OAR 333-061-0260: Certificate Renewal Levels 1–4

(1) Certification expires December 31 every two years based upon the first letter in the last name of the individual. Certification for individuals with names beginning in the letters A-K expires in even numbered years, and certification for individuals with names beginning in the letters L-Z expires in odd numbered years. Certification renewal fees may be prorated if an individual’s current certification expires one year prior to the beginning of the next two-year certification period. (2) Operators must earn two CEUs every two years in areas of relevant subject matter as described below. (a) CEU for specialized operator training will be accepted from the following categories at the discretion of the Authority. (A) Technical capacity: water treatment facilities construction and performance, source construction and protection, capacity, storage, pumping and distribution facility construction and protection, water distribution integrity/leakage and water quality issues related to public/user health. (B) Managerial capacity: water system operation, planning, system governance, development and implementation of system policies, professional support, record keeping, drinking water and related regulations to insure protection of public health, communication and involvement with water users. (C) Financial capacity: adequacy of revenues to meet expenses, revenue sources, affordability of user charges, rate setting process, budgeting, production and utilization of a capital improvement plan, periodic financial audits, bond ratings, debt and borrowing. (b) Two college credits in the fields of engineering, chemistry, water/wastewater technology, or allied sciences satisfy continuing education requirements. (c) CEU from other states having standards equal to or greater than these rules may be accepted by the Authority. (d) Maintaining CEU records is the responsibility of the operator. (e) CEU credit will be awarded for the same course or training only once every two year period. (3) An operator who fails to renew their certification as prescribed by section (1) of this rule by the expiration date cannot be in direct responsible charge of a water system. (4) The Authority may grant certification renewal without a reinstatement fee until January 31 in the year following the expiration date of the certification. A reinstatement fee as prescribed by OAR 333-061-0265 is required in addition to any renewal fees for all renewal applications received after the grace period ending on January 31 immediately following the expiration date of the certification. (5) Any certified operator who fails to renew their certification for one year following the expiration date of the certification must meet the requirements established for initial applicants for certification as specified in OAR 333-061-0245.