems and wastewater treatment plants, are well trained and certified to appropriate standards. The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) administers Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications for all public water system and wastewater utilities in New Mexico.
For contact information for UOCP staff see directory: UOCP Staff Directory
UOCP links for CERTEMY processes listed below
- All operator credits have been transferred to the new CERTEMY database. Please follow these instructions here.
- To retrieve old training transcripts please send a request to UOCP.certification@env.nm.gov.
- Exam applications must include the completed and signed employer form for Present Operator Experience/Supervisor Signature.
- CERTEMY online payments NMED Online Payments
- CERTEMY payments made by Check or Money Order, must have the Payment Form-here attached to payments.
CERTEMY Contact Information: For login and technical support, please contact CERTEMY at 866-907-4088. Or email CERTEMY at support@certemy.com
Quick-Links:
Operator Job Opportunities (NMWWA list)
Sign up here to receive GovDelivery notifications from the Utility Operator Certification Program
Contract Operators/Samplers/RTCR Assessors
The Utility Operator Certification Program is now providing a list of certified operators, samplers, and approved RTCR assessors available for contract.
Certification Exams, Renewals and Equivalencies
To become certified, operators must meet certification requirements and pass the New Mexico certification exams, administered through computer-based testing at Workforce Connections Centers around the state. Certifications are renewed every 3 years; expiration date remains the same for all certifications.
ON THIS PAGE:
- Testing, certification renewal, equivalency
- Application requirements, fees, experience, training credits needed
- Online Payments
- Pay by Money Order or Check Form
Exam Preparation and Training Opportunities
New Mexico Wastewater Laboratory Certification and New Mexico Water Sampling Technician Certification study manuals can be found with additional exam preparation tools and training opportunities.
ON THIS PAGE:
- Free training opportunities on NMED events calendar
- Need-to-Know Criteria, Conversion and Formula Guide
- Test Center locations state-wide
Utility Operator Certification Advisory Board
UOCP works in collaboration with New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission and the UOCP Advisory Board to provide the above services to accommodate the Operator communities. The board holds public meetings quarterly. Upcoming meetings can be found on the NMED Events Calendar.
ON THIS PAGE:
- List of board members
- Governing regulations
Reporting Violations of the Utility Operator Code of Conduct
The New Mexico Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) is committed to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among certified utility operators who manage our public water supply systems and public wastewater facilities.
Certified operators in New Mexico are required to follow a Code of Professional Conduct, which outlines the ethical and professional responsibilities essential to safeguarding public health and the environment. This code serves as a guiding framework and relies on each operator’s integrity to perform their duties responsibly, ethically, and lawfully.
If you believe a certified operator has violated these standards, you may file a formal complaint using the form below. Examples of conduct that may warrant a complaint include, but are not limited to:
- Actions that compromise public safety, health, or welfare
- Misrepresentation of qualifications or credentials
- Falsified reports or documentation
- Conflicts of interest that impair professional judgment
- Failure to properly operate or maintain water or wastewater systems
Complaints are reviewed by NMED and, when appropriate, referred to the Utility Operator Certification Advisory Board before enforcement actions are considered. Violations of the Code of Professional Conduct may be deemed gross incompetence and can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of certification.
We encourage anyone—employers, colleagues, or members of the public—to submit information if they are aware of conduct that could endanger the quality and safety of water services in New Mexico.
Download the fillable pdf form to begin your complaint submission: Certified Operator Complaint Form