Operator Certification Program

Last Update: October 23, 2024

The purpose of this web document is to provide a list of approved water operator instructor-led courses that have open registration for those interested in becoming certified water operators in New York State and those fulfilling renewal requirements. The training courses listed below are classroom-based; those interested in correspondence or web-based courses should review that document. The cost of training is not set by the Department and must be discussed with the training sponsor.

The information contained in this document changes daily and this document is refreshed every month. Please refer back to this page often in order to find new and updated information.

Please be sure to have your e-mail software up and running so that clicking on a sponsor's contact will start an e-mail for you should the contact be a link. The document is organized by year and month of training; each month's training is in alphabetic order of training sponsor/provider - please jump to the month of interest or scroll through the information provided.

Select:


Initial Certification Sponsors and Courses
SPONSOR/SCHOOLGRADE/COURSEDATES/TIMESCOSTCONTACT
CCCBNYC Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course (ASSE) 01/07/2025 to 02/01/2025
$1500 Allan Wishnoff
(718) 752-9630
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course (ASSE) 06/03/2025 to 06/28/2025
$1500
Cross Connection Control Foundation Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 10/21/2024 to 10/24/2024
$750 Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 12/09/2024 to 12/12/2024
$750
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 01/13/2025 to 01/16/2025
$750
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 06/02/2025 to 06/05/2025
$750
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 06/23/2025 to 06/26/2025
$750
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 08/18/2025 to 08/21/2025
$750
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 12/15/2025 to 12/18/2025
$750
DST-NY Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 11/18/2024 to 11/21/2024
$995 David Medina
(516) 586-3840
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 01/13/2025 to 01/16/2025
$995
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 02/24/2025 to 02/27/2025
$995
Hudson Valley Community College Grade I Initial - Advanced Operations 09/09/2024 to 10/24/2024
$1250 Neil R. Bonesteel, P.E.
(518) 605-1525
NYS Backflow Testers Association Backflow Tester Training (Initial) 10/14/2024 to 10/18/2024
$1000 John E. Cimino
(914) 280-3073
Backflow Tester Training (Initial) 10/21/2024 to 10/25/2024
$1000
Backflow Tester Training (Initial) 11/04/2024 to 11/08/2024
$1000
Backflow Tester Training (Initial) 11/11/2024 to 11/15/2024
$1000
Backflow Tester Training (Initial) 12/09/2024 to 12/13/2024
$1000
Backflow Tester Training (Initial) 12/16/2024 to 12/20/2024
$1000
New England Water Works Association Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 10/08/2024 to 10/11/2024
$850 Don Bunker
(508) 893-7979
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 10/08/2024 to 10/11/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 10/08/2024 to 10/11/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 10/22/2024 to 10/25/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 10/29/2024 to 11/01/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 11/05/2024 to 11/08/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 11/05/2024 to 11/08/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 11/19/2024 to 11/29/2024
$850
Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course 12/03/2024 to 12/06/2024
$850
New York Rural Water Association Grade D Initial Certification Course 10/08/2024 to 10/11/2024
TBA Kimberly Bennet
(518) 828-3155 x150
Grade C & D Initial Certification 10/21/2024 to 10/25/2024
$1000
SUNY Morrisville - Morrisville State College Grade D Operators Initial Certification Course 11/18/2024 to 11/19/2024
$325 Cory Sawyer Scholefield
(315) 684-6082
SUNY Ulster Grade A Water Operator Certification Course (Remote) 08/12/2024 to 11/18/2024
$1745 Barbara Reer
(845) 802-7171
Grade B Water Operator Certification Course (Remote) 08/12/2024 to 11/18/2024
$1345
Southern New York-Long Island Water Works School Grade B Initial Certification Course 02/18/2025 to 04/07/2025
$600 Richard Tobin
(516) 785-6451
Grade I: Supervisory Management Course 09/08/2025 to 10/20/2025
$600
Specialty Pipeline Services Initial Certification for Certified Backflow Testers 10/13/2024 to 10/20/2024
$900 Raymond Jovine
(914) 497-2058
Initial Certification for Certified Backflow Testers 11/10/2024 to 11/17/2024
$900
Initial Certification for Certified Backflow Testers 12/15/2024 to 12/22/2024
$900
W2Operator Training Group Grade D Certification Course 10/21/2024 to 10/25/2024
$625 Jenae Withey
(607) 753-1477


Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2024-10 (October)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Central New York Water Works Conference
Shawn M. Rush, P.E.
(315) 435-6600
10/17/2024 Madison 2024 Fall Conference: Ethics/Ductile Iron/K9 Leak Detection/Top Ops Canistota 5 conference
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
10/16/2024 Genesee Backflow Prevention Batavia 2 classroom
10/18/2024 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
10/25/2024 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
Jamestown Community College
Jackie Patterson
(716) 363-6585
10/22/2024 Chautauqua Microbiology Dunkirk 4 classroom
Kennedy Valve
Ryan Caron
(607) 731-0752
10/15/2024 Onondaga Operation and Maintenance of Fire Hydrants Syracuse 2 classroom
Long Island Water Conference
Arnold Palleschi
(516) 364-9890 x3426
10/30/2024 Suffolk AWWA Valves, Gears & Actuators Bay Shore 2.5 classroom
New England Water Works Association
Don Bunker
(508) 893-7979
10/21/2024 Out of State Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Hamden 4 workshop
10/28/2024 Out of State Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Penns Grove 4 workshop
New York Rural Water Association
Kimberly Bennet
(518) 828-3155 x150
10/15/2024 Otsego Water Fluoridation in NYS Oneonta 6 classroom
10/16/2024 Chautauqua Fire Hydrants/Valves O&M - Jar Testing Dunkirk 6 classroom
10/17/2024 Ontario Fire Hydrants/Valves O&M - Jar Testing Canandaigua 6 classroom
10/23/2024 Cortland Pump & Motor Applications & Maintenance/PFAS Cortland 6 classroom
10/24/2024 Steuben Pump & Motor Applications & Maintenance/PFAS Hornell 6 classroom
New York Section American Water Works Association
Trina Carman
(315) 960-1772
10/16/2024 Monroe Use of Permanganate and Corrosion Control Chemicals Rochester 4 classroom
10/17/2024 Erie Use of Permanganate and Corrosion Control Chemicals Springville 4 classroom
10/17/2024 Seneca Basic Laboratory Skills (Grade A-compliant) Seneca Falls 7 classroom
10/22/2024 Jefferson Basic Laboratory Skills (Grade A-compliant) Watertown 7 classroom
10/29/2024 Rensselaer Use & Design of Ductile Iron Water Main Troy 4 classroom
10/30/2024 Tompkins Use & Design of Ductile Iron Water Main Ithaca 4 classroom
New York State Conference of Mayors
John A. Mancini
(518) 463-1185
10/21/2024 Saratoga 2024 PWTS: Drinking Water Updated Saratoga Springs 1 conference
10/23/2024 Saratoga 2024 PWTS: Cyber Security - Protecting Your Infrastructure Saratoga Springs 1 conference
SUNY Potsdam
Robert M. Henninger
(315) 244-5266
10/15/2024 St Lawrence 2024 Local Government Conference Potsdam 4.5 conference
Steven Gagnon, MPH, P.E.
Steven Gagnon, P.E.
(845) 239-2389
10/29/2024 Orange Grade 'A' Compliant Lab Course Middletown 5 workshop
Udig NY
John Yehl
(845) 661-9514
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: Respiratory Protection Poughkeepsie 0.25 conference
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: Extending Your Budget Through Utility Collaboration Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: UDigNY CEP Master Class Poughkeepsie 4 conference
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: NYSDOT Certified Flagger Poughkeepsie 0.5 conference
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: UDigNY Renewal Class Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: The Overview of Utility Locate Basic Theory Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/15/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: Vacuum Excavation, Non-Destructive Excavation Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: Extending Your Budget Through Utility Collaboration Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: UDigNY CEP Master Class Poughkeepsie 4 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: NYSDOT Certified Flagger Poughkeepsie 0.5 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: UDigNY Renewal Class Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: The Overview of Utility Locate Basic Theory Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: Vacuum Excavation, Non-Destructive Excavation Poughkeepsie 1 conference
10/16/2024 Dutchess 2024 Conference: NFPA 70E Awareness Poughkeepsie 1 conference
W2Operator Training Group
Jenae Withey
(607) 753-1477
10/28/2024 Oswego 2024 Oswego Workshop Oswego 6 conference
WWOTC
Chase Taylor
(519) 981-1504
10/16/2024 Overview of Water Storage Systems Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
10/19/2024 Distribution System Valve Maintenance Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
10/22/2024 Emerging Issues: Lead Services Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
Westchester Backflow Prevention School
Mike Sweeney
(914) 737-2183
10/14/2024 Westchester Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Peekskill 4 workshop
10/21/2024 Westchester Initial - Backflow Tester Certification Course Peekskill 20 workshop
Western New York Water Works Conference
John Mogavero
(716) 207-1095
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: Elevating Excellence Buffalo 1 conference
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: Dig Deeper Buffalo 1 conference
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: Mastering Disinfection Buffalo 1 conference
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: Smart Utilities Buffalo 1 conference
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: The Art and Science of Utility Locating Buffalo 1 conference
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: Navigating Health Guidelines Buffalo 1 conference
10/30/2024 Erie 2024 Fall WNYWWC: Hands-On Lab (Grade A compliant) Buffalo 5 conference

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2024-11 (November)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
CCCBNYC
Allan Wishnoff
(718) 752-9630
11/12/2024 Queens Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course (ASSE) Long Island City 4 workshop
Mueller Company
John Fiedler
(914) 475-5813
11/05/2024 Nassau Proper Hydrant and Valve Operation & Maintainence Hicksville 2 workshop
New England Water Works Association
Don Bunker
(508) 893-7979
11/04/2024 Out of State Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Portland 4 workshop
11/18/2024 Out of State Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Philadelphia 4 workshop
New York Rural Water Association
Kimberly Bennet
(518) 828-3155 x150
11/06/2024 St Lawrence Laboratory (Grade A-Compliant) Canton 6 classroom
11/07/2024 Oneida Emerging Contaminants - PFAS Boonville 6 classroom
11/13/2024 Otsego Laboratory (Grade A-Compliant) Oneonta 6 classroom
11/14/2024 Chautauqua Sucession Planning/Ethics/Budgeting for W&WW Professionals Dunkirk 6 classroom
11/21/2024 Sullivan Chemical Safety for Water & Wastewater Treatment Liberty 6 classroom
New York Section American Water Works Association
Trina Carman
(315) 960-1772
11/04/2024 Dutchess Basic Laboratory Skills (Grade A-compliant) Poughkeepsie 7 classroom
11/06/2024 Westchester Lead and Copper Rule Peekskill 4 classroom
11/07/2024 Wyoming Basic Laboratory Skills (Grade A-compliant) Perry 7 classroom
11/13/2024 Saratoga DBP Treatment and Sodium Hypochlorite Generation/K9 Leak Detection Ballston Spa 4 classroom
11/20/2024 Rensselaer Basic Laboratory Skills (Grade A-compliant) Troy 7 classroom
11/21/2024 Rensselaer Four Plants Four Tours Troy 4 classroom
Southern Tier Backflow Prevention School
Tom Studer
(607) 772-0344
11/07/2024 Broome Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Binghamton 4 workshop
Steven Gagnon, MPH, P.E.
Steven Gagnon, P.E.
(845) 239-2389
11/19/2024 Orange Grade 'A' Compliant Lab Course Middletown 5 workshop
WWOTC
Chase Taylor
(519) 981-1504
11/19/2024 The Distribution System: Protect Your Water from Source to Tap Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
11/26/2024 Chlorination and Disinfection Refresher Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
11/26/2024 Distribution System Breaks and Repairs Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
11/28/2024 Understanding System Hydraulics Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2024-12 (December)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
12/06/2024 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
12/13/2024 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
New England Water Works Association
Don Bunker
(508) 893-7979
12/02/2024 Out of State Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Holliston 4 workshop
New York Section American Water Works Association
Trina Carman
(315) 960-1772
12/03/2024 Rensselaer Concepts of Pump Operation Troy 6 classroom
12/04/2024 Rensselaer Concepts of Pump Maintenance Troy 6 classroom
Southern Tier Backflow Prevention School
Tom Studer
(607) 772-0344
12/12/2024 Broome Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Binghamton 4 workshop
WWOTC
Chase Taylor
(519) 981-1504
12/03/2024 Basic Water Treatment for Water Distribution Operators Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
12/03/2024 Impacts of Trapped Air Particles on Water Distribution Systems Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
12/10/2024 Winter Wise: The Cold Hard Facts About Distribution Systems Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
12/10/2024 Flushing Techniques Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape
12/17/2024 Troubleshooting for Water Distribution Operators Online 7 teleconference/webcast/videotape

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-01 (January)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
01/10/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
01/17/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-02 (February)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
CCCBNYC
Allan Wishnoff
(718) 752-9630
02/25/2025 Queens Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course (ASSE) Long Island City 4 workshop

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-03 (March)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
New York Rural Water Association
Kimberly Bennet
(518) 828-3155 x150
03/11/2025 Orange Financial Management Basics for Small Utilities Maybrook 6 classroom
03/12/2025 Dutchess Fire Hydrants/Valves O&M - Jar Testing Poughkeepsie 6 classroom
03/18/2025 Tioga Sucession Planning/Ethics/Budgeting for W&WW Professionals Nichols 6 classroom
03/27/2025 Jefferson Chemical Safety for Water & Wastewater Treatment Watertown 6 classroom

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-04 (April)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
New York Rural Water Association
Kimberly Bennet
(518) 828-3155 x150
04/08/2025 Warren Financial Management Basics for Small Utilities Lake George 6 classroom
04/16/2025 Chautauqua Water Fluoridation in NYS Mayville 6 classroom
04/22/2025 St Lawrence Chemical Feed Pumps Workshop Canton 6 classroom
04/23/2025 Jefferson Chemical Feed Pumps Workshop Watertown 6 classroom

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-05 (May)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
05/30/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-06 (June)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
06/06/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
06/20/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
06/27/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
New York Rural Water Association
Kimberly Bennet
(518) 828-3155 x150
06/03/2025 Dutchess Water Fluoridation in NYS Poughkeepsie 6 classroom
06/11/2025 Clinton Water Fluoridation in NYS Plattsburgh 6 classroom

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-08 (August)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
08/15/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop
08/22/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop

Approved Renewal Course Offerings by Sponsor for:2025-12 (December)
Training Sponsor/ProviderDateCounty Course NameCityContact HoursDelivery Type
Cross Connection Control Foundation
Steve Poliszuk
(585) 216-2223
12/19/2025 Monroe Renewal - Backflow Tester Certification Course Rochester 4.5 workshop


Videos:

The following videos are available to be loaned to Local Health Units only! Operators, please relay your interest to your Local health Unit and request that they organize, apply and get approval to hold a training session for water operators based on videos


Video TitleRunning Time in Hours
2006 Virtual System Explorer DVD-video only3
AWWA Teleconference:Excellence in Water Quality Distribution3
AWWA64090: Water Supply Operations - Source Water Protection0.25
AWWA64093: Water Supply Operations: Disinfection Strategies0.25
AWWA64095: Water Supply Operations: Ozone and UV0.25
AWWA64097: Turbidity Measurement and Particle Counting0.25
AWWA64099: Water Supply Operations: SCADA and Instrumentatio0.25
AWWA64109: Water Supply Operations: Distribution Systems0.25
AWWA64110: Water Supply Operations: Centrifugal Pumps0.25
AWWA64112: Water Supply Operations: Water Loss Control0.25
AWWA64127: Operator Math Made Easy0.25
AWWA64128: Operator Chemistry Made Easy0.75
AWWA64146: Top Consumer Questions About Drinking Water0.25
AWWA64173: On the Job: Sampling0.25
AWWA64190: Unidirectional Flushing0.25
AWWA64218: Reliable Coliform Sampling for Water Systems0.25
AWWA64227: New Horizons: The New Workplace0.25
AWWA64272: Water Supply Operations - Water Sources0.25
AWWA64281: Water Main Disinfection and Dechlorination0.25
AWWA64302: Rural Water Management0.25
AWWA64320: GIS for Water Utilities0.25
AWWA64322: Hydrants0.25
AWWA64323: Water Mains0.25
AWWA64324: Valves0.25
AWWA64325: Services and Meters0.25
AWWA64326: Pumps and Motors0.25
AWWA64328: Recovering from Disaster: Hurricanes and Power Fa0.5
AWWA64356: The Water Workforce Crisis0.25
AWWA65068:Emergency Planning-Big Picture for Water Utilities0.5
AWWA65105: Tapping Into SDWA:Opportunities and Challenges0.25
AWWA65113: Public Affairs for Water Utilities0.5
AWWA65121: Preparing for Water Main Breaks0.25
AWWA65140: Safety First: Water Utility Security0.25
AWWA65193: Elevated Water Storage Tanks: Safety and Security0.25
AWWA65218: Routine Coliform Sampling for Water Utilities0.25
AWWA65226: New Horizons: Critical Infrastructure Protection0.5
AWWA65233: Security Risk Assessment for Water Utilities2.5
AWWA65247: Water System Security-Video Field Guide0.5
AWWA65251: Utility Perimeter Security0.25
AWWA65255: Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control0.25
AWWA65268: Water System Security-Bio Threat and Mitigation0.25
AWWA65269: Water System Security-Distribution Sys Protection0.5
AWWA65315: The Shrinking Workforce3.5
Before You Begin...Cross Connections(*overlap with SS video)0.25
ComputerCD Montana Water Ctr's Small Utility Board Training3
EPA & the Weather Channel: After the Storm0.25
EPA Arsenic Treatment Technology1
EPA Virtual Water Treatment Plant Tour CD-ROM0.25
Liquid Assets- The Story of our Water Infrastructure1.5
Modern Marvels: Aqueducts - Man Made Rivers of Life0.75
Modern Marvels: City Water0.75
Modern Marvels: Plumbing: The Arteries of Civilization0.75
Modern Marvels: Water0.75
Sanitary Survey Inspection, Before You Begin2.5
USC: Field Testing Backflow Preventers (with USC CCC Manual)2.5
USC: Working Together for Safe Water0.25
Water Infrastructure Successful Strategies for Local Leaders0.25