Utility Operator Certification Program
The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP)
Administers Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications
for all Public Water and Wastewater Utilities in the State of New Mexico.
Utility Operator Certification Act (61-33-1 NMSA 1978)
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KEY INFO for OPERATORS…
Important UOCP Announcements & Meetings
Computer-Based Testing Temporarily Down
Updated 7/16/21
We apologize for any inconvenience and are working to get operator exams back online as soon as possible.
All exam applications that have been received and approved will remain valid.
Computer-Based Exam Information:
- Click HEREto review important Step-By-Step instructions for the new Computer-based Testing (CBT Exams)
- 14 Workforce Connection Centers are open at limited capacity due to COVID-19!
- NEW Computer-based Testing – Exam Application (Updated 5/28/21)
- No shows will need to re-apply by submitting a new application and fees.
Please send ALL written questions regarding the CBT Exams to UOCP.Certification@state.nm.us.
Testing Times Extended for Higher Level Certification Exams
The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) values operator feedback, comments and concerns while providing services to accommodate the Operator communities.
After careful review and consideration our program in collaboration with the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) and the New Mexico Workforce Connection Testing Centers agree to extend the allotted times for higher level certification exams.
All level 3 and 4 certification exams will be extended to a 6-hour exam period to allow ample time for testing on the more complex water and wastewater exams.
The new 6-hour testing time will be given for only these exams listed below:
- Wastewater Lab Technician Level 3 (WLT3)
- Distribution Systems Level 3 (DS3)
- Wastewater Systems Levels 3 & 4 (WS3 and WS4)
- Water Supply Levels 3 & 4 (WW3 and WW4)
PUBLIC NOTICES
WQCC Hearing
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Amendments to 20.7.4 NMAC Utility Operator Certification Regulations
UOCP Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, July 29, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This meeting will be held both by teleconference and virtual video conferencing. Information for both options can be found below.
Teleconference Call +1-415-655-0001
You can call in to the meeting by entering this access code 177 831 1398#
WebEx Video Conference
You can also JOIN the meeting by clicking on the link below
Link: WebEx
For question and more information about the Utility Operator Certification Program and Advisory Board, contact Eric Hall at 505-670-7418 or email eric.hall@state.nm.us.
Training Resources
Regulation Updates
20.7.4.16 NMAC Code of Professional Conduct –Effective Jan 17, 2017
(See the complete Utility Operator Certification Regulation under the “Regulations” tab)
Operator Tools & Resources
Operator Lookup – Registration (For new users)
Operator Lookup – Login (For existing users)
NEW – Request Form for Replacement Certificate & ID Card Update 5/28/21
New Mexico Water Systems – Drinking Water Watch
Certified Operators/Samplers/Approved RTCR Assessors Available for Contract
Domestic & Industrial Ground Water Discharge Permits
Operator FAQs
Who is an operator?
An “operator” is any person who operates a public water supply system or a public wastewater facility. According to the Utility Operator Certification Regulation (20.7.4 NMAC), “operate” means performing any activity or function or making any process control or system integrity decision regarding water quality or water quantity that has the potential to affect the proper functioning of a public water supply system or a public wastewater facility or to affect human health, public welfare or the environment. The term “operate” does not include the operation of monitoring equipment from a distantly remote location.
Who must be certified?
According to the Utility Operator Certification Regulation (20.7.4.20.A NMAC), it is unlawful to operator or allow the operation of a public water supply system or public wastewater facility unless the system or facility is operated by or under the supervision of a certified operator who meets or exceeds the appropriate level of certification required to operate the system or facility. Therefore, anyone who operates a public water supply system or a public wastewater facility must hold an active New Mexico utility operator certification of the correct type and level for the system or facility, or must be supervised by an individual who holds an active New Mexico utility operator certification of the correct type and level for the system or facility.
How do I become certified?
Individuals wanting to become certified water or wastewater utility operators in the State of New Mexico must meet the minimum certification and exam application requirements listed on the Certification & Renewal Requirements page.
Operator Regulations
Draft Amendments to the Utility Operator Certification Regulation (20.7.4 NMAC)
Current Utility Operator Certification Regulations (20.7.4 NMAC) Effective Jan 17, 2017
About the Program
The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) administers certifications for Water and Wastewater Operators at all public water and wastewater utilities in New Mexico.
Services provided to accommodate the Operator communities includes:
- Development, and process approval for scheduled Certification Computer-based operator examinations.
- Process applications for renewal of operator certifications.
- Track certified operators continuing education courses.
- Evaluate and approve training courses relevant to water and wastewater operator continuing education requirements.
- Track operator compliance in accordance with operator certification regulations.
UOCP works in collaboration with NM Water Quality Control Commission and the UOCP Advisory Board to provide the above services to accommodate the Operator communities. For more information visit the websites on the links below:
Important Note from the UOCP Staff
The Utility Operator Certification Program(UOCP) and on behalf of NMED are taking the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In support of the New Mexico Governor’s directives, the UOCP staff are all working remotely from home through the current Public Health Emergency. Our staff will continue to provide the best assistance possible, One Operator at a Time!
| UOCP Staff Contacts | Assistance with: |
| Anita Tavasci
Management Analyst Office Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm |
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| Kendall Crowe
Program Coordinator Office hours 8:00am – 5:00pm |
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| Nile Carver
Program Administrator Office hours 8:00am – 5:00pm |
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| Eric Hall
Program Manager Office hours 7:30am – 4:00pm |
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Operator InformationTo view and track your training credits, renewal dates, exam scores and more by clicking on the links below. New registrations will receive an email confirmation and default password sent to your email. Operator Look-up – Registration (New users) NOTE: If you need assistance with your Operator Login or Password please submit your request in writing to nile.carver@state.nm.us NEW – Request Form for Replacement Certificate & ID Card Updated 5/28/21 |
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