Revised On: Sept. 11, 2023 - 8:20 p.m.

In order to test earlier than one year (365 days) after your certification’s effective date, ADEQ offers the early exam application through the Operator Certification Portal. To be approved for an early exam, your application must demonstrate qualifying work experience in the form of a resume/CV and proof of a high school diploma or a higher degree in a qualifying discipline for review.

Per Title 18, Chapter 5, Article 1, “Qualifying experience” means experience, skill, or knowledge obtained through employment that is applicable to the technical or operational control of all or part of a facility. “Qualifying discipline” means engineering, biology, chemistry, or a closely related technical or scientific discipline. Please note qualifying disciplines for education include STEM based degrees like microbiology, water resources, environmental science and hydrology. 

Application

If you are an existing operator, you can apply for an early exam through your Operator Portal. If you are an aspiring operator, apply through the Operator Certification Portal homepage. The application review fee is non-refundable, whether you are approved or denied. Please note, you will still need to pay for your exam and the certification fees if approved to sit early for an exam | View Fees >

Review Process

The grade of examination for which you are applying will determine the work experience and levels of education you must submit for review. If you are approved or denied, ADEQ will notify you by email. The application review period can range from one week to a month. Delays in submitting resumes and educational transcripts will prolong the review period. 

Requirements for admission to a certification examination are outlined in Title 18, Chapter 5, Article 1 (Section 112):

Grade 2

High school graduation or the equivalent and one year of qualifying experience as a Grade 1 operator or the equivalent of a Grade 1 operator in another jurisdiction;

Two years of postsecondary education in a qualifying discipline and one year of qualifying experience, including six months as a Grade 1 operator or the equivalent of a Grade 1 operator in another jurisdiction; or

A bachelor’s degree in a qualifying discipline and six months of qualifying experience.

Grade 3

High school graduation or the equivalent and two years of qualifying experience, including one year as a Grade 2 operator or the equivalent of a Grade 2 operator in another jurisdiction;

Two years of postsecondary education in a qualifying discipline, and 18 months of qualifying experience as a Grade 2 operator or the equivalent of a Grade 2 operator in another jurisdiction; or

A bachelor’s degree in a qualifying discipline and one year of qualifying experience.

Grade 4

High school graduation or the equivalent and three years of qualifying experience, including one year as a Grade 3 operator or the equivalent of a Grade 3 operator in another jurisdiction;

Two years of postsecondary education in a qualifying discipline and 30 months of qualifying experience, including one year as a Grade 3 operator or the equivalent of a Grade 3 operator in another jurisdiction; or

A bachelor’s degree in a qualifying discipline, and two years of qualifying experience.

If you understand our process and believe you would qualify to test early, start the early exam application through the Operator Certification Portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Operator Certification Program at 602-771-0100 or by email | Email >