Location
NH Department of Environmental Services
Five half-day sessions exam preparation program
Dates:
September 25, 2026
October 2, 2026
October 9, 2026
October 16, 2026
October 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM Check-In | 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM Class, one 15 minute break
Location: NHDES Auditorium, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
Continuing Education: 15 TCHs
Registration Fee: $50 per person. Additional cost for recommended course books
Supportive funding provided by the 
Prepare with Confidence. Take the Next Step in Your Career.
Getting ready for the Grade 1 Water Operator certification exam can feel overwhelming. This five-session course is designed to give you the knowledge, practice, and confidence you need to approach the exam prepared and ready to succeed.
Whether you’re new to water operations or looking to strengthen your understanding of key concepts, this course provides a focused review of the subjects you’re most likely to encounter on the Grade 1 certification exams.
Through instructor-led discussions, sample exam questions, and practical problem-solving, participants will build both their technical knowledge and test-taking skills. Course content can also be explored in greater depth based on participant needs.
Course Curriculum
Across four half-day sessions, participants will review essential topics for Grade 1 water operator certification, including:
- Regulations and regulatory requirements
- Water quality monitoring
- Laboratory procedures
- Water chemistry
- Water treatment processes
- Treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Water distribution
- Common operational issues
- Administration and operator responsibilities
- Water operator calculations
- Sample exam questions and test-taking strategies
The course will use sample test questions throughout the program to reinforce concepts, identify areas for additional study, and help participants become more comfortable with the format and challenges of the certification exam.
Recommended Study Materials
Participants are encouraged to obtain the following resources for additional study and preparation:
Water Treatment
WSO Water Treatment, Grade 1 — AWWA
Water Distribution
WSO Water Distribution, Grades 1 & 2 — AWWA
Additional study resources include:
Water Treatment Operator Training Handbook, Third Edition
Water Distribution Operator Training Handbook, Fourth Edition
Recommended books are not included in the $50 course registration fee.
Is This Course Right for You?
If you’re planning to take the Grade 1 Water Operator certification exam and want a structured review of water treatment, distribution, regulations, calculations, and other key exam topics, this course is designed to help you prepare with confidence.
Water Operator Certification Exams
NHDES will offer in-person Water Works Operator examinations on October 29, 2026
Applications to take the exams must be received at least 30 days before the exam date, with an application deadline of September 29, 2026.
There is a separate $50 examination registration fee, payable to the Treasurer, State of New Hampshire, and submitted with the exam application. The exam fee is separate from the course registration fee paid to NHWWA.
For complete exam information, visit the NHDES Water Works Operator Exams webpage.
Registration
Complete the registration form and pay by credit card through PayPal. A PayPal membership is not required to pay by credit card.
Payment may also be mailed to:
NHWWA
18 N. Main St., Suite 308
Concord, NH 03301
To request an invoice, please email info@nhwwa.org.
Accessibility & Special Accommodations
If you require special accommodations to participate in this training, please notify NHWWA at info@nhwwa.org at least 21 days prior to the event so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Questions?
Please contact NHWWA at info@nhwwa.org.