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      ADEQ Operator Certification Examination

      The City of Phoenix (COP) Water Services Department (WSD) is now a proctoring agency for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Operator Certification exams. We have entered into a partnership with ADEQ and the Association of Boards of Certifications (ABC). 

      ADEQ's Operator Certification Program establishes guidelines to ensure that only certified operators make decisions about process control or system integrity that affects public health. The program establishes minimum standards for certification and re-certification of the operators of drinking water and wastewater systems.

      Learn more about ADEQ Operator Certification 

      photo of utility worker working on a broken water line

      Exam Criteria:

      ABC Criteria documents (2017 edition).

      Review requirements to pass the exams.

      How to register for an Operator Certification Exam:

      Step 1 - Determine the Operator Certification exam that is appropriate.  

      Step 2- Follow the links below for either Spring or Fall to register (SignUpGenius).​​

      ​Spring 2025 Schedule​
      Fall 2025 Schedule 

      By signing up, you confirm you are eligible to sit for the exam you are registering for. Attempting to obtain a certificate fraudulently may result in revocation, suspension, probation (R18-5-109).

      Step 3 - Select a date and time, exam to be taken, and sign up.

      Step 4 – You will receive a confirmation email in a few hours and a reminder email three days before the day of your exam.

      Note: Be sure to check spam folders if not seen in your primary inbox.

      Please note: all registrations are final. Ensure the correct selection of exam and date. COP offers two, 3-hour sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). Taking the same exam twice on the same day is not allowed.

      Payment Information:

      • The cost of each exam is now $65.00 (no refunds). Effective July 1, 2025, the cost of each exam will be $75.00 (no refunds). 
      • Only acceptable form of payment is Cashier’s Check, Money Order, made payable to City of Phoenix Water ADEQ Exam.
      • Payments need to be mailed to: City of Phoenix P.O. Box 2005 Phoenix, AZ 85001-2005.
      • You must download and complete the payment form and send it together with your payment. Click here to download the form.
      • No exams will be administered without receiving payment 14 calendar days before your scheduled test date.
      • Cash, personal check and credit or debit cards are NOT acceptable forms of payment​.
      • All cancellations must be received 14 calendar days prior to examination date. If you must cancel, please email staff at wsdabcexam@phoenix.gov​.  ​

      Identification:

      All candidates must present appropriate picture identification, including one of the following:

      • Valid Driver's License or State ID.
      • Current Passport.

      Exam Location and Parking:

      305 City Parking Garage (click for parking fee info) - Entrance on 4th Avenue 

      305 W. Washington St. (click for map)

      Phoenix, 85003

      Exam Center Entrance: from the north side of the building along Washington, enter the parking garage through the ground-floor tunnel just west of the elevators. Then enter through the double-door on the east (left) side.

      Health & Safety Measures*:

      • All computers, keyboards, and mouse will be sanitized before each use. 
      • Hand-sanitizer will be provided to candidates before using any equipment.

      Technology Use:

      • No outside technology is allowed during the exam (this includes, but not limited to: cell phones, smart watches, and smart glasses).

      *Recommended by CDC

      COP WSD Contact Information:

      The City of Phoenix Water Services Department registration program may be contacted by email at wsdabcexam@phoenix.gov or call (602) 534-0763. Please allow two business days for reply.​​ 

      This registration form is for external candidates only. ​

      If you are a current Phoenix Water Services employee and want to take the ADEQ Operation Certification Exam, please contact the Training Team at wsdabcexam@phoenix.gov to register for the exam.