UOCP Announcements

The New Mexico Utility Operator certification exam application deadline for the November 30, 2018 exam in Las Cruces closed October 31, 2018.

The New Mexico Utility Operator certification exam application deadline for the February 1, 2019 exam in Las Cruces is January 2, 2019.

Please make sure all applications are completed correctly. Incorrect applications will be placed at bottom of the application stack and are subject to rejection. 

Please contact the New Mexico Utility Operator Certification Program at 505-827-2802 for more information. 

The New Mexico Utility Operator Advisory Board will meet on December 7, 2018.   UOC Board Meeting Agenda will be posted 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Meetings & Trainings

No special trainings posted at this time.

Regulation Updates

20.7.4.16 NMAC Code of Professional Conduct –Effective Jan 17, 2017

(See the Full Regulations under the “Operator Basics” tab)

Operator Tools & Resources

• Operator Lookup – Login & Registration
• New Mexico Water Systems – Drinking Water Watch

• Replacement Certificate and ID Form
• Certified Operators/Samplers/Approved RTCR Assessors Available for Contract
• Funding Opportunities

• NPDES Permits in New Mexico
• 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

• Current Utility Operator Certification Regulations (20.7.4 NMAC) Effective Jan 17, 2017
• Utility Operator Certification Act (61-33-1 NMSA 1978)

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.

This includes:

• development, scheduling and administration of certification examinations
• processing applications for certification and renewal
• tracking all certified operators continuing education courses
• evaluating training courses for relevance to the Program and to water and wastewater continuing education requirements
• tracking operator compliance in accordance with operator certification regulation
• working with the:
  • New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission
  • Utility Operator Certification Advisory Board