Section 681.605  Reciprocity Determination

a)         An applicant for a Certificate of Competency who possesses a valid drinking water treatment certificate or license issued under the laws of another certifying jurisdiction, or was trained as water supply operator by the United States as a member of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy, will be issued an Illinois Certificate of Competency, without examination, provided:

1)         The Agency determines by reviewing the other certifying jurisdiction's requirements that the applicant has met minimum standards equivalent to or more stringent than the standards specified in the Law and Section 681.500 and Section 681.600;

2)         The other certifying jurisdiction that issued the certificate to the applicant accepts, by reciprocity, certificates issued by the Agency; 

3)         The applicant resides in Illinois or is employed at a public water supply in Illinois; and

4)         The applicant has paid the fee or fees required by Section 681.110 of this Part.

b)         An applicant satisfying subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2), but failing to meet the residency requirements of subsection (a)(3), shall be issued a notice of intent to grant reciprocity.  The applicant must submit proof of Illinois residency or employment at a public water supply in Illinois within 90 days after the issuance of the notice of intent.  Upon receipt of that proof, the Agency shall issue an Illinois Certificate of Competency.  Should the applicant fail to submit proof of the requirements in subsection (a)(3) within 90 days after issuance of the notice, the notice of intent shall become void.

c)         Applications for reciprocity described in Section 681.600 shall be reviewed by the Agency as follows:

1)         The Agency shall review each applicant's education and experience to determine the levels of certification for which the applicant is eligible pursuant to Subpart E;

2)         The Agency shall contact the certifying officials from the other certifying jurisdiction to determine the level of certification of the applicant for reciprocity and whether the certificate is currently valid;

3)         The Agency shall compare the applicant's qualifications and the other certifying jurisdiction's eligibility requirements for certification with those described in Subpart E; and

4)         If the Agency determines the requirements of subsection (a) are fulfilled, the Agency shall grant reciprocity at the appropriate level.

d)         If a Certificate of Competency issued by the State of Illinois through reciprocity is suspended or revoked pursuant to Subpart G, the Agency shall notify a certifying official from the other certifying jurisdiction.

e)         An applicant who is denied reciprocity or who is given a lower level of certification than the one requested shall have an opportunity for a hearing with the Advisory Board.  The Advisory Board shall review the determination and provide a recommendation to the Agency.

f)         The Agency shall consider the Advisory Board's recommendation and notify the applicant in writing of the Agency's final decision within 45 days after the receipt of the Advisory Board's recommendation.  This decision is appealable to the Illinois Pollution Control Board pursuant to Section 12 of the Law.

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 14182, effective November 13, 2017)