NC One Water

Schools & Certifications

Advance your career, master new skills, and prepare for state exams with North Carolina's premier water and wastewater training programs.

Elevate Your Expertise

NC One Water offers a comprehensive range of schools and certification programs designed to provide operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel with the knowledge and credentials to excel in their roles and safeguard public health.

Schools vs. Certifications, What's the Difference?

Schools are training programs you attend to learn the material. Certifications are credentials you earn by passing exams. Some schools prepare you for state exams; others are paired with NC One Water's own certification programs. Browse both sections below to find your path.

Our Schools

Our schools are specifically structured to prepare professionals for state certification exams and NC One Water certification programs. Led by industry experts and veteran operators, our curriculum combines theoretical classroom knowledge with practical, real-world applications.

Collection & Distribution

Reviews basic concepts in the proper operation and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Prepares participants for mandatory state certification exams in Water Distribution, Backflow, and Wastewater Collection. Includes course programs in Water Distribution (C, B, & A), Wastewater Collection (I, II, III, & IV), Backflow Prevention/Cross Connection Control, and Shoring.

Biological Wastewater

Designed to provide a general knowledge of wastewater treatment system operation. Covers laws and regulations related to wastewater treatment, equipment commonly employed in such plants, and general operation requirements. Prepares participants for the North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission Examination.

Physical/Chemical Wastewater

Comprehensive coverage of physical and chemical wastewater treatment processes. The curriculum addresses regulatory requirements, equipment operation, coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and safety protocols to prepare participants for the North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission Examination.

Maintenance Technologist

Prepares participants to sit for the Maintenance Technologist (MT) exams. The MT certification is a 4-level voluntary credential administered by NC One Water (see Certifications section below). NC One Water offers MT schools as a required prerequisite for exam approval.

Meter Technician

Focuses on proper installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water meters. Participants gain practical knowledge of meter reading technologies, accuracy testing, safety practices, and customer service skills essential for effective water distribution operations. Held in conjunction with Collection & Distribution Schools.

Backflow / Cross-Connection

Specialized training to test, repair, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies. Crucial for protecting drinking water supplies from contamination and cross-connections. Includes intensive hands-on lab components.

Shoring

Essential safety course focused on trenching and excavation hazards. Participants learn OSHA regulations, soil classification, protective systems selection, and proper installation of shoring equipment to ensure a safe and compliant working environment for field crews.

Our Certifications

NC One Water administers three voluntary certification programs. Click each program below to expand details on requirements, exams, renewals, and related resources.

Maintenance Technologist (MT) Certification Program

A 4-level voluntary certification administered by the Maintenance Technologist Schools Workgroup.

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The NC One Water Maintenance Technologist Schools Workgroup holds two annual MT certification schools, typically in the Spring and Summer of each year. After successful completion of the certification school, students can register for an exam period. Students must apply and be accepted to be able to take the exam.

Please note: School schedules are subject to change based on instructor availability.

See Upcoming MT Schools   Roster of Certified Maintenance Technologists   Application Requirements

Renewals

Renewals of valid certificates are required every year, following the successful completion of the examination. To renew, technologists must submit six (6) hours of continuing education hours approved by NC DEQ for water OR wastewater operators. Certifications must be renewed every year by December 31, after which renewals are considered "late" and may result in an increased fee.

Renewal is accomplished either by (1) submitting continuing education hours and paying the renewal fee, or (2) by successful completion of the next certification level exam. Reexamination at the level being maintained is not necessary for renewal.

When a technologist successfully completes their next MT certification level, they are automatically granted a renewal extension through December of the following calendar year. As an example, if an MT1 successfully passes their MT2 exam in June 2026, their renewal deadline will be automatically updated to December 2027, and no renewal fee is due until that deadline.

A notice will be sent as a reminder that renewal is required; however, timely renewal is the sole responsibility of the certificate holder.

2027 Certified Maintenance Technologist Renewal Form

Exam Information

All MT exams are administered via computer-based testing (CBT). All eligible candidates will receive an email to schedule the exam. Exam costs are reflected in the registration price, no additional fees are required.

If you require any specific testing accommodations due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please notify NC One Water at least six (6) weeks in advance to ensure arrangements are completed in a timely manner.

Exam Retakes

If a student fails their MT exam, they are eligible to retake the exam a maximum of three (3) times, provided they pay the registration fee for each exam. If a student fails the same MT certification level three times, they will be required to retake the MT school before being able to sit for an exam again.

Related Documents

Meter Technician Certification

Voluntary certification run by the Collection and Distribution Schools Workgroup and the Water Board of Education & Examiners.

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This voluntary certification program is administered by the NC One Water Collection and Distribution Schools Workgroup and the Water Board of Education & Examiners. Meter Technician Schools are held in conjunction with the Collection & Distribution Schools.

See Upcoming Meter Technician Classes

Exam Information

Exams are given on the final day of the school.

Related Documents

Wastewater Laboratory Analyst (WWLA) Certification Program

Computer-based exams delivered through our partnership with ABC and PSI.

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NC One Water is excited to offer a safe and convenient way for candidates to sit for their respective WWLA Class exams. We have partnered with our exam administrator ABC, and through their partnership with PSI, to deliver exams via computer-based testing (CBT).

The registration fee is $200.00 for all candidates.

Upcoming exam window: Please check the application page for the next exam dates and application period. [Update this with current cycle dates.]

Apply for Your Exam & Pay Registration Fee   Application Requirements

Application Process

Once received, your exam application will be reviewed for approval. Once approved, the exam application will be processed for payment and your candidate information will be forwarded to the third-party exam administrator. The exam administrator will notify you via email or phone with instructions on how to schedule your exam. In the event your exam application is denied, you will be refunded the registration fee.

Related Documents

Who is a Good Fit?

Our schools and certifications are built for a wide range of individuals across the water and wastewater sectors. You are a great fit if you belong to any of the following groups:

Aspiring Professionals

Individuals looking to launch a stable, rewarding career in public health and environmental protection. Our entry-level courses provide the perfect foundation for passing initial state exams.

Current Operators

Active water and wastewater professionals aiming to advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and upgrade their state certification to the next grade level.

Field & Maintenance Crews

Mechanics, distribution technicians, and collection crews seeking specialized, hands-on credentials like Maintenance Technologist, Backflow, or Shoring.

Utility Organizations

Municipalities and private utility managers needing a rigorous, reliable training partner to ensure their workforce remains compliant, safe, and highly skilled.

The Certification Journey

Understanding the path to obtaining or upgrading your state license. Here is what to expect when you register for an NC One Water school.

1

Check Prerequisites & Register

Review the state prerequisites for the specific license and grade you are pursuing (experience and education requirements). Once confirmed, register for the appropriate NC One Water school through our online portal.

2

Attend the Training School

Join your peers for an intensive, multi-day educational program. Our schools include comprehensive lectures, study manuals, math reviews, and in some cases, hands-on demonstrations designed to cover the state's Need-to-Know criteria.

3

Complete Course Requirements

You must meet the minimum attendance requirements and pass the end-of-course exam (if applicable for your track) to receive your official certificate of completion and required contact hours.

4

Apply for and Pass the State Exam

Taking the NC One Water school does not automatically register you for the state exam. You must submit a separate application and fee to the respective NC state certification board to sit for your official licensing exam.

Ready to Advance Your Career?

Explore our upcoming training calendar, find a school near you, and secure your spot today. Classes fill up quickly!

View Upcoming Schools