NCWTFO Certification Board Frequently Asked Questions

Exams

Question: Has my application been received?

Answer: Exam acceptance letters and attached location maps will be sent out after the 30-day deadline if you have been approved. If you have not received a confirmation letter at least two weeks before the exam date, please call to find out the status of your application.

Question: When is the next examination being held?

Answer: All levels of examinations are given on the last Thursday in February, May, August and October.

Question: Where are the exams given?

Answer: Exam sites are located in Kinston, Morganton and Raleigh.

Payments

Question: When are renewal fees due each year, and how much are they?

Answer: The cost of the annual certification renewal shall be $30.00. Renewal fees shall be payable the first of each calendar year and shall be delinquent on the first day of February if not paid prior to that date. Delinquent certifications shall be charged an additional fee of $30.00 per certification on the first day of February of each year.

Question: Whom do I make payments payable to?

Answer: Payments should be made out to 'NCWTFO Certification Board.'

Training and schools

Question: How can I get information about upcoming certification schools?

Answer: There are currently two major Board-approved certification schools each year. Well and Surface schools are conducted by N.C. Waterwork Operators Association. NCWOA can be contacted at (252) 764-2094. Distribution and Cross-Connection schools are conducted by N.C. American Water Works Association. N.C. AWWA can be reached at (919) 784-9030. Several other private training organizations and community colleges provide Board-approved certification schools during different times of the year. Normally, information on these schools can be obtained through mailings or by contacting the Certification Board staff. See approved training schools section for more details.

Question: How can I get information on upcoming continuing education courses?

Answer: NCWOA publishes a list of continuing education courses that are provided by NCWOA, N.C. Rural Water Association and N.C. AWWA.. Several other private training organizations and community colleges provide continuing education courses during different times of the year. Normally, information on these schools can be obtained through mailings. See approved training schools section for more details.

Contact hours

Question: What can I do if I do not attend at least six hours of continuing education each year for the certification(s) I’m holding?

Answer: Except for the year that they are initially certified with an entry-level certification, all operators must receive at least six hours of continuing education for their certifications. Operators who do not attend the minimum amount of training will have their certifications expired and will need to pass the state examination again in order to reactivate their certification.

Question: Will the course I attend be able to count towards multiple certifications?

Answer: If the course you attend covers information that applies to multiple certifications then yes, you may use the same course hours for multiple certifications. Use good judgment and be prepared to justify your reasoning if you are asked to do so.