Digester Operator Certification

9-Part Training Course

To complete the training for ABC Operator Certification, operators must complete ABC Operator School.  The full course includes 9 modules critical to successful digester operation: fundamentals of anaerobic digestion, 4 steps of digestion, vocabulary, AD tests and reactor types, applying the fundamentals to operations, understanding and predicting upsets, math for digesters, mechanical systems, performing daily site checks, preventative maintenance plans, hydraulics (pumps, mixers, etc.), lab testing-what does it all mean?, odor management/prevention, safety, gas utilization, H2S removal, RNG production, and engines.  To register for the next course and find out more, visit: https://americanbiogascouncil.org/operator-training/

Proof of Operations Experience

To be eligible for ABC Operator Certification, operators must show proof of 2,000 hours (about 1-year) of experience in an operations role for one or more anaerobic digesters. To prove your hours, you will need to provide two documents:

1. The first document must be a letter from a supervisor indicating that you have completed 2,000 or more hours at a digester facility. This document must contain contact information of your supervisor.
2. The second document can be one of these two types:
   1. A timesheet or record of hours
   2. A second letter from a different supervisor or digester employee. This letter would also need to include contact information for the second supervisor or digester employee.

To check if other documentation is allowable, please email info@americanbiogascouncil.org.

Operator’s Exam

ABC’s Operators Exam has 2 parts and is administered after the above requirements have been met.  The exam tests operators on critical knowledge needed to operator a digester safely and productively. The best study materials for the exam are those distributed during Operator School. The two parts of the exam include:

1. Multiple choice (65 questions covering digester operations and safety)
2. Math (12 open questions)

Ready to get certified? Apply today:

Tracks to Certification

2. In Person at Michigan State University in August

Complete all 9 modules at our in-person training, held annually in August at Michigan Statue Unversity, as well as tour digesters, a state-of-the-art lab, and more.