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
12/7/2020 UPDATE – At this time, testing remain closed as the spread of COVID-19 remains at a statewide emergency level. Please see the NM Department of Health’s website for continued updates on the status of the county-by-county framework:
https://cv.nmhealth.org/public-health-orders-and-executive-orders/red-to-green/
We will continue to post updates as new information is available.
Thank you for your continued patience and please stay safe.
Computer-based Testing Temporarily Suspended
The UOCP is pleased to report that the new computer based testing for operator certification exams has been up and running successfully since mid-October and with a higher pass rate than with the previous in-person exam sessions. We are grateful to the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) for their partnership and provision of testing centers.
Unfortunately, due to the significant spike in COVID-19 cases and the most recent emergency public health order by Governor Lujan Grisham, testing at the DWS Workforce Connection Centers has been suspended as offices remain closed at least through November 30. No exam scheduling will take place during this time.
The November 13th public health order will be in effect through November 30 with “re-opening” benchmarks to be set county by county upon expiration. This likely gradual reopening by county will likely affect the re-opening of exam centers across the state. We will post updates on our website as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as we work through this together and stay safe out there. Also, please visit New Mexico.gov for the Latest Updates on COVID-19.
We will continue to accept exam applications with all original signatures mailed to:
NMED-UOCP at PO Box 5469, Santa Fe NM 87502
NEW 2020 Computer-based EXAM Application ⇐ Printable copy click HERE
NO old version exam applications will be accepted and may be rejected!
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) *UPDATED 9/3/2020
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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