The following table shows the needed experience (by class) in order to become a certified operator.

Minimum Operating Experience to Become Certified
CLASS	HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED**	DEP APPROVED CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN WATER OR WASTEWATER	DEP APPROVED ASSOCIATES DEGREE PROGRAM IN WATER OR WASTEWATER	ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL OR PHYSICAL SCIENCES OR ENGINEERING	BS/BA DEGREE IN BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL OR PHYSICAL SCIENCES, OR SANITARY OR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
A	4 years	2 years	1 year	3.5 years	2 years
B	3 years	1 year	6 months	2.5 years	1 year
C	2 years	6 months	6 months	1.5 years	6 months
D	1 year	6 months	6 months	6 months	6 months
E	1 year	6 months	6 months	6 months	6 months
Dc*	6 months	none	none	6 months	none

^* Class Dc applies ONLY to drinking water

^**NOTE: Applicants with only a high school diploma or GED may use DEP-approved training certificates or experience in the opposite field (water or wastewater) to substitute up to 50% of the total experience required.  Successful completion of 10 hours of DEP-approved water or wastewater training is equivalent to one (1) month of operating experience.  The remaining 50% of the total experience must be fulfilled with work experience.

Source: DEP