Build Operator Knowledge
Build the foundation needed for certification success with resources developed specifically for water and wastewater operators. Find opportunities to continue your education journey with eLearning courses and certificates of completion.
Build Operator Knowledge
Browse eLearning Courses
Learn anytime, anywhere with AWWA’s Operator Academy eLearning courses that let you study comfortably from your own space, on a schedule that suits you.
These courses offer best practice tools, methods, and guidance for water operators. Content considers Water Professionals International (WPI) Need-to-Know Criteria.
Our Water World: Introduction to Water (EL11)
1 hour self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Explore the essential concepts and practices of water treatment, with a focus on the critical role it plays in safeguarding public health and supporting sustainable communities.
Learn More
The Water Cycle for Operators (EL12)
0.5 hour self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Gain a foundational understanding of water’s movement through the environment and how human activity influences that cycle as this course covers the hydrologic cycle and its impacts on natural and man-made systems.
Learn More
Iron and Manganese Removal in Water Treatment (EL23)
1 hour self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Understand the occurrence, removal strategies, and operational considerations for maintaining regulatory compliance and public satisfaction in the face of the common nuisance metals.
Learn More
Groundwater and Wells (EL31)
2 hours self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Learn about the fundamentals of groundwater and wells for water utility operators including, aquifer types, groundwater recharge, well constructions, hydraulic concepts, regulatory frameworks, emerging issues, and more.
Learn More
Pretreatment Essentials (EL41)
2 hours self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Understand the foundations of pretreatment processes in drinking water systems, including operational considerations, chemical safety, and strategies for adapting pretreatment to changing source water conditions.
Learn More
Coagulation and Flocculation for Water Operators (EL42)
2 hours self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Learn to operate coagulation and flocculation processes in conventional surface water treatment.
Learn More
Sedimentation and Clarifiers (EL43)
1 hour self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Learn about clarifier types, operational best practices, process control, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Learn More
Conventional Filtration Essentials (EL44)
2 hours self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Discover the principles and operation of conventional filtration in surface water treatment.
Learn More
Disinfection Basics (EL45)
1 hour self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Explore the basics of drinking water disinfection starting with the waterborne pathogens typically encountered in source waters, explaining the complexities of water chemistry and metrics for measuring disinfection success.
Learn More
Advanced Water Treatment (EL46)
1 hour self-paced | $44 member/$88 non-member
Learn the purpose, basic operation, monitoring requirements, and troubleshooting strategies for advanced drinking water treatment processes, such as membrane filtration, activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation are covered.
Learn More
Drinking Water Treatment Processes eLearning Series (EL40)
Explore this six-course series!
6 hours self-paced | $199 member/$299 non-member
Learn about water from source to distribution and the key processes involved in treating water for delivery to a community, learning operational processes and procedures, the larger treatment strategy, and how to troubleshoot.
Learn More
Water Essentials eLearning Series (EL100)
Explore the full 10-course program!
12 hours self-paced | $325 member/$425 non-member
Learn More
Each learner must register using their own AWWA account to enroll in eLearning courses. Enrollment in courses through another person’s account will void completion, and a retake will be required. eLearning courses are a study aid, but do not guarantee passing the initial licensing exam.
Certificates of Completion & CE Credits
Need professional development hours? AWWA provides certificates of completion for most eLearning courses, and many states and provinces will accept AWWA eLearning courses for continuing education.
Please note that although AWWA provides a Certificate of Completion upon successful finalization of all course requirements, this does not automatically imply that your state agency will award you CEUs. It is the individual’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing agency before registering for any education program.
Explore AWWA Programs Approved in Your State
