Underground Storage Tank Operator Training

Important update: NHDES has developed an online certification program that is available to both new and recertifying UST operators. There is no application fee for the exam and training modules. See details and dates below. In-person classes remain suspended at this time.

Training Options Online:

There are two different types of certifications approved for New Hampshire regulated UST facilities; therefore, NHDES is offering two distinct online exams. The “Dispensing Exam” is for all types of facilities including dispensing facilities (e.g. gas stations); and the “Non-Dispensing Exam” is for operators of non-dispensing facilities (e.g. heating oil). Please be aware that if you store both dispensing and non-dispensing substances you will need to take the “Dispensing Exam” to comply with the training requirements. 

If you have an interest in becoming certified, please click on one of the following links to register:
Register for one of the Dispensing Exam Dates
Register for one of the Non-Dispensing Exam Dates

An email address is required as a means of confirming enrollment, and your confirmation email will include links to the study materials as well as a link to enter the online exam platform. This email address is only used for NHDES compliance purposes. The links to some dates will no longer be available when the maximum capacity is reached.

Following your registration, you will receive a confirmation email that will include links to the study materials. Study materials are in the form of 12 educational videos that can be viewed on your own schedule.

Current schedule of upcoming exam dates and times:

Thursday, October 7, 2021
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, October 5, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, October 5, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, October 21, 2021
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, October 19, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, October 19, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, November 4, 2021
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, November 2, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, November 2, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, November 18, 2021
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, November 16, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, November 16, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, December 2, 2021
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, November 30, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, November 30, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, December 16, 2021
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, December 14, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, December 14, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, January 6, 2022
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, January 4, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, January 4, 2 - 3 PM)

Thursday, January 20, 2022
9 – 11 AM, Dispensing exam 
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, January 18, 1 - 2 PM)
1 – 3 PM, Non-dispensing exam
(open-discussion event on Tuesday, January 18, 2 - 3 PM)

Operators with training certifications that expired after the date in which the state of emergency was declared (i.e. March 13, 2020) were granted an extension of 180 days after the date in which NHDES resumes offering training again. The first online exam (September 9, 2021) starts the continuation of training. To maintain compliance with State requirements, recertifying operators will have until March 8, 2022, to renew their certifications.

It is strongly recommended that you attend the open-discussion forum associated with your exam date. This will allow you an opportunity to verify whether your computer is compatible with the GoToTraining platform, and also provide the opportunity to ask NHDES personnel questions you may have after reviewing the study materials (i.e. online videos). This forum event may be accessed by clicking the same link within the email that confirms enrollment for the online exam.

If you have restrictions regarding online accessibility, please contact the Training Specialist at the contact information shown below.

Training Requirements:

The Federal Energy Policy Act requires states to develop training guidelines. Effective August 8, 2012, the State of New Hampshire (NH) RSA 146-C:17-21 requires owners of New Hampshire regulated motor and fuel oil UST facilities to assign designated Class A, B and C operators who have been trained and certified by a NHDES-approved training program. The law requires all facilities to have at least one designated operator for each class.

• Class A operators will be designated by owners to have primary statutory and regulatory responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the facility. This class of operator could potentially be the facility owner or person in charge of the tank system.
• Class B operators will be designated by owners to implement applicable regulatory requirements as well as the daily aspects of the facility’s operation, maintenance, and recordkeeping. A maintenance person, an underground storage tank contractor, or consultant could potentially fill this class.
• Class C operators will be designated by the owner to have primary responsibility for responding to alarms, emergencies presented by spills or releases, and other problem associated with the operation of the facility. A store manager or maintenance person could potentially fill this class.

Owners must designate the Class A and B operators to NHDES by submitting a completed and signed Statement of Training form to NHDES and post a list of Class C operators at their facility.

There is no application fee for NHDES operator training. Class registrations are processed immediately. Statement of Training forms will be processed within 24-48 hours following receipt. Certifications must be renewed every two years from the operators’ previous certification date.