Class A and Class B UST Operator Training and Exams
UST Operators must be properly trained to help protect the environment and the safety of those around them. Operator training is a requirement under the federal UST regulations (as updated in 2015), and it aligns with EPA Pillar One – Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American. New online training with built in knowledge testing is now available to help UST operators in Indian country meet the spirit of the 2015 federal UST requirement that designated UST operators demonstrate knowledge and pass an exam.
EPA encourages all Owners/Operators at UST facilities in Indian Country to use this training. It is available free of charge.
- Access UST operator training and exam.
- Successfully complete UST operator training and exam.
- About EPA’s UST operator training and exam.
Typical UST facilities are gas stations, convenience stores, and other non-retail facilities.
Access UST Operator Training and Exam
EPA is making UST Operator training easily accessible online and at no cost to all designated operators. The training includes an exam. The type of UST facility determines the exams designated operators must complete.
Typical UST system designated operators must complete:
- Comprehensive training and exam — Class A operator training covers 11 topics; class B operator training covers 9 topics.
- Topic-specific training modules and exams — allow Class A and B operators to complete re-examination on topics required due to UST system non-compliance, per your implementing agency.
Successfully Complete UST Operator Exam
You must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the exam’s questions in order to successfully pass and print a certificate of completion, which meets the operator training documentation required under 40 CFR, Subpart J. You may retake the exam an unlimited number of times in order to pass it. You will be able to access a printout about those questions you answered incorrectly.
Don’t Forget! Keep a record of your training!
Keep a copy of your training certificate. EPA does not keep copies of training certificates. If you take the training online, remember to print or download your certificate of completion before exiting the system.
Owners and operators must maintain records identifying all currently designated operators. The record must include the operator’s name, operator class, date assumed duties, and training or retraining dates. The records can be kept on or off site.
In addition, owners and operators must have records verifying completion of training or retraining. This record must have the trainee name, date trained, operator training class completed, and as applicable, name of training company or examiner, and the training company’s address and telephone number.
Suggested Additional Resources:
- 2015 federal UST regulation.
- Musts For USTs.
- Operating and Maintaining Underground Storage Tank Systems.
- Release Detection For Underground Storage Tanks And Piping: Straight Talk On Tanks.
- UST System Compatibility With Biofuels.
- Site Characterization and Conceptual Site Model.
About EPA’s UST Operator Exam
Question: Can a designated Class A or B operator use this online training–that is, pass the exam with 80 percent or greater and print a certificate–to meet state or other implementing agency requirements for operator training?
Answer: The answer depends on requirements of the UST implementing agency. Although passing the exam demonstrates required knowledge for the federal UST regulation, states and other implementing agencies may have different requirements. Contact your UST implementing agency for specific information on operator training requirements. In Indian country, EPA is the implementing agency, so passing this online exam meets requirements in 40 CFR, Subpart J.
Question: Can a designated Class A or B operator in Indian country take UST operator training provided by a state or other organization, such as a private sector training provider, to meet the federal operator training requirements, instead of using this online training and exam?
Answer: Yes, as long as that state or private training incorporates all the provisions and topics included in 40 CFR 280.242(a) and (b). Some existing state and private training do not incorporate all the necessary provisions. Therefore, EPA recommends that designated Class A or B operators in Indian Country take the online training and exam.