🎓 Operator Training: How States Are Raising the Bar

For years, UST operator training was seen as a one-time requirement — something to check off, print a certificate, and move on. But that mindset is changing. Across the country, states are raising the bar on what it means to be a trained UST operator.

From tougher content to mandatory retraining cycles, regulators are signaling that competency matters more than credentials.

📈 What’s Changing in Operator Training?

Here are the top ways states are tightening expectations:

🔄 More Frequent Recertification

States like Nevada, California, and Texas now require operators to retrain every 2–3 years — even though federal guidelines don’t require renewal. The goal? Keep knowledge fresh and aligned with changing technology and inspection priorities.

📚 Expanded Curriculum Requirements

Some states are requiring more in-depth training on:

• Monthly walkthroughs and recordkeeping

• Release detection alarm response

• Interstitial monitoring equipment

• Emergency protocols and delivery procedures

PASS has already incorporated these changes into its curriculum where required.

✅ Stricter Oversight of Third-Party Training

States such as Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina are enforcing tighter controls on third-party training providers. That includes periodic audits, content approvals, and mandatory alignment with state-specific regulations.

🔍 Training Linked to Inspection Outcomes

Operators are being held accountable for noncompliance discovered during site visits. If your alarm logs are missing, your training record may be questioned. Certification alone is no longer enough — states want to see trained operators actively engaged in compliance.

🧠 PASS Is Built for This Shift

At PASS, we welcome higher standards — because our training has always focused on real-world readiness, not just passing a quiz.

• 🎓 Scenario-based A/B/C training that mirrors actual inspection findings

• 📍 State-specific content already aligned with more than 40 regulatory programs

• 🔁 Recertification options and automated reminders for states that require them

• 📄 Instant documentation for inspectors, auditors, and compliance managers

We don’t just check the box. We help operators own the box.

📞 Want to make sure your training meets new state standards?

Contact PASS — we’ll help you get ahead of what’s coming next.

• Correction (Updated June 2025):

  An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that “States like Nevada and South Dakota now require operators to retrain every 2–3 years — even though federal guidelines don’t require renewal.”

  We acknowledge that South Dakota does not require periodic retraining of UST operators. As confirmed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), retraining is not mandated by state administrative rule and is only recommended in cases of significant compliance violations or as a condition of enforcement.

  We sincerely appreciate the clarification from Kayla Fawcett, P.E., Engineering Manager at the SD DANR Storage Tank Section.