Operator Competence
Operator Competence
The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 (amended 2010) came into force on the 6th April 2008. These regulations allowed for 'approved' schemes to be used to demonstrate technical competence (operator competence) for permitted waste sites.
These new schemes replaced the previous Technical Competence requirement to obtain a CoTC. It also replaced the Environment Agency Assessments. If you were considered 'Competent' under the previous system (either by CoTC, Environment Agency assessment or Deemed Competence) please be aware you will need to maintain your 'Competence' - see the Continuing Competence section of the right of this page.
The CIWM/WAMITAB scheme was approved by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government for England and Wales on December 22nd 2008.
CIWM_WAMITAB_operator_competence_scheme_v5_Oct_2012
High, Medium and Low Risk Tiers - which tier are you in?
Transitional Arrangements for Exemptions (EA document)
AD Operator Competence Options
WAMITAB - further information on QCF Qualifications
Environmental Permitting Operator's Certificate (EPOC)
Environment Agency Steps Up Enforcement Activity
To register your interest/need for an Environment Permit Operators Certificate (EPOC), contact training@ciwm.co.uk or visit the Events Calendar section to see the next available dates.
If you have any questions please contact education@ciwm.co.uk or contact WAMITAB on 01604 231950.
An alternative scheme based on a Competence Management System is available from ESA & EU Skills. For further information, please visit the EU Skills Website
What do I need?
If you are a new or existing site, and you are unsure which route you need to follow to be considered competent, click on the link below and follow the simple steps to determine the correct route for you.
Next Steps...
Continuing Competence
Every two years competent persons need to show they have kept up to date by passing a Continuing Competence test.
Everyone who is already considered competent will need to maintain their competence in the next continuing competence period.
The current testing period ends on
28th February 2014.
For further details, and a list of topics to guide you, please see the
Continuing Competence Guide
or visit the
WAMITAB website
For copies of the syllabus for each section, please see WAMITAB's
Information, Advice and Guidance
To complete a practice version of the test, please see
Continuing Competence Practice Test
For information on e-learning courses that will help you prepare for the generic section of the Continuing Competence test, please click here
