Licensing Guides
Maine Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Maine
Septic, ME
September 21st, 2026
Table of Contents
Septic License Requirements in Maine
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.
According to the EPA, New England states have the highest proportion of homes served by septic systems. Maine reports that about 50% of all homes are served by individual systems.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Maine employs about 160 of them.
Nationally, employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,900 job openings each year. In Maine, the outlook is flatter, with a projected 6% decline from 2022 to 2032 according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website. Even so, an aging workforce and steady demand for on-site wastewater systems mean openings continue to appear for skilled site evaluators, installers, and inspectors.
If you're thinking about starting a septic business or working in the 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 Maine
There are two voluntary certifications for septic professionals:
Septic Installer
Septic Inspector
In addition, there's a required Site Evaluator license for septic system design. Here is how the three credentials compare:
Site Evaluator (license required) — Designs subsurface wastewater disposal systems to the specifications in the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules (10-144 CMR Ch. 241). Requires qualifying education or experience and passing a written and field exam. This is the only septic credential Maine legally requires.
Certified Installer (voluntary) — Installs systems according to the Site Evaluator's HHE-200 design. Certified installers may also perform the bottom-of-bed inspection with the agreement of the Local Plumbing Inspector. No state exam is required for certification.
Certified Septic System Inspector (voluntary) — Inspects existing systems. Certification requires a current national certification plus a passing grade on the state's open-book exam, per Sections 15 through 17 of the Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Licensing and Certification program.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Maine
The steps to obtain a Voluntary Onsite Wastewater Disposal System Installer or Inspector certification include:
Attend an all-day Basic System Installation Training Session conducted by the Subsurface Wastewater Program.
Submit two completed HHE-200 Forms (wastewater disposal system designs) that were permitted and approved by the local plumbing inspector or code enforcement officer.
Fill out the certification application available from the Maine CDC.
The steps to obtain a Site Evaluator license include:
Meet one of the following education and experience requirements:Have 45 or more college credit hours in engineering, geology, pedology, GIS, or a similar discipline from an accredited college or university and 12 months of site evaluation work experience.Have a high school diploma or its equivalent and four years of site evaluation work experience.
Fill out an application, which requires three references, one of whom must be a licensed Site Evaluator.
Pass the written and field portions of the required exam. The Maine CDC charges $25 for the written portion and $75 for the field portion.
Pay the $100 license fee, which covers a two-year period.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Maine
Earning a Site Evaluator license or a voluntary installer or inspector certification signals that you can be trusted with a job that protects public health and Maine's water quality. The advantages include:
Legal authority to design subsurface wastewater systems, which only licensed Site Evaluators may do in Maine.
Proof of skill and experience that helps you win work and stand out to clients and municipalities.
Eligibility to be listed on the state's public roster of licensed and certified professionals, making it easier for homeowners to find you.
The ability to grow or advertise a septic business built on a recognized credential.
Higher earning potential as you move from installation into design and evaluation work.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Maine?
Nationally, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners earn a mean annual wage of $53,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Maine, the median wage for the occupation is about $48,320 per year, with most workers earning between $36,930 and $59,260 depending on experience and role. The mean is the average of all wages, while the median is the midpoint, half of workers earn more and half earn less, so the median often better reflects what a typical worker takes home.
Pay tends to rise with experience, certifications, and the shift from installation into design work as a licensed Site Evaluator. Business ownership and location within the state also affect earnings.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, 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.
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 Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Maine?
There is no cost to join the voluntary certification program for septic installers and inspectors in Maine. For the Site Evaluator license, the Maine CDC charges $25 for the written exam and $75 for the field exam, plus a $100 license fee for each two-year period. There will also be permit fees for each treatment system design, which are set by the municipality where the system is installed.
How to Get a Septic License in Maine
Most people enter the field as an installer, learning on the job before moving into design work. To become a licensed Site Evaluator, you first meet one of two qualification paths: 45 or more college credit hours in engineering, geology, pedology, GIS, or a similar discipline plus 12 months of site evaluation experience, or a high school diploma plus four years of site evaluation experience.
You then submit the Site Evaluator exam application with three references, one of whom must be a licensed Site Evaluator, and pay the exam fees at least 30 days before the exam date. After passing both the written and field portions, the Department issues your license. Voluntary installer and inspector certifications follow a simpler path: complete the required training, submit qualifying work, and file the certification application.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Maine?
The time it takes to receive a voluntary certificate in Maine varies. You need to take an all-day training class and submit evidence of two completed installation projects.
For a Site Evaluator license, you must meet one of the following requirements:
Have 45 or more college credit hours in engineering, geology, pedology, GIS, or a similar discipline from an accredited college or university and 12 months of site evaluation work experience.
Be a high school graduate or its equivalent and have four years of site evaluation work experience.
Maine Septic Training Programs and Schools
Applicants for Installer or Inspector certifications must attend an all-day Basic System Installation Training Session conducted by the Subsurface Wastewater Program.
Site Evaluators can obtain undergraduate degrees in engineering, geology, pedology, or related disciplines. Options with these degree types include:
Bates College in Lewiston
Bowdoin College in Brunswick
Colby College in Waterville
Maine Septic Licensing Exam Details
There is no required exam for voluntary Septic Installer or Inspector certification in the state of Maine. For Site Evaluators, an exam is required. The examination consists of written and field portions focused on the principles and practices of site evaluation, including soil types, soil tests, public health, leach fields, and subsurface wastewater disposal rules.
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How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Maine?
The Site Evaluator written exam covers three areas: rule requirements, soils, and system design. Your primary study reference is the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules (10-144 CMR Ch. 241), and a copy of the current Rules may be used as a reference during the written exam. No cellphones or other materials are allowed.
The field portion tests your ability to identify soils by parent material, texture, drainage, and depth to limiting factors. A score of 70 is required to pass each portion, and applicants have 24 months to pass both. Spend time in the field practicing soil classification and work through the Rules section by section so you can locate design criteria quickly.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Maine?
While Maine does not require a license to install or inspect septic systems, there is a voluntary certification program administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Non-point Source Training and Resource Center and the Division of Health Engineering for septic system installation and septic system inspection.
To design new septic systems, a Site Evaluator license is required from the Maine Department Of Health And Human Services Center For Disease Control & Prevention Division Of Environmental Health.
Does My Maine Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. A Maine Site Evaluator license authorizes work only in Maine. Because states regulate on-site wastewater systems differently, a Maine credential does not automatically transfer, and you would need to apply for the appropriate license or certification in any other state where you plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Maine?
Maine has no reciprocity agreements for septic professionals. There is no formal path to convert an out-of-state license or certification into a Maine Site Evaluator license. Applicants from other states must meet Maine's education or experience qualifications and pass the state's written and field Site Evaluator exams like any other candidate.
Septic-Specific Requirements in Maine
Septic work in Maine centers on the Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules (10-144 CMR Ch. 241), which govern the siting, design, construction, and inspection of on-site systems. Every new or replacement system starts with a licensed Site Evaluator preparing an HHE-200 design form, which the Local Plumbing Inspector reviews before issuing a disposal system permit. The 2023 revisions to the Rules added requirements such as watertight risers to finish grade on septic, dosing, and holding tanks, so working from the current version of the Rules is essential.
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.
Other Requirements Unique to Maine
Maine licenses system design at the state level through the Maine CDC, but permitting and enforcement happen locally. The Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI) in each municipality receives permit applications, issues disposal system permits, and inspects installations. Permit fees are set by the municipality, and in unorganized townships the Land Use Planning Commission and the State Fire Marshal's Office oversee LPI functions. Plan for local approval as a distinct step from your state credential.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Maine?
Maine does not offer a scholarship dedicated specifically to septic or site-evaluation careers. Aspiring professionals can still lower their costs through the financial aid and workforce-training funds available at the Maine Community College System, which offers programs in environmental and construction-related fields. At the system level, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection runs the Small Community Grant Program, which helps towns replace malfunctioning septic systems, funding that supports the work septic professionals perform even though it is not a student scholarship.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Maine?
Anyone can confirm a credential through the Maine CDC's Subsurface Wastewater program, which publishes public rosters of active professionals. To verify a credential:
Go to the Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Licensing and Certification page.
Open the relevant roster: the List of Licensed Site Evaluators, the List of Certified System Installers, or the List of Certified Septic System Inspectors.
Match the professional's name and license number, and check the listed expiration date to confirm the credential is current.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Maine?
A Site Evaluator license can lapse or be lost for reasons that typically include failing to complete required continuing education, not renewing on time, or conduct the Department finds unacceptable. Under the Maine CDC's rules, a Site Evaluator may not perform site evaluations with an expired license, and failing to renew after the two-year grace period requires passing the exam again. This information is general and is not legal advice, contact the Maine CDC Subsurface Wastewater Unit for guidance on a specific situation.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Maine?
Designing or installing a subsurface wastewater system outside the Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules is a violation, and only a licensed Site Evaluator may prepare a system design. Enforcement sits primarily with municipalities and Local Plumbing Inspectors, who can issue orders to remedy malfunctioning or non-compliant systems. Under Maine statute (30-A MRS § 3428), a municipality may even install or correct a system on a private site and recover the cost through a special tax assessment or civil complaint. This information is general and is not legal advice, consult the Maine CDC or your municipality for the requirements that apply to your project.
Do I Need to Renew My Maine Septic License?
Yes. Voluntary installer certifications are valid for five years and renew with proof of six hours of subsurface wastewater related training, while voluntary inspector certifications are valid for three years and renew with 12 hours of training, submitted to the Division of Environmental Health.
Site Evaluator licenses must be renewed by March 1 of odd-numbered years for a $100 fee.
Continuing Education
Certified installers must complete six hours of subsurface wastewater related training every five years, while certified inspectors must complete 12 hours every three years. Site Evaluators need 12 professional development hours each two-year license period through approved training providers.
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, electrical, or general contractor license in Maine, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
