Utility Workers Union of America

System Local 537

Representing Members in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia

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Frequently asked questions about the DEP Class E Distribution License

1. What is a Class E License?

A Class E license is for a Distribution and/or Consecutive Water Systems with no treatment

2. What does DEP call a Distribution System?

"Distribution system" means a system, not including a treatment plant, comprising structures which, operating alone or with other structures; result in the derivation, conveyance or distribution of water for potable purposes to the public.

3. Is a Class E License all I need to work in the distribution system? What will this license allow me to do?

Yes a Class E covers all the work in a distribution system, which includes:

Ø      Turning valves

Ø      Flushing hydrants

Ø      Repairing lines

Ø      Tapping lines

Ø      Installing and repairing meters

Ø      Maintaining booster stations

Ø      Tank Maintenance

Ø      Pump Maintenance

Ø      Etc.

A Class E without disinfection sub-classes does not allow the boosting of chlorine in the distribution system; however it does allow for the disinfection of lines

4. Can you add sub-classes to a Class E license?

Yes, the disinfection sub-classes can be added to a Class E, but is not necessary.

5. What requirements must be met to get a Class E License?

The Board requires all applicants to meet three basic requirements:

Education: The basic education requirement for certification is a high school diploma or GED. Additional education reduces the amount of experience needed to qualify for certification.  There is no mandatory educational training necessary to receive certification or take the examination.  It is recommended that an applicant take training prior to examination. 

Experience: All applicants for certification must demonstrate system experience to qualify. There is a one (1) year experience requirement for a Class E Certification.

Examination: All first time applicants are required to pass an examination.  No one is required to demonstrate experience or training as a condition to take any certification examination.  A passing examination score never expires and is maintained by DEP.

6. How many questions are on the Class E Exam and what score do I need to pass?

For an applicant to pass an examination, the applicant must obtain a numerical score of correctly answered questions based on psychometric principles of examination to be deemed as successfully passing an examination for operator certification. There are approximately 50 questions on the Class E Exam.

7. Why should I get a Class E License?

At the present time DEP is encouraging systems to have their distribution system operators licensed for many reasons, including water quality, public health and system security. In the future if the “Distribution Rule” becomes a regulation, no one will be allowed to so much as turn a valve without a license.

8. Why do I need a criminal background check and what are they checking for?

Act 11, which is the Water, and Wastewater Operator Certification Act requires all operators submit to a criminal background check when they first pass the exam for security purposes. The background check is for felony terrorist acts. Most operators are not required to submit a criminal background check after the initial check.

9. What is required to maintain a Class E license after I pass the exam?

DEP requires operators to obtain training in order to receive Continuing Education Credits from an approved training provider. The license runs in 3-year cycles. The first three years (a training cycle) an operator has a Class E License he/she needs 8 hours of training. For the second cycle and then after 15 hours of continuing education is needed.

10. How many training classes equal the Continued Education requirement?

8 Hours is about 2 classes

15 Hours is about 3 classes

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