Revised On: Nov. 22, 2023 - 1:00 p.m.

Arizona Classification and Grade Levels

• Water Distribution Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (D) 
• Water Treatment Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (T) 
• Wastewater Treatment Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (W) 
• Wastewater Collections Exam — Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 (C)
    
 

ADEQ has a testing agreement with Gateway Community College (GWCC) and one with the City of Phoenix (COP) to proctor Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) operator certification exams for all operator classifications and grade levels.

Gateway Community College Testing |  Learn More >     

City of Phoenix Testing | Learn More >

Exam Details

You have three hours to complete this multiple-choice, 100 scored question exam. Only one exam may be taken in a three-hour period. You must earn 70 points or greater to successfully pass the exam.

Exam scores will be available immediately for web-based exams. The Individual Mastery Report (IMR) will be sent to the email address provided during registration.

Please read each proctoring location’s policy and email GWCC or COP directly to cancel or reschedule exams.

Information you need to know for the exam:     

The Association of Board of Certification (ABC) website has the 2017 edition Need-to-Know Criteria to download the 2017. This describes the core competencies covered on the ABC standardized exams. The criteria also lists exam specifications and recommended reference material to use to prepare for the ABC exams | Visit ABC Website >

What to bring to the exam:

• A Photo ID must be presented before the test. 

• ADEQ allows the use of non-programmable calculators and formula/conversion sheets. Formula and conversion sheets will be supplied at the testing site.

More information about becoming certified:

If you are an existing operator, you must wait one year (365 days) before testing for the next Grade up. Check the effective date of your certification to verify when you can test and upgrade.

The following "How to Become Certified" document cover topics listed on the ABC Need-to-Know Criteria. Providing this list of references does not constitute an endorsement. The references on the list are not the only training materials available. Although you may use these resources in preparation for certification examinations, this list does not imply that any one of these references includes all information contained on an operator certification exam.

How to Become Certified | Download >

Operator Certification Grade Requirements |  Download >