Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators (for OITs)

Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators (for Operators-in-Training)

The Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators (ELC) is a mandatory course for all drinking water operators. This course was developed by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Successful completion of the ELC is needed to upgrade a drinking water Operator-in-Training (OIT) certificate to Class 1 certificate.

Entry-Level Course for Operators

The ELC provides new operators with:

  • a basic understanding of water characteristics and pathogens, treatment and distribution processes,
  • a basic understanding of the regulations that govern water quality

It is intended to complement the on-the-job training that OIT’s receive from their employers.

The ELC is also included in the curriculum of certain environmental programs at several Ontario colleges. Students who graduate from these programs are not required to take the ELC through the WCWC. 

Photo of participants and instructor looking at a map at the Entry Level Course

ELC College Programs

The following Ontario Colleges include the Entry-Level Course in their environmental program. Please confirm with the college the current status of each program with regard to the delivery of Entry-Level Course material prior to registering.

WCWC supports Ontario post secondary students. Unique hands-on training during the Operation of Conventional Treatment Processes course is provided to colleges that deliver the ELC as part of their programs.

What our clients say –

Very informative course and great hands-on experience. The instructors are amazing!
Fleming College Student – Operation of Conventional Treatment Processes course