Licensing Guides
Alaska Septic License & Certification | 2026 Contractor Guide
Septic, AK
Table of Contents
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic Contractors License in Alaska?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Alaska?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Alaska?
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
Onsite disposal systems (OSDS) are used widely in Alaska, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Division of Water.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide.
Contractors across Alaska struggle to find skilled tradespeople while the demand for them continues to grow. Alaska's unique geography—with many rural and remote areas lacking connected sewer infrastructure—makes onsite disposal systems the primary method for wastewater management throughout the state. If you get the training you need, you should have opportunities to choose from when you're ready.
A large part of what septic professionals do is install, maintain, and replace existing onsite wastewater systems. As more emphasis is placed on environmental protection and public health in Alaska's sensitive ecosystems, properly functioning septic systems are essential. Licensing requirements for septic contractors vary by state, and in Alaska, certification is managed at the state level by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Licensing Requirements for Septic Contractors in Alaska
Yes. According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Division of Water, all septic systems in Alaska are subject to Alaska Regulations Chapter 72, and the “qualified persons who may design, install, construct, or modify septic systems” are registered engineers, Certified Installers, and approved homeowners.
All septic systems in Alaska are subject to Alaska Regulations 18 AAC 72.
The state does not license septic professionals through a tiered apprentice-to-master system like some other trades. Instead, Alaska uses a Certified Installer designation issued directly by the ADEC Division of Water. A licensed contractor may also perform septic work when overseen by a registered professional engineer. Homeowners may qualify for a limited Approved Homeowner certification for a single installation on their own property.
The certification system is statewide, though the Municipality of Anchorage and the City of Valdez have additional local requirements that must be met.
Installing a septic system without proper certification or engineering oversight violates 18 AAC 72 and can result in enforcement action, including required repairs, penalties, and system shutdowns by the ADEC.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in this field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Types of Septic Licenses in Alaska
The main septic license in Alaska is the Certified Installer designation. However, a licensed contractor can perform septic system upgrades or septic system installation if the work and system design is overseen by a registered engineer.
In addition, a homeowner can take the DEC’s Approved Homeowner program training course, which certifies them to install one septic system on their own owner-occupied private residence within one year of the date of certification. Before installing the system, the homeowner must properly classify onsite soils within 25 feet of the proposed soil absorption system (including by having a registered engineer evaluate the soils onsite and provide a soils report, if necessary). https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/engineering/homeowners
Certified Installer
Definition: A contractor who has completed DEC training and is certified to install conventional onsite wastewater systems.
Scope of work: May install septic systems for private residences and single-service connection systems serving small commercial facilities generating less than 500 gallons per day of domestic wastewater.
Supervision rules: Works independently on conventional systems. Systems that serve more than one lot or building not under the same ownership, have a design flow greater than 2,500 gallons per day, or receive non-domestic wastewater require prior department plan approval with submittals sealed by a registered engineer (e.g., 18 AAC 72.515). 18 AAC 72.515
Prerequisites: Must hold a current general, excavation, or water and sewer contractor's license; or be working under another's license; or be employed by a government or health corporation. Must also have a copy of the applicable license on file with the DEC.
Exam requirement: Yes — must pass a written exam administered by the DEC after completing the required training course.
Limitations: Cannot install alternative or engineered systems without engineer oversight. Certification is valid for two years and must be renewed through a refresher course and exam.
Experience and education requirements: There is no minimum age, education level, or years-of-experience requirement specified by the DEC for the Certified Installer designation itself. However, you must already hold a current general, excavation, or water and sewer contractor's license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing—or be working under another's license, or employed by a government or health corporation. Obtaining the underlying contractor's license has its own requirements, including insurance and a surety bond.
Progression path: Once certified, a Certified Installer may work independently on conventional systems. To expand into engineered or alternative systems, you would work under a registered professional engineer's oversight. Growing your career further, you can start your own septic business as a licensed contractor.
Licensed Contractor Under Engineer Oversight
Definition: A licensed contractor who performs septic system installation or upgrades where the work and system design are overseen by a professional engineer registered in Alaska.
Scope of work: May install engineered systems, alternative systems, and any system that exceeds the Certified Installer scope, including systems serving multiple buildings or those with flows exceeding 500 gallons per day.
Supervision rules: All work and design must be overseen by the registered engineer, who is responsible for completion of required paperwork and certification that the installation meets requirements.
Prerequisites: Must hold a valid Alaska contractor's license. The overseeing engineer must be registered in the State of Alaska.
Exam requirement: No separate DEC septic exam required, but must hold a valid contractor license.
Limitations: Cannot perform septic work independently without engineer oversight unless also certified as a Certified Installer.
Experience and education requirements: No separate DEC experience or education requirements apply beyond holding a valid Alaska contractor's license. The contractor's license itself is issued by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing and carries its own insurance and bonding requirements.
Progression path: A licensed contractor working under engineer oversight may choose to obtain the Certified Installer designation by completing the DEC training course and passing the exam, which would allow independent work on conventional septic systems without engineer supervision.
Approved Homeowner
Definition: A property owner who has completed the DEC homeowner training program and is authorized to install one conventional septic system on their own owner-occupied private residence.
Scope of work: Limited to one installation on the homeowner's own private residence within a one-year period of completing the training.
Supervision rules: Must hire a professional engineer to evaluate soils within 25 feet of the proposed system before beginning design and excavation, and must submit a Documentation of Construction form and photographs to the DEC within 90 days of construction.
Prerequisites: Must complete the DEC interactive training course and pass the test. Must pay the training fee.
Exam requirement: Yes — must pass the test provided with the DEC training course. If an engineer provides oversight of the entire design and installation, the test is not required.
Limitations: Certification is valid for one year only and is limited to one installation on the homeowner's own property. Cannot install systems for others or for commercial use. Only conventional systems can be installed — alternative systems require a Certified Installer or engineer.
Experience and education requirements: No prior experience or formal education is required. The homeowner must complete the DEC interactive training course and pass the included test.
Progression path: The Approved Homeowner designation is a one-time, single-project certification valid for one year. It does not lead to a professional credential. Homeowners who wish to pursue a career in septic installation should obtain a contractor's license and apply for the Certified Installer designation.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Alaska
The steps to become a Certified Installer include the following:
Register for and attend the Certified Installer course, which incurs a $100 tuition fee.
Pass a written examination.
Pay the $850 certification fee to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for a two-year certification period, or two annual installments of $460.
Steps to Work as a Licensed Contractor Under Engineer Oversight:
Obtain and maintain a valid Alaska contractor's license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Engage a professional engineer who is registered in the State of Alaska to design the system and oversee the installation.
The registered engineer is responsible for completion of all required paperwork and certification that the installation meets 18 AAC 72 requirements.
Steps to Become an Approved Homeowner:
Complete the DEC interactive training course on installing septic systems.
Pass the test provided with the training course.
Pay the $275 training fee and submit the Confirmation Letter of Completion to the DEC.
Hire a professional engineer to evaluate soils within 25 feet of the proposed system.
Install the conventional septic system on your own owner-occupied private residence within one year of certification.
Submit the Documentation of Construction form and photographs to the DEC within 90 days of completing construction.
You should also verify additional requirements in municipalities. For example, Anchorage requires installers to fill out a permit application that meets municipal code. The permit must be approved by the Development Services On-Site Water and Wastewater Section.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Alaska
There are many benefits to getting your Alaska Certified Installer designation:
Most importantly, certification is required under 18 AAC 72 to legally install conventional onsite wastewater systems in Alaska (18 AAC 72).
A Certified Installer designation is proof of your training, knowledge, and competence in septic system installation.
Only certified professionals can independently install septic systems for residential and small commercial clients without engineer oversight.
Certification enables you to submit Documentation of Construction forms directly to the DEC, streamlining project completion.
Having certification protects your clients and their property by ensuring systems are installed to code and protective of public health and the environment.
Certification gives you a competitive advantage when bidding on septic installation work and can lead to higher earning potential.
It establishes credibility with homeowners, real estate professionals, and lending organizations who rely on properly documented septic systems.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Alaska?
The annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in Alaska is $54,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is higher than the national annual mean wage of $52,730 for the same occupation.
Here is a look at the wage distribution for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in Alaska, according to the BLS:
10th percentile: $42,380
25th percentile: $48,960
Median (50th percentile): $49,480
75th percentile: $51,630
90th percentile: $89,070
Nationally, the projected employment growth for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is 8% from 2024 to 2034. In Alaska, the growth rate is projected to be much higher at 17%, which suggests strong upward pressure on wages as demand for qualified professionals outpaces supply.
While the BLS does not break out septic wages by experience level in Alaska, the percentile data can serve as a rough proxy for career-stage earnings:
Entry-level (10th–25th percentile): $42,380–$48,960 per year
Mid-career (50th percentile): $49,480 per year
Experienced (75th–90th percentile): $51,630–$89,070 per year
The significant jump at the 90th percentile—$89,070—reflects the earning potential for experienced septic professionals, particularly those who operate their own businesses or work in Alaska's remote areas where demand is highest and competition is limited.
The meaning of "mean wage" and "median salary" can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary depending on where you work within Alaska, your level of experience, additional certifications, and whether you own your own business. Septic professionals in remote areas may command premium rates due to limited competition and challenging logistics. If you choose to start your own septic business, your earning potential increases further as a business owner.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Alaska?
To become a Certified Installer, you must pay the $100 tuition fee for the required course (see DEC course registration) as well as the $850 certification fee (see DEC certified installer), for a total of $950.
Exam fee: The DEC course-registration page lists tuition fees of $100 for Certified Installer attendees and $275 for Approved Homeowners, but it does not state whether the written exam/test is included or whether there is a separate exam fee.
Becoming an Approved Homeowner requires paying a “current fee,” and the DEC page specifies that the current fee for homeowner installers is $275 (DEC).
Note: Separate per-project installation permit fees also apply when installing a system. See the Other Requirements Unique to Alaska section for permit fee details.
Contractor's license: Since Certified Installers must hold a current general, excavation, or water and sewer contractor's license (or work under one), there are separate costs associated with obtaining and maintaining your underlying contractor's license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
Financial assistance: Alaska is one of the service states for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), which provides grants and low-interest loans to qualifying residents for well and septic system work. Check with local workforce development programs and your employer for potential sponsorship or reimbursement of certification costs.
How to Get a Septic License in Alaska
Becoming a Certified Installer in Alaska is straightforward compared to many other trades. There is no multi-year apprenticeship ladder. Instead, the path centers on meeting the prerequisite contractor licensing requirement, completing a training course, and passing an exam.
AGE AND EDUCATION: The DEC does not specify a minimum age or formal education requirement to become a Certified Installer. However, the underlying contractor's license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing requires the applicant to be at least 18 years of age and to hold a current Alaska business license. There is no post-secondary degree requirement for septic certification in Alaska.
PREREQUISITE CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Before you can become a Certified Installer, you must have a current general, excavation, or water and sewer contractor's license, be working under another's contractor license, or be employed by a government entity or health corporation. According to the ADEC, the individual must have on file with DEC a copy of their current contractor's license prior to certification. If you are working under another's license, the DEC requires a copy of that license and a letter from the licensed contractor indicating employment. If employed by a government or health corporation, the DEC requires a letter confirming employment.
TRAINING COURSE: You must register for and attend the Certified Installer course held by the DEC. The course is a combination of live online instructor-led training sessions and self-learning modules. According to the DEC course registration page, students are required to review the Onsite Wastewater System Installation Manual (OWSIM) Technical Guidance and Approved Best Management Practices prior to class. Registration is mandatory five business days prior to class start.
EXAM: After completing the training course, you must pass a written examination administered by the DEC. The exam covers the course learning material and the OWSIM manual.
BACKGROUND CHECK: The DEC Certified Installer application does not require a fingerprint-based criminal background check. However, the underlying Alaska contractor's license application through the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing does require criminal history disclosure on the application, and the division reviews criminal history and prior disciplinary actions.
CERTIFICATION FEE: After passing the exam, you must pay the $850 certification fee for a two-year certification period, or two annual installments of $460.
POST-INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS: After completion of an onsite installation, Certified Installers must submit construction details to the DEC within 90 days.
CONTRACTOR-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: If you plan to operate your own septic business, you will need to maintain your underlying contractor's license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing and meet any applicable insurance and business registration requirements.
OTHER CREDENTIAL PATHS: If you do not intend to become a Certified Installer, you may perform septic work as a licensed contractor under the oversight of a registered professional engineer (see Types of Septic Licenses in Alaska). Homeowners wishing to install a system on their own property can follow the Approved Homeowner pathway described in the Steps section above.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic Contractors License in Alaska?
According to the DEC course registration page, the Certified Installer course includes two live online instructor-led training sessions Tuesday and Wednesday March 17–18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. AKST, plus one required live online instructor-led training session Thursday March 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. AKST.
You must also complete four self-learning modules and pass a written examination.
For the 2026 Certified Installer course, the DEC has scheduled two live online instructor-led training sessions on March 17–18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. AKST, for initial certification candidates, and added a new in-person summer soils course. The Department will conditionally certify new installers until the in-person soils course can be reasonably expected to be completed.
End-to-end timeline including the prerequisite license: If you do not already hold a contractor's license, you will need to factor in the time to obtain one through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. You will also need to secure insurance and a surety bond before the license is issued. Therefore, a realistic end-to-end timeline for someone starting from scratch could span several months, accounting for contractor license processing, DEC course scheduling, and exam completion.
Other credential paths: The Licensed Contractor Under Engineer Oversight path has no separate DEC training or exam timeline—once you hold a valid contractor's license and engage a registered engineer, you can begin work immediately on engineered systems. The Approved Homeowner training is self-paced using the DEC's interactive training course and can be completed relatively quickly, with certification valid for one year from the date of completion.
Overall, the path from start to certification can be completed in as little as a few weeks, assuming you already hold the prerequisite contractor's license and can attend the next scheduled course session. This is significantly faster than trades like HVAC or plumbing, which often require multi-year apprenticeships.
The great news is that once certified, you can begin working on septic installations immediately. As you gain experience and build a client base, your earning potential increases. With your Certified Installer designation, you can grow your own septic business, take on more projects, and expand your services.
Alaska Septic Training Programs and Schools
The required Certified Installer course is held by the DEC. Information about the course, including dates, times, and how to register, is available online.
Unlike many other trades, Alaska does not require a multi-year apprenticeship or post-secondary degree for septic certification. The DEC Certified Installer course is the primary and required training pathway.
Course Format: According to the DEC, the Certified Installer course is a combination of live online instructor-led training sessions and self-learning modules. For 2026, the initial certification curriculum includes two live online sessions on March 17–18, self-learning modules, and a new in-person summer soils course focusing on percolation tests and field methodologies. Access to live training sessions can be made available at DEC offices in Fairbanks, Wasilla, Anchorage, Soldotna, and Juneau upon request at least one week in advance.
Refresher Course: Current Certified Installers or those certified within the last two years take a shorter refresher curriculum that includes one live online session and optional self-learning modules.
Approved Homeowner Training: The Approved Homeowner program uses a separate interactive training course that covers conventional septic system installation basics and includes a test.
Prerequisites: Those who intend to become Certified Installers must be a licensed general or specialty contractor as described in 18 AAC 72.405(a) or provide proof of employment under a licensed contractor.
Tuition: The Certified Installer course tuition is $100. The Approved Homeowner course training fee is $275. (18 AAC 72.954)
On-the-Job Expectations: Septic installation work in Alaska can be physically demanding and often involves working in remote areas with challenging soil conditions, permafrost, and extreme weather. Good mechanical ability, attention to detail, and familiarity with local soil and groundwater conditions are essential.
Community Colleges and Trade Schools: Unlike many other trades in Alaska, there are no community college or vocational school programs specifically dedicated to septic system installation. The DEC Certified Installer course is the sole required and recognized training pathway for septic certification. Alaska's community colleges and the University of Alaska system do not currently offer septic-specific degree or certificate programs.
Union and Non-Union Programs: There are no union-based apprenticeship programs specific to septic installation in Alaska. The Certified Installer designation is a non-apprenticeship credential earned through the DEC course. However, some septic contractors may be members of broader construction trade unions or associations that could offer supplemental training.
Accreditation: The DEC Certified Installer course is not accredited by a third-party educational accrediting body—it is developed and administered directly by a state regulatory agency, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. The certification it confers is a regulatory credential recognized statewide under 18 AAC 72.
You can also supplement your training with courses from national organizations such as the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) Installer Academy Online.
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Alaska Septic Licensing Exam Details
After completing the required course, installers must pass a written exam through the DEC. The exam covers course learning and the Onsite Wastewater System Installation Manual (OWSIM) Technical Guidance and Approved Best Management Practices.
Administering body: The exam is administered by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Water.
Format: The exam is a written examination. Candidates should be prepared to reference the Onsite Wastewater System Installation Manual (OWSIM) Technical Guidance and Approved Best Management Practices, which is the primary reference material for the exam.
Testing locations: The exam is administered in conjunction with the Certified Installer course, which is delivered as a live online session via Microsoft Teams. Upon request in advance, access to the live training sessions—and the exam—can be made available at DEC offices in Fairbanks, Wasilla, Anchorage, Soldotna, and Juneau.
Passing score: The DEC does not publicly disclose a specific passing score percentage for the Certified Installer exam. Contact the DEC directly or your course instructor for details on the grading threshold.
Open/closed book: The DEC does not explicitly state whether the exam is open or closed book in its public materials. Candidates are required to study the Onsite Wastewater System Installation Manual (OWSIM) and 18 AAC 72 prior to the exam. Contact the DEC at 907-451-2109 or Tony.Sonoda@alaska.gov for exam-day reference material rules.
Fees: There is no separate exam fee. The exam is included as part of the $100 Certified Installer course tuition. The $850 certification fee is paid after passing the exam.
Scheduling: The exam is administered in conjunction with the Certified Installer course. Candidates must register for the course at least five business days prior to the class start date through the DEC course registration process.
Renewal exam: Certified Installers must attend the class and pass the examination every two years; the written examination may be exempted if the installer submits all documentation, installed systems are in conformance with the standards, and they completed at least 0.4 continuing education units (or five professional hours) directly related to drinking water or wastewater systems (exempt installers must still attend the course). Source.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Alaska?
The best way to prepare for the Certified Installer exam is to thoroughly study the required reference materials and attend the full DEC training course. Here are some preparation tips:
Reference Materials: According to the DEC, students are required to review the Onsite Wastewater System Installation Manual (OWSIM) Technical Guidance and Approved Best Management Practices prior to class. Manuals are available for download from the DEC website or by pickup from any DEC office.
Key Subject Areas: The exam covers topics from the training course and the OWSIM, which include:
Conventional onsite disposal system design and components
Soil evaluation and percolation testing
Separation distance requirements
Installation standards and construction methods
Regulatory requirements under 18 AAC 72
Documentation of construction requirements
System decommissioning procedures
Exam Length and Format: The DEC does not publicly disclose the exact number of questions or time limit for the Certified Installer written exam. Based on DEC course materials, the exam is a written test that is made available after the final live training session, and candidates must submit it by a stated deadline. The exam covers the course learning material and the OWSIM manual content.
Testing Rules: The DEC has not published a detailed testing-rules document similar to those used by third-party exam providers. Candidates should clarify the following directly with the DEC or their course instructor before exam day:
Whether the exam is open-book or closed-book
What reference materials, if any, may be used during the exam
Whether electronic devices are permitted
The deadline for submitting the completed exam
For specific questions about exam logistics, contact the DEC's Engineering Support and Plan Review section at 907-451-2109 or by email at Tony.Sonoda@alaska.gov (DEC Certified Installer page).
Study Tips:
Read the OWSIM manual carefully before attending the course — do not wait until after the live sessions to begin studying.
Complete all self-learning modules and take notes on key concepts.
Pay close attention during the live instructor-led sessions and ask questions.
Familiarize yourself with the separation distance requirements and system sizing calculations in 18 AAC 72.
Get plenty of rest the night before the exam.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Alaska?
Licensing for septic installers in Alaska falls under the authority of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water. The Division of Water has all the information you need on its website, at dec.alaska.gov, including requirements for certification and a registration form.
Certified Installers may install septic systems throughout most of the state, though the municipality of Anchorage, as well as Valdez, mandate city requirements. The Certified Installer designation enables the holder to install septic systems for private residences and single-service connection systems that serve small commercial facilities that generate less than 500 gallons per day of domestic wastewater.
Does My Alaska Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No, your Alaska Certified Installer designation does not automatically transfer to any other state. Septic licensing and certification requirements vary significantly from state to state. If you want to perform septic work in another state, you will need to apply for that state's license or certification following its own rules.
Some states may consider your Alaska training, exam history, and experience when evaluating your application. However, you should expect to meet each state's individual requirements. For a comprehensive look at septic licensing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, visit the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Alaska?
Partial reciprocity. Alaska does not have blanket reciprocity agreements with any specific states for septic installer certification. However, the state does consider reciprocity with operators from other states on a case-by-case basis.
According to the ADEC, the factors considered include:
The experience and education requirements of the certification you hold in your current state
The exam you passed to obtain that certification
Your overall education and operator experience
If you hold a septic-related certification from another state and wish to obtain Alaska's Certified Installer designation, contact the ADEC Division of Water directly to discuss your qualifications. Be prepared to provide documentation of your training, exam results, and work history.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Successful completion of NAWT training earns a Certificate of Completion that is renewed by obtaining a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing education credit hours within the two-year certification period.
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offers:
Installer Academy Online: Self-paced online courses providing a foundation in onsite wastewater systems, with personalized Certificates of Completion that can be used as continuing education documentation.
Mega-Conference: An annual multi-day conference with technical education sessions covering regulation, policy, installation, and case studies.
Emerging Professionals Scholarships: NOWRA awards scholarships to individuals entering or advancing in the onsite wastewater field.
You can also learn more about certification-related training in Alaska through an industry association such as the Alaska Water Wastewater Management Association (https://awwma.org/).
Other Requirements Unique to Alaska
Alaska has several unique requirements and considerations for septic system work that set it apart from other states:
Municipality of Anchorage: The Municipality of Anchorage’s codes, policies, and guidelines apply to private well and septic systems serving up to two dwelling units within the Municipality of Anchorage. Anchorage requires installers to obtain a separate permit through the Development Services On-Site Water and Wastewater Section. A registered civil engineer must submit the system design, soils, and site information with the permit application. Anchorage also requires a Certificate of On-Site Adequacy (COSA) prior to the transfer of ownership for homes with septic systems.
City of Valdez: The City of Valdez has additional local requirements beyond the statewide DEC regulations. Contact the city directly if you plan to construct a system in this area.
Installation permit fees: According to the ADEC permit fee schedule, a conventional system that does not require plan approval costs $115 in permit fees, while a system requiring plan review up to 1,500 gallons per day costs $655 (Permit Fees - Effective October 1, 2023).
Permafrost and environmental considerations: Alaska's unique geography, including permafrost conditions, high groundwater, remote locations, and earthquake risks, can affect septic system design and installation. Areas with difficult site conditions that cannot support a conventional system may require an alternative onsite disposal system designed by an engineer with DEC plan approval.
Prior-day notice of installation: Approved Homeowners must submit a prior day notice of installation to the local DEC office before beginning work (DEC).
Documentation of Construction: A "Certification of Construction" must be completed and submitted to the Department within ninety (90) days of completion of construction.
Contractor licensing: Certified Installer certification is separate from your underlying contractor's license. You must maintain both your contractor's license through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing and your Certified Installer designation through the DEC.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Alaska?
There are no widely publicized scholarship programs specifically for septic installer training in Alaska. However, there are several broader workforce and trades scholarship opportunities that may apply:
The Alaska Water Wastewater Management Association (AWWMA) is a state industry association that may offer professional development assistance or networking for wastewater professionals. Check their website for current offerings.
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) awards Emerging Professionals Scholarships for individuals entering or advancing in the onsite wastewater industry.
Check the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development for current grant opportunities through its Grant Awards and related training programs.
Since the $100 Certified Installer course tuition and $850 certification fee are relatively modest, some employers may cover them as part of onboarding or professional development. Ask your employer or prospective employer about sponsorship or reimbursement.
No widely publicized community foundation or local scholarship programs specifically for septic installer training were identified in Alaska. However, check with local community foundations in your area—particularly in rural communities where septic systems are common—as small trade-focused scholarships may be available seasonally.
General Application Steps: While each scholarship program has its own process, the general steps for applying to trade and workforce scholarships include:
Identify programs you may qualify for from the list above and review each program's eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Prepare required documentation, which may include proof of enrollment in a training program, a resume or work history, and a letter of recommendation.
Complete and submit the application by the stated deadline, following all instructions carefully.
Follow up with the awarding organization if you do not receive a response within the stated notification period.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Alaska?
Clients, employers, and other parties can verify your Certified Installer status through the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's online tools.
Visit the DEC Online Services page at dec.alaska.gov.
Navigate to the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), which contains records for onsite wastewater disposal systems and certified installer certificates.
Use the search function to look up installer information by name or facility.
Alternatively, anyone can contact their local DEC office directly to inquire about the certification status of a specific Certified Installer.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Alaska?
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation can take action against a Certified Installer's certification. While the specific grounds for suspension are determined by the DEC under its regulatory authority, common reasons that may put a certification at risk include:
Failure to attend the required refresher course and pass the exam every two years
Installing systems that do not comply with the regulations under 18 AAC 72
Failure to submit required Documentation of Construction forms within 90 days of installation
Performing work outside the authorized scope of the Certified Installer designation
Allowing the underlying contractor's license to lapse
Fraudulent or deceptive practices
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Alaska septic regulations, refer to the official Alaska Administrative Code 18 AAC 72 and contact the ADEC directly.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Alaska?
Installing a conventional onsite wastewater (septic) system in Alaska without proper certification or required engineer oversight violates 18 AAC 72; specifically, a person may not construct/install/modify a conventional onsite wastewater system unless certified under 18 AAC 72.405 or approved under 18 AAC 72.410, and some systems require work be completed to a registered engineer’s design with engineer inspection under 18 AAC 72.511.See 18 AAC 72.
Installing a non-compliant system can result in enforcement action by the ADEC, including:
Required removal or repair of non-compliant installations at the owner's expense
Administrative penalties assessed by the Department
Notices of violation and compliance orders
Potential referral for further enforcement action
Criminal penalties: The ADEC has an Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU) that investigates cases where environmentally harmful conduct rises to the level of criminal negligence. While routine septic violations are typically handled through administrative and civil enforcement, conduct involving fraud, false statements to the DEC, or actions that cause significant harm to public health or the environment may be referred for criminal investigation and prosecution.
Injunctive relief: Under Alaska's environmental statutes, the ADEC and the Alaska Department of Law have the authority to seek court orders—including injunctions—to stop ongoing violations and require corrective action. A court may order a person to cease all unpermitted septic installation work, either temporarily or permanently, pending compliance with 18 AAC 72.
The ADEC has the authority to assess administrative penalties considering factors such as the effect of the violation on public health and the environment, the economic savings realized by non-compliance, any previous compliance history, and the seriousness of the violation.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed information about penalties and enforcement, refer to the official Alaska Administrative Code 18 AAC 72 and Alaska environmental statutes.
Continuing Education
Yes, Certified Installer licenses must be renewed every two years. According to the ADEC, to remain certified an individual must attend the class and pass the examination every two years.
Renewal Requirements:
Refresher course: All Certified Installers must attend the DEC refresher course at each two-year renewal cycle. The refresher curriculum includes one live online instructor-led training session plus optional self-learning modules.
Exam: Installers must attend the class and pass the examination every two years; the written examination may be exempted if the installer submits all documentation, installed systems are in conformance with the standards, and they completed at least 0.4 continuing education units (or five professional hours) directly related to drinking water or wastewater systems (exempt installers must still attend the course). Source.
In-person soils course: For the 2026 Certified Installer course, every installer will need to take the new in-person soils course at least once (DEC course registration).
Certification fee: The $850 certification fee (or two annual installments of $460) is paid for a two-year certification period when initially seeking certification; to remain certified, installers must attend the class and pass the examination every two years, with no additional fee for renewal stated on the page.
Grace period: The DEC does not publicly specify a formal grace period or late-renewal window for Certified Installer certification. If your certification lapses, you may need to retake the full initial Certified Installer course rather than the shorter refresher course. Contact the DEC directly if your certification has expired to determine the steps needed to reinstate it.
Course approval: The DEC refresher course is the only renewal training recognized for maintaining Certified Installer status. Unlike some other trades in Alaska, there is no menu of third-party approved continuing education providers. All renewal training must be completed through the DEC's scheduled courses. Supplemental training from organizations like the NAWT or NOWRA can enhance your skills but does not substitute for the required DEC refresher course.
Renewal Process: Contact the DEC to register for the next scheduled refresher course. After completing the course and passing the exam, or qualifying for the exam opt-out, submit your certification fee to maintain active status.
Approved Homeowner: The DEC Approved Homeowner program certification allows you to install one septic system on your owner-occupied private residence within one year of the date of certification.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Alaska, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
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