Start a Career in Water Treatment
No experience required. Classes start May 18 with virtual and in-person training options available.
Why Water Operator Careers are in Demand
Most people have never heard of water operator careers, but every community depends on trained operators to keep water systems running safely.
Across Illinois and Missouri, many experienced operators are retiring while utilities and O&M firms continue looking for reliable people to enter the field.
That creates a real opportunity for people who want stable, hands-on work without needing a four-year degree.
This page will help you understand the path, choose a training option, and take the next step toward entering the field.
More Than Training: Employer Referral Pathway
We are actively building relationships with municipalities and O&M firms that are interested in considering new operator candidates for internships, Operator in Training roles, and entry-level opportunities.
Students who complete training, demonstrate reliability, and meet referral criteria may be recommended directly to participating employers when opportunities are available.
Employment is not guaranteed, but our goal is to help strong candidates move from training into real conversations with organizations that need new operators.
How to Get Started
1. Learn the Career Path
Watch the webinar to understand what water operators do, how licensing works, and whether this field feels like a good fit.
2. Choose Your Training Option
Select the online, in-person, or self-paced training path that works best for your schedule and learning style.
4. Step Into the Field
After training, you’ll understand how to pursue Operator in Training status, hands-on experience, and entry-level opportunities.
3. Prepare for the Exam
Study the fundamentals for certification, review the certification process, and build confidence before requesting or taking the exam.
Choose the Training Path That Fits You
For students new to the water industry, we recommend starting with Water Treatment Fundamentals and then moving into Class D Exam Prep.
The Fundamentals course helps you understand the field, operator responsibilities, treatment basics, and the licensing path.
The Exam Prep course builds on that foundation with focused review, practice questions, math review, and guidance on next steps for the exam.
Payment plans available at checkout
5-Day Course
June 1–5 | Collinsville, IL | 9 AM-3 PM CT
Format: Fundamentals + Class D Exam Prep
Best for: Students who want plant-based exposure, hands-on learning, and employer referral consideration for qualified candidates.
In-person Class is held at a Water Treatment Facility. Students learn in a real operating environment with facility tours, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and exposure to daily life in the field. Designed for students who want a more immersive, practical training experience. Everything you need to get started and take your Class D Exam.
Payment plans available at checkout
10-Day Course
June 1–12 | Mon–Fri | 9 AM–1 PM CT
Format: 5-day Fundamentals + 5-day Class D Exam Prep
Best for: Students who want the full beginner-to-exam-prep pathway, including employer referral consideration for qualified candidates.
Class is an online, instructor-led,full-career-launch course. Recommended path for beginners. This bundle includes Water Treatment Fundamentals plus Class D Exam Prep, giving you both the foundation and the focused exam preparation needed to move forward with confidence.
Payment plans available at checkout
5-Day Course
June 1–5 | Mon–Fri | 9 AM–1 PM CT
A beginner-friendly course for people new to the water industry. Learn what water operators do, how treatment systems work, basic terminology, safety, introductory math, and the IL/MO licensing path. This course helps you build a strong foundation before moving into Class D exam prep.
Need help paying for training?
We are exploring scholarship, sponsorship, and apprenticeship pathways for future students. These options are not guaranteed yet, but we are collecting interest to work with employers, workforce partners, and community organizations.
If you are interested in training but cost is a barrier, complete the interest form.