100+ Free TN Water/Wastewater Operator Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TN Water/Wastewater Operator Exam

Grade I-IV

Certification Levels

TDEC

70%

Minimum Passing Score

TDEC

60 Days

Application Deadline Before Exam

TDEC Rules 0400-49-01

6/12 Hours

CE Hours (Grade I-II / III-IV)

TDEC

PSI CBT

Exam Administration

TDEC

About the TN Water/Wastewater Operator Exam

The Tennessee water/wastewater operator certification exam tests knowledge of TCA Title 68, Chapter 221, TDEC rules 0400-49-01, water treatment operations, wastewater treatment processes, distribution and collection systems, and laboratory testing. Grades I-IV are available for both water treatment and distribution operators.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

Varies by grade (Tennessee TDEC / Water and Wastewater Operators Certification Board)

TN Water/Wastewater Operator Exam Content Outline

20%

State Laws & Regulations

TCA Title 68 and TDEC rules 0400-49-01, Grade I-IV requirements, Fleming Training Center, and CE requirements

25%

Water Treatment

Disinfection, coagulation, filtration, CT calculations, and SDWA compliance

25%

Wastewater Treatment

Activated sludge, sludge handling, NPDES permits, biological nutrient removal, and safety

15%

Distribution & Collection

Cross-connection control, backflow prevention, pump operations, hydraulics, and system maintenance

15%

Laboratory & Math

Water quality testing, sampling, math calculations, record-keeping, and reporting

How to Pass the TN Water/Wastewater Operator Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 2.5 hours
Exam fee: Varies by grade

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TN Water/Wastewater Operator Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review TCA Title 68, Chapter 221 and TDEC rules 0400-49-01 for certification grades and requirements

2Study Grade IV requirements: two pathways based on education and experience

3Master the activated sludge process: SVI, F/M ratio, MLSS, and RAS/WAS control

4Practice chlorine and pump calculations: lbs formula, detention time, water horsepower

5Utilize TDEC Fleming Training Center resources for exam preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

What certification grades does Tennessee offer for water operators?

Tennessee offers Grade I (lowest) through Grade IV (highest) for both water treatment plant operators and water distribution system operators, plus a Small Water System certification.

How are Tennessee operator exams administered?

Exams are computer-based at PSI testing centers. The testing window runs September through November. Applications (Form CN-0704, notarized) must be submitted at least 60 days before the exam.

What happens if I fail the same Tennessee exam twice?

You must complete Board-sanctioned training before reapplying: 30 hours for Grade III/IV exams or 18 hours for Grade I/II exams.

What are Tennessee's continuing education requirements?

Grade I and II operators need 6 hours of CE; Grade III and IV operators need 12 hours of CE per renewal period.

What is the Grade IV certification requirement?

Either a BS in engineering/chemistry/related science plus 12 months at a Grade III-IV plant, OR a high school diploma plus 60 months at a Grade III-IV plant.