Texas, TCEQ, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Class D
Texas Class D wastewater operator license
Last reviewed 2026-08-01. Facts link to their official source.
The Class D wastewater license is the Texas entry level for wastewater treatment plant operators. You need a high school diploma or GED, one approved course (Basic Wastewater Operation), a $111 TCEQ application, and a passing score of 70 percent on a three-hour closed-book exam.
The license at a glance
- Education
- High school diploma or GED.
- Source: TCEQ Wastewater Operator Licensing ('Wastewater Class D Licensing Requirements, Education and Work Experience'.)
- Required course
- One approved course: Basic Wastewater Operation.
- Source: TCEQ Wastewater Operator Licensing ('Wastewater Class D Licensing Requirements, Training Courses'.)
- Application fee
- Application fee: $111 (Provisional Class D: $74).
- Source: TCEQ Wastewater Operator Licensing (Wastewater Class D 'Application and Examination'.)
- Passing score
- Minimum passing score: 70 percent.
- Source: TCEQ Water System Operator Licensing ('Water Operator Licensing Overview': pass the applicable exam with a minimum score of 70 percent.)
- Exam length
- Three-hour time limit.
- Source: TCEQ Computer-Based Testing ('All exams have a 3 hour time limit unless otherwise noted'; Class A exams are the noted six-hour exception.)
A limit worth knowing before you rely on Class D
Class D wastewater licenses are not renewable for operators at activated-sludge facilities of any size, larger trickling filter or RBC facilities, or drip-dispersal facilities. If your plant fits one of those, plan the move to Class C early. The requirements page covers the exact conditions with sources.