About Us

Our Purpose

The First Nations Operator Certification Council (FNOCC) provides oversight of water systems operator certification for First Nations communities, and others within Canada as programs expand, who follow the First Nations Operator Certification Standards to determine the suitability of operators.

Our Authority

FNOCC is an independent regulatory agency and a member of Water Professionals International (WPI), the international operator certification body. The Council is overseen by the national First Nations Water Association (FNWA) and is vetted by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

“The First Nations Operator Certification Council certification standards meet or exceed those of the Province of Saskatchewan. This is based on a technical review of the activities and governance readiness, as well as validation from Water Professionals International that the certification framework aligns with recognised model standards and credentialing best practices.”

Paula Hadden-Jokiel, Assistant Deputy Minister, Infrastructure & Governance, Indigenous Services Canada

Our Role

The Council derives representation from current or past water systems operators, including Circuit Rider Trainers, who are familiar with the operation, maintenance, and management of water systems in First Nations. As a collective group, the Council provides guidance to ensure certification standards and guidelines are met in accordance with regional legislation as it relates to water systems operations and standards, and WPI Model Standards of Operator Certification and testing standards.

Council Responsibilities

• Ensure operators meet First Nations certification standards in exam scores, experience, and education, including required Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Ensure CEU classes and certification programs align with WPI and FNWA frameworks
• Oversee CEU and certification program instructor and exam proctor eligibility
• Determine the validity of appeals and challenges to examination results
• Update and provide certification documentation to operators when applicable
• Entertain appeals of Council decisions
• Approve water system classifications prepared by a licenced professional engineer
• Review certification standards for FNWA every two years for the first ten years, then at least every five years

Council Membership

The Council is made up of six to eight persons, including a Chairperson, from representative geographical and political areas of the region or province. Prospective Council members apply for the position, are interviewed by the current Council, and are appointed to serve. The majority, if not all, of Council members are of First Nations descent. Non-voting representatives from other regions may be invited when desired. Appointments are for a two-year term, to a maximum of three terms, and individuals are appointed by both FNOCC and FNWA.

Certification Standards

Full eligibility, examination, renewal, and CEU requirements are set out in the First Nations Operator Certification Standards. Browse the Resources page or read the FAQ for common questions about applying and renewing.