Frequently Asked Questions

FNOCC is an independent certification council that provides oversight of water systems operator certification for First Nations communities in Saskatchewan, and for others within Canada as programs expand. The council ensures operators meet the First Nations Operator Certification Standards. This portal is the official place to apply, renew, and manage your certification online.

No. FNOCC is an independent regulatory agency and a member of Water Professionals International (WPI). FNOCC has been granted approval to carry out operator certification activities in Saskatchewan by Indigenous Services Canada. Learn more about our authority and governance on the About Us page.

FNOCC certification is for First Nations operators working in First Nations communities in Saskatchewan. Current Class 1 programs include Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collection. Forthcoming programs include Class 1 Water Treatment, all four Class 2 types, Operator-in-Training certification, Water Delivery Certification, and Water Monitor Certification. Certification for First Nations in other regions will be approved by ISC in the future.

Create a free account, sign in, and start a new application from your dashboard. Complete the form, upload required documents, pay any applicable fees, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is received.

Yes. You need a registered account so you can save progress, upload documents securely, pay fees, and track your application status.

Yes. Your application can stay in Draft until you review and submit it.

Your status moves to Submitted. FNOCC staff review your application at the next Council meeting cycle. Status may change to Under Review, More Information Required, Approved, or Rejected. You will see updates in your dashboard and may receive email notifications for key status changes.

Class 1 applicants must meet the First Nations Operator Certification Standards, including: Grade 12 education or equivalent (GED or CAEC; or additional operating experience for Grade 11 or Grade 10 equivalency), entry-level training (70 hours), one year (1,800 hours) of operating experience, a grade of 70% or higher on the exam (conditional certification may apply if the score is 1 to 5% below 70% for a specific water system), and current employment as a water or wastewater system operator in Saskatchewan in a Class 1 or higher system. Operator-in-Training requirements differ. See the full standards on the Resources page.

Decisions follow FNOCC Council meeting dates, which are posted on this website. After the relevant Council meeting, applicants can expect a response within five to seven business days. Check the News section or site announcements for upcoming Council meeting dates.

A Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals ten hours of participation in organized education or training relevant to the safe operation and maintenance of water systems. One hour of training equals 0.1 CEU. CEU classes must be guided by a capable and qualified instructor as determined by FNOCC.

Operators must accrue CEUs in every three-year recertification cycle. Required totals depend on certification level: Small Systems Operator — 1.5 CEU; Class 1 Operator — 2.4 CEU; Class 2 Operator — 2.4 CEU; Class 3 Operator — 2.4 CEU. Submit renewal documentation at least one month before your certification deadline.

Approved CEUs are available from several sources. A comprehensive list can be found through SK OCB (www.saskocb.ca). CEUs specific to First Nations water systems are listed on the SFNWA website (https://sfnwa.ca/ceu-classes) and through the SFNWA Learning Management System (https://learn.sfnwa.ca). Courses approved by other provinces or territories following the same best practices may be accepted at the same CEU value.

Complete the Certification Renewal Form and provide copies of CEU certificates for training you completed. Submit verification through your renewal application in the portal, including uploaded CEU certificates. You must also adhere to the FNOCC code of conduct as a condition of recertification.

No. CEU hours accumulated beyond what is required for a specific certification level cannot be carried over into the next three-year recertification cycle.

FNOCC does not award CEUs for mass media programs outside an educational program, on-the-job training or work experience, writing or presenting articles, association nomination sessions, routine staff meetings, or similar activities listed in the Operator Certification Standards Appendix F. Mandatory safety training (WHMIS, First Aid, Confined Space, etc.) may count for up to 25 percent of required CEUs per renewal period.

Accepted courses generally require recorded attendance, a formal certificate or completion letter, student evaluation, content linked to FNOCC need-to-know criteria, completed learning objectives, course evaluation forms, and qualified instructors. Water and wastewater industry conferences or workshops may be exempt from some criteria. FNOCC may audit CEU courses according to the standards.

The portal accepts common document formats such as PDF, JPG, PNG, and Word documents (DOC or DOCX), subject to file size limits enforced for security.

New applications, reciprocity applications, and renewal applications are each $175.00 CAD. Renewal sticker reprints and operator certificate reprints are $25.00 CAD per copy. Printed certificates by mail are $10.00 CAD including postage. See the Services page for a full list.

Yes. After online checkout, payment confirmation appears in your dashboard under Payments, and FNOCC sends a payment receipt email that lists each fee item (for example application fees, reprints, or printed certificates) with the amount paid.

Go to Create Account, enter your details, and follow the registration steps. Then sign in to access your dashboard.

Use Forgot Password on the sign-in page. You will receive instructions by email to reset your password.

Only you and authorised FNOCC administrators can access your application and uploaded files. They are not publicly visible.

Sign in to your dashboard and choose Renewal. Complete the renewal form, upload CEU documentation and any other required documents, and pay the renewal fee if one applies. Submit renewal documentation at least one month before your certification deadline.

Renewals follow a three-year cycle aligned with your original certification date. Submit all renewal documentation at least one month before your certification deadline. CEU requirements depend on your certification level; see the Operator Certification Standards on the Resources page for details.

If your certification is not renewed by the recertification or expiry date, you are categorised as an expired operator until renewal is complete. If you exceed one three-year renewal term without renewing, you are categorised as a Lost Operator. A Lost Operator with relevant operating experience during the missed term must complete the appropriate CEUs for each missed term. A Lost Operator without relevant experience must complete the required CEUs and write and pass the appropriate class and type of exam previously held. See the Operator Certification Standards on the Resources page for full details.

Renewals require CEUs on a three-year cycle under the First Nations Operator Certification Standards. You submit renewal documentation and CEU certificates through the portal. Full automated CEU tracking in the portal is planned for a later phase; until then, upload your CEU certificates with your renewal application. See the CEUs and Renewals FAQ section for full requirements.

Visit the Resources page for the First Nations Operator Certification Standards, forms, guides, and policies. Items are organized by category and may include downloads or external links.