UST Class A and Class B Operator Training
Underground Storage Tank Operator Training Requirements
On or after August 8, 2012, every UST facility must have at least one trained operator in each of the following three classes:
- Class A Operator- An individual who must have general knowledge of the requirements of all applicable UST regulations. The Class A Operator is typically a facility owner or manager who can manage resources and personnel as necessary to maintain compliance with UST regulations.
- Class B Operator- An individual who ensures the implementation of all applicable UST regulatory requirements at a facility and implements the day to day aspects of facility operation, maintenance and recordkeeping.
- Class C Operator- An individual, typically a clerk, who controls the dispensing of fuel and is responsible for initial response to emergencies.
In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the TCEQ adopted rules on February 23, 2011 creating 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 334 Subchapter N , which specifies UST facility operator training requirements. The regulations became effective March 17, 2011.
UST facilities can designate different individuals for each class of operator or designate one individual for multiple operator classes. A UST facility can designate an individual as:
- a Class A Operator for one or more facilities, or
- a Class B Operator for one or more, but not to exceed 50 facilities.
Class A and Class B operators must complete a TCEQ approved operator training course or process once every 3 years. UST facilities must maintain the training certificates from an approved training provider for Class A & B Operator training.
An individual Class C operator must have specific training for each facility at which they work. The designated Class B Operator for a UST facility must conduct the training for each facility’s Class C Operators and must repeat the Class C Operator training once every 3 years. Each facility must maintain a current list signed by a Class B Operator for that facility which shows the name and date of training of each Class C Operator for that facility.
Approved Courses for UST Facility Class A and B Operator Training
The following courses have been approved by TCEQ. The courses below have incorporated the 2018 UST rule changes. If you took a course based on the UST rules prior to the 2018 changes, you must take a new course by January 1, 2020.
- Course Name: Petro Classroom Class A and Class B UST Facility Operator Training Course
Course Sponsor: Asian American Trade Associations Council
Course Provider: Petro Classroom
Provider: (844) 303-6752
Website: www.petroclassroom.com
E-Mail: pjv@petroclassroom.com
Approval Date: September 14, 2018 - Course Name: Texas Class A and Class B UST Facility Operator Training Course
Course Sponsor: Texas Food and Fuel Association
Course Provider: TAIT Environmental
Phone: (972) 755-1260
Website: https://texas.ustcourse.com/store
E-Mail: training@tait.com
Approval Date: September 14, 2018 - Course Name: Antea Group Class A and Class B UST Faciltiy Operator Training Course
Course Sponsor: American Petroleum Institute
Course Provider: Antea Group
Phone: (314) 312-3734
Website: https://ustoperator.anteagroup.com/
E-Mail: Angela.Dunn@anteagroup.us
Approval Date: April 12, 2019 - Course Name: PASS Training and Compliance
Course Sponsor: National Institute of Storage Tank Management
Course Provider: PASS Training and Compliance
Phone: (765) 281-5588
Website: www.passtesting.com
E-Mail: support@passtesting.com
Approval Date: April 24, 2019 - Course Name: UST Training’s Texas Class A/B UST Operator Training
Course Sponsor: Steel Tank Institute-Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA)
Course Provider: UST Training
Phone:(866) 301-8265
Website: www.usttraining.com
E-Mail: info@USTtraining.com
Approval Date: June 12, 2019 - Course Name: Responsible Training Class A & B UST Facility Operator Training Course
Course Sponsor: Aloha Petroleum, Ltd.
Course Provider: Responsible Training
Phone:(512) 996-0909
Website: https://www.responsibletraining.com/catalog?pagename=Under-Ground-Storage-Training
E-Mail: info@safewayclasses.com
Approval Date: June 18, 2019 - Course Name: Petroleum Storage Tank Training Professionals (PSTTP) UST A/B Operator Training Course
Course Sponsor: Texas Association of Storage Tank Professionals (TASTP)
Course Provider: PSTTP
Phone: (770) 235-9144
Website: www.psttp.net
E-mail: billgreer@psttp.net
Approval Date: November 16, 2020 - Course Name: Cstores Training’s Texas Class A/B UST Operator Training
Course Sponsor: South Texas Merchants Association
Course Provider: Cstores Training
Phone: 833-699-5800
Website: www.cstorestraining.com
E-Mail: cs.support@cstorestraining.com
Approval Date: July 1, 2021
Approval of Class A and B Operator Training
TCEQ must approve any training courses for Class A and Class B Operators of underground petroleum storage tanks. In order to start the approval process for a Class A/B Operator Course, send a final electronic version of the entire course content as a .pdf, .pptx, or .docx file to pstreg@tceq.texas.gov. Various parts of the agency will need to review the course content, including any evaluations that are part of the course. The review process takes 60-90 days. There are no fees associated with the course review. We do not conduct reviews on incomplete courses. To ensure that the training complies with and educates the operators about the Texas requirements, TCEQ encourages you to review the following before submitting the training:
Additionally, per 334.603(a)(1) , “the provider of a training course or process must be sponsored by an association or industry organization recognized nationwide or statewide with regard to its affiliation with regulated petroleum underground storage tank (UST) systems.” You must provide a letter from the association or organization indicating their sponsorship. TCEQ does not have a list of acceptable organizations. The sponsoring organizations that providers have used in the past are listed above.
The courses do not have a specified length requirement. The requirements for the course content are found in 30 TAC 334.602(b) :
- (1)(B): “…Class A operators must be trained in and have a general knowledge of the requirements of applicable UST regulations, including, but not limited to registration, system components, product compatibility, spill and overfill prevention, corrosion protection, release detection, testing and inspections, recordkeeping, notification, release reporting and response, temporary and permanent closure, operator training, and financial responsibility.”
- (2)(B): “…Class B operators must be trained in and have detailed knowledge of the requirements of applicable UST regulations, including, but not limited to registration, system components, product compatibility, spill and overfill prevention, corrosion protection, release detection, testing and inspections, recordkeeping, notification, release reporting and response, temporary and permanent closure, operator training and financial responsibility…”
TCEQ does not review or require approval for Class C Operator training.
Contact Us
E-mail: pstreg@tceq.texas.gov
Phone: 512-239-2160
Fax: 512-239-3399 or 512-239-3398
Postal address:
Petroleum Storage Tank Registration Program, MC-138
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
PO Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087