Kentucky Operator CertificationRegulation Change Overview

As of Nov. 1 2019, new regulations governing drinking water andwastewater operator certification took effect and are being implemented bythe cabinet. While the framework formerly in place worked for many years,the challenges facing the industry made it necessary for the KY Division ofWater and the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance to review andanalyze regulations to determine if changes were needed to addressunnecessary obstacles to certification.  The package developed andreviewed by stakeholders helps address aspects of the operator shortagewhile maintaining high expectations for operators in Kentucky. This factsheet covers highlights of changes made to Title 401 KAR Chapters 5, 8 and11.

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Expansion of Education Substitution

Program Overview

The cabinet will now accept degrees outside of science and math for use asexperience substitution. However, they will substitute at a lower rate.  Thesedegrees can substitute for no more than 25% of the experience required.The program will still accept degrees in science and math for substitution ofup to 50% of the experience required for a license. All degrees must beearned through a regionally accredited institution.

ApprenticeshipsThe regulations address the growing need and importance forapprenticeship programs.  Operators that successfully complete a state-approved apprenticeship program are eligible for substitutions for theircombined work and education.  The rate of substitution will depend on theprogram design.  Information on starting an apprenticeship program and alist of active programs can be found on the Kentucky Education andWorkforce Development website.  Kentucky Rural Water has established aformal apprenticeship program and is currently enrolling facilities.

Operator in Training (OIT)In order to better assist in the development of alternate staffing plans bythe cabinet, the regulations governing OIT were changed.  Class II-IV OITscan be in responsible charge of a facility as long as they meet therequirements otherwise spelled out in regulations governing the staffing oftreatment plants.  Class I OIT may not be in responsible charge of a facility.The regulation change also took out the language making OIT retest if they fell outside certain renewal time frames.

Information: http://bit.ly/KY-OCP Questions: Ph: 502-564-0323 E-mail: envhelp@ky.org

Kentucky Operator Certification Regulation Change Overview

The accrual of wastewater hours will now mirrorthe system used for drinking water.  Instead ofbeing good for two years after the date the CEUwas earned, CEUs will now be accrued startingfrom the first day following the end of theprevious renewal period for the wastewaterlicense.  Operators who were unaware of thepending change and have alrady accrued hoursfor their 2021 license renewal can contact theoffice and we will work with them on the renewalprocess.

Information: http://bit.ly/KY-OCP Questions: Ph: 502-564-0323 E-mail: envhelp@ky.org

Distribution and CollectionExpereince

Reciprocity and Equivalency

As the processes and job duties for theseprofessions are similar, experience gained in onewill substitute for the other.  So, one year ofexperience in collections would be equal to sixmonths of experience in distribution whenapplying for a license. One year of experience indistribution would equal one year of experiencein collection when applying for a license.

Class IV Wastewater TreatmentThe experience requirements for a Class IVWastewater Treatment Operator have beenchanged.  Previously, the regulation called for atleast five years of experience.  That has beenreduced to three.  This still establishes a solidbaseline of experience, but is not excessive.

Wastewater Continuing EducationUnit (CEU) Accrual

For operators who are certified in another statebut would like to attain a license in Kentucky, thecertification program will now considerexperience earned along with the actualcertification requirements of other states.  Thiswill not allow an operator to attain a licensehigher for which they have tested, however it willtake into account that their test along with theiryears of experience may meet the requirementsof same level of licensure in Kentucky.

Substitutions

Training Approval Fees for CEUProvidersAny CEU training provided for operator renewalmust be reviewed and approved through thecabinet.  There is a $50 fee for review of the first6 hours of training per application, with a $25 feefor each additional 6 hour block of class hours. Ifa two year approval is requested, at the end ofthe approval you can request an extension fortwo additional years for $15.

Certified Training ProviderFor training providers that hold conferences orprovide a large number of educational events,the cabinet has established a Certified TrainingProvider (CTP) Program.  This fee-based programallows training providers with at least two years ofCabinet approved water and wastewatereducational provision in the Commonwealth toapply for certification.  While the provider still hasto maintain the same standards anddocumentation as any other provider, the pre-approval process for courses is waived.  CTPs aresubject to audit.  The online processes requiredto fully implement CTP are still underdevelopment, however entities can still applywithout incurring the paper cased applicationfee.  For more information, contact VeronicaRoland at 502-782-6441.

Kentucky Operator Certification Regulation Change Overview

An online application for exam will be $250. 

Online renewal of a license for an activeoperator is now $200.  The renewal is stillgood for two years.

For operators who are retired and no longeractively using their license at a facility or insupport of water or wastewater operations,there is inactive license renewal option of$100.   An operator holding this license doesnot have to seek CEUs to renew. However ifthey wish to go back to using their license,they will have to seek the required CEUs andpay the difference in the licensing fees toreactivate the license.·  

There is a $50 charge for any application orrenewal submitted via paper when an onlineversion is available.

There will be a transition period from January-March 2020 as the program launches newlicensing e-forms and online forms may not beavailable for some licenses or processes. During those times, the program will notcharge the $50 paper application fee. This willmostly impact the inactive licenses andCertified Training Provider applications. Applications for exams and renewals will beready on January 1, 2020, so the fee waiver willnot apply.

      

All certification applications are now beingreviewed using the new standards set forth byregulation.

The new fees will go into effect on January 1,2020.     

Forms for Inactive Licenses and CertifiedTraining Provider (CTP) will be in paper formatuntil the new forms and processes are set uponline.  The cabinet will not charge the $50surcharge until an online version is available.

   

Fees for certification and renewal will increase. The program has not raised fees in over 10 yearsso adjustments have been made to bettersupport the program and its services.  The feesare as follows:

Information: http://bit.ly/KY-OCP Questions: Ph: 502-564-0323 E-mail: envhelp@ky.org

When Does This Take Effect?All of these regulation changes are currently ineffect however, there will be a period of transitionin terms of processes.

Licensing Fees

KY Energy & Environment Cabinet