Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Indiana
Septic, IN
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Septic License Requirements in Indiana
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 (OSS) disposal systems, depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems. Everyone, in every community, needs those professionals to have the expertise to protect the environment from the inherent contaminants.
More than 800,000 on-site sewage disposal systems are currently used in Indiana, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Local health departments issue more than 15,000 permits per year for new systems, and about 6,000 permits for repairs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Indiana employs 650 of them. The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2023 to 2033, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Indiana, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 10% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a business in this field or you want a job in it, 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.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Indiana?
In Indiana, licensing for septic professionals falls under the individual counties. Many counties, including Marion, Floyd, and Hendricks, accept Installer and Inspector certificates granted by the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professional Association. For Marion and Hendricks counties, the IOWPA is required; in Floyd County, you can become licensed by taking the county exam or the IOWPA exam.
Types of Septic Licenses in Indiana
IOWPA issues two types of certificates:
Installer Certificate: Installers are experienced contractors who install state-approved on-site sewer systems. The installer certificate includes three systems:
Subsurface Trench Gravity Feed Systems (required)
Subsurface Trench Flood Dosed Systems (optional)
Pressure Distribution and Elevated Sand Mounds (optional)
Inspector Certificate: Inspectors may be installers, realtors, home inspectors, environmental health officers, etc.
Since licensing is conducted at the county level, there are many different types of septic licenses in Indiana:
In Monroe County, you can become a registered installer.
Johnson County has Septic Contractors, Registered Soil Scientists, and Septic Well Drillers.
Floyd County offers a Septic Installer license.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Indiana
The steps to obtain a Septic System Installer certificate through IOWPA include:
Complete the application form and submit payment ($232.50 for members; $432.40 for nonmembers).
Once your application is approved, IOWPA will send details on how to schedule an exam through Ivy Tech.
Review the study materials listed here.
Pass the exam and earn your Installer certificate.
The steps to obtain an Inspector certificate through IOWPA include:
Complete the application form and submit payment ($425 for members; $650 for nonmembers).
Complete the in-person classroom training. (Note: There are only two dates per year. Each course is four hours.)
Watch pre-recorded videos of three types of system inspections.
Review previously recorded installer training hosted by Indiana Department of Health and pass a 20-question quiz. (If you have already earned the IOWPA Installer Certificate, this step is not required.)
Perform five on-site inspections as a job shadow.
Complete the inspection alongside an IOWPA inspector.
Take photos and complete the full inspection report for each one.
Send reports to IOWPA for review and feedback.
Take and pass the final exam to receive your certificate.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Indiana
There are many benefits to obtaining a septic certificate or license in Indiana.
First, and most important, it is illegal to operate as a septic professional in most Indiana counties without being licensed or registered.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the industry.
Only licensed professionals can operate a business and advertise and perform septic services.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Indiana?
Costs vary depending on the county and credential type. For an Installer certificate from IOWPA, the application fee is $232.50 for members and $432.50 for nonmembers. A membership is $75 a year for an individual, or $175 for an organization. The testing fee is $67.50 for all three system certifications or $45 for just one or two parts of the exam. The total cost would be $500 at the most.
The Inspector certificate application fee is $425 for members, or $650 for nonmembers.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic professional, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How to Get a Septic License in Indiana
To recap, the process of obtaining a septic license in Indiana varies based on the county. However, many counties accept the certificates granted by IOWPA. These certificates both require an application and an exam. The Inspector certificate also requires class attendance and job shadowing.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Indiana?
The length of time it takes to become a licensed septic provider depends on the credential earned. The IOWPA Installer certificate can be completed relatively quickly, as it only requires an application and exam. However, the Inspector certificate requires in-person sessions, which are offered twice a year.
Indiana Septic Training Programs and Schools
IOWPA hosts the training classes required to be a certified inspector in Indianapolis at their corporate location. Exams can be scheduled through Ivy Tech at multiple locations.
Indiana Septic Licensing Exam Details
Ivy Tech testing locations for their certificate exams include Anderson, Batesville, Bloomington, Columbus, Elkhart County, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis (Downtown), Indianapolis (Lawrence), Kokomo, Lafayette, Lawrenceburg, Logansport, Madison, Marion, Muncie, Plainfield, Richmond, Sellersburg, South Bend, Terre Haute, Valparaiso, and Warsaw.
Part A of the Installer exam (Subsurface Trench Gravity Feed Systems) is 100 questions and has a two-hour time limit. The optional Parts B (Subsurface Trench Flood Dosed Systems) and C (Pressure Distribution and Elevated Sand Mounds) are each 40 questions with a one-hour limit. The exam is open-rule, meaning you may bring a printed copy of the State’s 410 Rule along with any handwritten notes. Test results will be available within a week.
The Inspector exam is offered through Ivy Tech, and can be scheduled on demand once all the other requirements are met. The exam is 125 questions and has a 2.5-hour time limit.
Do I Need to Renew My Indiana Septic License?
The IOWPA Installer and Inspector certificates must be renewed every three years, and require 20 continuing education units (CEUs). For each certificate, member renewal is $25; nonmember renewal is $100.
Indiana Septic License Exceptions
In Indiana, people who remove septage from sewage disposal systems and transport, store, treat, and/or dispose of septage must obtain a septic permit from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management before they begin operations. However, homeowners who clean and service their own residential sewage disposal systems are exempt from requirements to submit a permit application for wastewater disposal.
Does Indiana Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Because there is no state rule or license, there are no reciprocity agreements in place in Indiana.
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. You can also learn more about certification and the septic business in Indiana through the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association.
Other Requirements Unique to Indiana
Indiana has several unique requirements for septic system professionals that may differ from other states. Since licensing is managed at the county level, regulations can vary significantly between counties. For example, some counties may require septic contractors to hold additional local certifications beyond those offered by the IOWPA. Additionally, certain counties may impose specific rules for system types, such as requiring experience with particular soil conditions or terrain.
There are also specific requirements for campgrounds, overseen by the Department of Environmental Public Health, such as “all sewage generated by a campground, including gray water, shall be disposed of via a connection to a public sewer if available within a reasonable distance from the campground.”
Continuing Education
IOWPA certificates require 20 CEUs for renewal, which coordinates with Indiana State Rule 410 IAC 6-8.3. Check their event page for upcoming CEU opportunities.
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 any of the 50 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
