In addition to assignment of grade to operators, operators shall be assigned a status by the Board as follows:

1. (1) Operator-in-Training Status. Upon passing an examination, the Board shall review the applicant's experience, education and training. If the applicant is working at a wastewater treatment facility but does not meet the experience qualifications established in 257 CMR 2.12 for the grade passed, the applicant shall receive Operator-in-Training Certification. The Chief Operator of a facility cannot hold this certification unless approved by the Board.
2. (2) When and If Status. An applicant may take an examination for any grade. If the applicant passes the examination, is not working in the field and/or does not have experience as defined in 257 CMR 2.12(2) to qualify for full certification, the Board will issue a When and If Status (W&I). When the W&I operator gains employment at a wastewater treatment facility and notifies the Board in writing, the Board shall review the operator's status and upgrade it to Operator-in-Training or Full Operator Status.
3. (3) Full Operator Status. Full operator status refers to an operator who has passed a certification examination and meets all experience requirements set forth in 257 CMR 2.12 for a specified wastewater treatment facility.