Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Health Authority logo

DEMO *** SWS Operator Requirements

  • Small Water Systems (SWS) need an operator with a small water system certification. You can apply for a SWS operator certification after attending our free 1-day training and completing the exam with a passing score of 70%.  
  • Current Distribution and Treatment operators can be an operator for a SWS without attending our free SWS training or taking the SWS exam, they just need to submit the SWS operator application. 
  • Contracted operators must submit a copy of their contract with their SWS application, and any time it's changed or updated. 
  • All applicants must include a copy of their high school diploma/transcripts, GED, or college diploma/transcripts.
  • Renewals are every 3 years.  

 FAQs   Contact Us

Small Water System Operator Certification

SWS Certification

 

Prerequisites 
Applicants must provide proof of education by submitting a copy of their high school diploma/transcripts, GED, or college diploma/transcripts with their application.  

Training Requirements
You must complete a free one-day course for SWS operators and pass the SWS exam with a 70% or higher score. 

The Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) is currently offering the course throughout Oregon. Classes are scheduled from 9am-4pm Check out their website​. 

  • OAWU ​SWS basics course schedule (on site and virtual)
  • SWS Basics course information and resources
  • Virtual basics course info

Training Requirements
You must complete a free one-day course for SWS operators and pass the SWS exam with a 70% or higher score. 

The Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) is currently offering the course throughout Oregon. Classes are scheduled from 9am-4pm Check out their website​. 

  • OAWU ​SWS basics course schedule (on site and virtual)
  • SWS Basics course information and resources
  • Virtual basics course info

Exam Requirements
​Effective August 1, 2022, exams are required for anyone seeking to be eligible for assignment as DRC for a small water system. 

Exams are provided at the end of the free one day SWS course, and certificates for a passing exam score of 70% or higher will be provided by email.

If you took the virtual course, need to retake the exam, or you weren't able to take the exam following the training you can schedule your exam by using our online form. 

Once you pass the exam you don't need to take it again AS LONG AS you keep your certification current. 

Complete the SWS application and submit it with your proof of education (high school diploma/transcripts, GED, college diploma/transcripts), a copy of your training certificate, and a copy of your exam certificate.

​

You can email, fax, or mail your paperwork to us:

Email to: dws.opcert@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Fax to: 971-673-0694

Mail to:
DWS - Small Water
800 NE Oregon St, Ste 640
Portland, OR 97232

Questions? 
Phone: 971-673-0321

SWS Renewal

 

Renewals are due every 3 years. You will be mailed a reminder to renew. 

In order to renew you will need to complete our free one day SWS operator course and submit a copy of the certificate with your renewal applicaiton. 

NOTE: If you have not already passed an SWS exam, you will need to in order to renew. Once you pass the exam you don't need to take it again AS LONG AS you keep your certification current. 

The Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) is currently offering the course throughout Oregon. Classes are scheduled from 9am-4pm Check out their website​​. 

Note: Those renewing after 2020 must also include a copy of their high school diploma/transcripts, GED, or college diploma/transcipts.

Complete the SWS renewal application and submit it with your training certificate and if you haven't done so previsouly your proof of education (high school diploma/transcripts, GED, college diploma/transcripts), and a copy of your exam certificate.​


SWS renewal application​​

You can email, fax, or mail your paperwork to us:

Email to: dws.opcert@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Fax to: 971-673-0694

Mail to:
DWS - Small Water
800 NE Oregon St, Ste 640
Portland, OR 97232

Questions? 
Phone: 971-673-0321

Key Resources