1. (1) An applicant for certification as a water treatment operator, water treatment assistant operator or distribution system operator must satisfactorily complete training courses or demonstrate equivalent training, education, experience, and take and pass a validated examination, under the requirements of sections 5-4.4 and 5-4.5 of this Subpart.

2. (2) An applicant for certification as a water treatment operator or water treatment assistant operator must be able to demonstrate the ability to make all operational and water quality tests necessary for the operation of a water treatment plant, such as, but not limited to, chlorine residual, color, pH, turbidity, bacteriological sampling techniques and fluoride when fluoridation is provided.

   (b) Required experience and education/training.

   Table 5-4.3 of this Subpart provides the requisite experience, education, training, and examination for each grade of water treatment operator, water treatment assistant operator and distribution system operator.

   Table 5–4.3–Required Experience, Education, Training and Examination

   Grade	Experience	Education	Training and examination
   IA	Ten years of operating experience; with at least one year operating experience at a grade IA water treatment plant and one year at a minimum of a grade IIA water treatment plant.	Minimum of a high school diploma or New York State equivalency diploma.	• Grade I Course — minimum 60 hours • Grade A course — minimum 60 hours • Validated examination for grade IA as outlined in section 5-4.5 of this Subpart • And/or the requirements of section 5-4.4 of this Subpart.
   IIA	One year of operating experience at a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration.	Minimum of a high school diploma or New York State equivalency diploma.	• Grade A course — minimum 60 hours • Validated examination for grade IIA as outlined in section 5-4.5 of this Subpart • And/or the requirements of section 5-4.4 of this Subpart.
   IB	Ten years of operating experience at a water treatment plant, with two years operating experience at a minimum of a grade B water treatment plant.	Minimum of a high school diploma or New York State equivalency diploma.	• Grade I course— minimum 60 hours • Grade B course — minimum 30 hours • Validated examination for grade IB as outlined in section 5-4.3(d) of this Subpart • And/or the requirements of section 5-4.4 of this Subpart.
   IIB	One year of operating experience at a water treatment plant.	Minimum of a high school diploma or New York State equivalency diploma.	• Grade B Course — minimum 30 hours • Validated examination for grade IIB as outlined in section 5-4.5 of this Subpart • And/or the requirements of section 5-4.4 of this Subpart.
   C	Six months of operating experience at a minimum of a grade C water treatment plant.	Minimum of a high school diploma or New York State equivalency diploma.	• Grade C course — minimum 18 hours • Validated examination for grade C as outlined in section 5-4.5 of this Subpart • And/or the requirements of section 5-4.4 of this Subpart.
   D	One year of operating and maintenance experience in a distribution system serving 1,000 people or more.	Minimum of a high school diploma or New York State equivalency diploma.	• Grade D course — minimum 15 hours • Validated examination for grade D as outlined in section 5-4.5 of this Subpart • And/or the requirements of section 5-4.4 of this Subpart.

3. (1) The department will require proof of education to be submitted with the initial application. This proof will include:

   1. (i) a copy of the high school diploma, or general equivalency diploma; and/or
   2. (ii) a copy of a college diploma and transcripts duly signed, notarized or sealed by the individual that has the authority to issue such transcripts must be submitted for all education, experience, and/or training substitutions as outlined in section 5–4.4 of this Subpart.

(a) Preliminary qualifications.