WTS License Information
There are three classes of licenses:
Class 1 can ONLY do exchange and regeneration without supervision. All other tasks must be done under the direct supervision of a person holding a higher-class license.
- No experience or class requirements
Class 2 can work on any water treatment equipment EXCEPT Reverse Osmosis and Deionization equipment, unless done under direct supervision.
- No High School diploma or GED ➔ 3 years of experience
- HS Diploma or GED ➔ 2 years’ experience
- 2 years of college ➔ 1year experience
- Must take Basic Water Conditioning course to obtain license
- Must take 12 continuing education hrs. every 3 years to renew.
Class 3 can work on any water treatment equipment INCLUDING RO and DI.
- HS diploma or GED ➔ 3 years of experience
- 2 years of college ➔ 2 years of experience
- Bachelor’s degree ➔ 1 year of experience
- Must take both Basic and Advanced courses to obtain license
- Must take 12 hrs. of continuing education every 3 years to renew.
Steps to Obtain an Occupational License
- Make sure you meet all the licensing requirements and you have all the supporting documentation.
- Including work history, education, and training credits
- Visit www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing
- Complete and submit an online application using e-App for licensing.
- You’ll pay the application fee during the online process. ($111 to TCEQ)
- Wait. In 6 to 8 weeks (usually less), you’ll receive an approval letter in the mail or a deficiency letter asking you to clear a few things up.
- Once you receive an approval letter, you can register to take your exam!
- Exams offered at TCEQ regional offices, or online at a certified testing center.
- Pass the exam! You will be given 4 attempts or one year, whichever comes first, so don’t worry if you don’t pass the exam the first time.
- Your license will be issued within a few days upon passing the exam.
Exemptions
The following individuals are exempt from these WTS licensing requirements:
- Individuals who are licensed under the Texas Operations Code, Chapter 1301 (Plumbers);
- Employees of industrial facilities who install or service water treatment equipment at their facilities;
- Employees of public water systems installing water treatment equipment at their system who hold a Class C license or higher; and
- Employees of registered operations companies installing water treatment equipment at the facilities for which the operations company has a contract to operate and who hold a Class C license or higher.
Renewing a license
The fee to renew each license is $111. Licenses are valid for three years. As a courtesy, licensees will be mailed a renewal notification to the last known address on file at least 60 days before the license expires. The TCEQ is not responsible for undelivered mail. Licensees are responsible for renewing their licenses timely. In addition, provided the TCEQ has a valid e-mail address on file, an e-mail notification will be sent 90 days before the license expires.
All levels of WTS licenses require 12 hours of continuing education to renew.
Licenses are not eligible for renewal if:
- the license has been expired over 30 days, or
- the license does not expire for 90 days or more.