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Reciprocity is the ability of one state to grant certification to an operator from another state based solely on his/her certification from that other state. Certification of Alaskan water and wastewater operators is administered by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's (ADEC), Division of Water, Operator Training and Certification Program. The ability for Alaska to grant reciprocity comes directly from the statutes that govern the Alaska Certification program. The statute states:

Sec. 46.30.100. Reciprocity. Certificates may be issued without examination in the comparable classification to an applicant who holds a certificate in a state, territory, or possession of the United States, if its certification requirements and examinations are comparable to those of this state (Alaska) and if reciprocal privileges are granted to operators certified in this state.

Applying for reciprocity:

If you hold a current certificate from another state, you may be eligible for reciprocity with Alaska. To apply for reciprocity, an operator must fill out the “Application for Operator Certification” and the “Request for Reciprocity.” These forms are available here http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/opcert/appforms.htm. The application must be submitted to ADEC along with the $50 nonrefundable application fee. Copies of all certificates from other states must be enclosed.

The Reciprocity Process:

When ADEC receives the application, the reciprocity process begins. ADEC makes contact with the state from which the operator is applying. The first question always asked is, "Does your state consider granting reciprocity to Alaskan operators?" If the answer is "No", it would be unlawful for ADEC to grant reciprocity according to the above statute. Before applying for reciprocity, it is wise to contact your state to confirm that they do consider reciprocity with Alaska. Even if ADEC staff informs you that reciprocity has been granted to your state in the past, policies do change. Check it out first.

Certificate information (expiration date, level, classification) is confirmed at this time. ADEC may request a copy of the current rules and regulations from the state at this time. The regulations will be used to compare the two programs to determine if your state's program is comparable with Alaska's. Some of the items looked for when determining comparability include: exam reviews and certificate renewal requirements.

ADEC then looks at the exam/certification requirements for the exam that you passed in order to be issued your certificate in your state. ADEC will look at the operating experience requirement and the education requirement. The requirements of your certification are then compared to the different levels of Alaska's certification requirements. Reciprocity may be granted based on which level of Alaska certification your state's exam/certification requirements are comparable to.

Example:
Say you have a grade B water treatment certificate from State X, and to take the grade B exam you were required to have 12 years of education and two years of operating experience. Assuming all other requirements of reciprocity have been met, ADEC would look at that requirement and compare it to Alaska's water treatment series. In this case, 12 years of education and 2 years of operating experience fulfills Alaska's level I requirement of 12 years education and one year of operating experience. However, it does not fulfill the Alaska level II requirement of 12 years education and three years of experience. Level I reciprocity may be granted in this case.

In the above situation, even if you had 40 years of water treatment experience, ADEC would grant no higher than level I reciprocity.  Reciprocity is not automatic. ADEC has the discretion to not grant reciprocity. ADEC must also consider the advice of the Alaska Governor's Water and Wastewater Works Advisory Board when granting reciprocity.

Before applying for reciprocity it would be wise to compare your states requirements with those of Alaska. The Alaska requirements are explained in the Water and Wastewater Operator Certification and Training regulations.

Upon approval of reciprocity, an additional $50 certificate fee must be paid before the process is complete. Once you receive a certificate through reciprocity, all the Alaskan requirements of renewal apply. Those requirements are explained in the Water and Wastewater Operator Certification and Training regulations.

For a copy of the regulations or an application, write or call the Department at the following address or number:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Operator Training and Certification Program
410 Willoughby Ave., Suite 303
P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800
(907) 465-5140