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
NEW Computer-based Testing Coming SOON!
The Utility Operator Certification Program (UOCP) will be offering computer-based testing for all operator certification exams. UOCP is partnering with the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) and New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to administer exams in place of previously scheduled 2020 exam sessions. We hope to make this new testing opportunity available as soon as late August.
Starting August 15, 2020, our office will reconvene in accepting Exam applications for review by the UOCP staff. No exam applications or payments will accepted before August 15th.
A NEW 2020 Exam Application will be posted on August, 14th by 5:00 pm. No old application forms will accepted.
Key Benefits for Computer-Based Testing:
- More Locations
- 22 Workforce Solutions Testing Centers across the state
(Due to COVID-19, testing centers will be operating at a limited capacity with COVID-safe practices in place) - Other potential locations such as colleges and universities
- 22 Workforce Solutions Testing Centers across the state
- Convenience
- Scheduling flexibility – choose when you test
- More exam times and testing locations available
- Priority
- Immediate scores available upon completion of exams
- Cost Effective
- Minimal travel expenses – exam locations closer to you
IMPORTANT NOTES
The 2020 Exam Sessions previously scheduled for the in-person paper exams are cancelled. We will no longer be offering paper exams as they are being replaced with computer-based exams.
The April 2020 exam applications already approved, will be prioritized and offered first scheduling opportunities based on availability of the testing centers across the state. We will do our best to coordinate with each operator for individual accommodations in each region across the state.
UOCP Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday, September 10, 2020
9:30 – 11:30 am
Agenda (Available one-week prior to meeting)
Minutes – Jan. 20, 2020
This meeting will be held both by teleconference and virtual video conferencing. Information for both options can be found below.
- Teleconference call at +1-415-655-0001
You can call in to the meeting by entering this access code #133 738 4838, follow by password YcsJzinf725 - WebEx Video Conference
You can also JOIN the meeting by clicking on the link below .
Link: This link will be available one-week prior to the meeting date.
NEW Automated Communications Delivered by Email
Effective, March 2020, the Utility Operator Certification Program has implemented a new method for delivery of ALL automated communications sent via email. You will receive ALL communications via email of the following information:
- Exam notifications for payments due, approvals and rejections.
- Renewal notifications for reminders of payments due for certification AND/OR reminder payments and training credits owed.
Renewal packets with printable copies of your new certificate(s) and ID card will auto generate and emailed to you. Please check your ‘Junk’ mailbox.
NOTE: Exam results will continue to be mailed. No results will be given by phone or emailed.
COVID 19 Information for Water and Wastewater Utility Operators
- Introduction to Coronaviruses– this is a 4-page Fact sheet for water and wastewater utilities (Stantec, 2020)
Disclaimer: NMED does not endorse the author(s) or content of this document. NMED’s objective is to share information with the operator community that may help water and wastewater operators protect employees and the public. Other sources of information for the water and wastewater sector include the Water Environment Federation, World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and OSHA. - COVID-19 Information for Water & Wastewater Systems (email sent to public water systems March 13, 2020
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 Mexico Water Systems – Drinking Water Watch
Replacement Certificate & ID Card
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.
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:
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
Environmental Scientist 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 Information PortalTo 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) |
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