Texas, TCEQ, Water System Operator, Class D
Texas Class D water operator license
Last reviewed 2026-08-01. Facts link to their official source.
The Class D water operator license is the Texas entry level for public water system operators. You need a high school diploma or GED, two approved courses (Basic Water Operations and Resiliency Overview), 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 Water System Operator Licensing ('Class D Licensing Requirements, Education and Work Experience'.)
- Required courses
- Two approved courses: Basic Water Operations and Resiliency Overview (resiliency training is required for all water operators as of April 1, 2024; RG-637).
- Source: TCEQ Water System Operator Licensing (Page banner 'NEW As of April 1, 2024...' + 'Class D Licensing Requirements, Training Courses'.)
- Application fee
- Application fee: $111 (Provisional Class D: $74).
- Source: TCEQ Water System Operator Licensing (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 mistake that costs water candidates time
Since April 2024, water operators need the Resiliency Overview course in addition to Basic Water Operations. Candidates working from older advice complete one course, apply, and stall. Check the requirements page below for both courses, their hours, and the acceptable equivalents before you apply.