Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Massachusetts
Septic, MA
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Massachusetts?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Massachusetts?
Septic License Requirements in Massachusetts
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 a Massachusetts Septage Management Study, prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, about 28% of Massachusetts’s population relies on on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), or septic systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Massachusetts employs 330 of them. The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2022 to 2033, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In the state of Massachusetts, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 15% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
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 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) oversees Massachusetts Title V rules, which specify how to install, use, and maintain septic systems while protecting public health and water quality.
MassDEP issues certifications for Soil Evaluators and Septic System Inspectors. Septic system design, installer, and hauler licenses are issued by local boards of health and health departments. For example, the Septic System Installers license in Sutton, Massachusetts, is issued by the Board of Health.
Be sure to check all local regulations in the cities you intend to work.
Types of Septic Licenses in Massachusetts
The state oversees two types of septic certifications:
System Inspector: Ensures a septic system is running efficiently and has been properly maintained. Title 5 septic system inspections are required each time ownership is transferred.
Soil Evaluator: When new construction is needed, ensures a homeowner selects a septic system best suited to the soil conditions at the property.
In addition, many municipalities require a Septic System Installer for new septic systems or Hauler license for pumping sewage disposal.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Massachusetts
To obtain a System Inspector or Soil Evaluator license, follow these steps:
Meet eligibility requirements.
For System Inspector, it includes being a:
Board of Health member or agent with at least one year of experience
Engineer in Training
Professional Home Inspector
Licensed Septic Installer or Hauler
Apprentice with at least one year of septic experience
Registered Professional Engineer with concentration in environmental, civil, or sanitary engineer
Certified Health Officer
Registered Sanitarian
For Soil Evaluator, it includes being a:
Registered Professional Engineer with concentration in environmental, civil, or sanitary engineering
Certified Health Officer
Registered Sanitarian
Registered Land Surveyor
Engineer in Training with concentration in environmental, civil, or sanitary engineering
Board of Health member or agent
Department of Environmental Protection employee
Holder of a bachelor’s or advanced degree in soil or geological science
Holder of at least 15 credits in soil science courses
Email title5@neiwpcc.org to register for the required course.
Complete the required course through the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC).
Pass an exam.
To obtain a Septic System Installer license in Sutton, follow these steps:
Obtain at least one year of experience working under a licensed installer in any Massachusetts town.
Pass the Title 5 Installers exam given by an Agent for the Sutton Board of Health.
Submit application and pay $240 fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Massachusetts?
The cost for the required Soil Evaluator course is $1,050 for private businesses, or $800 if you work for a municipality.
The System Inspector course is $250. Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineers, Certified Health Officers, and Registered Sanitarians are not required to take the System Inspector course and examination,, but must submit the pre-approval application form along with eligibility proof and a $100 application fee.
The cost for municipal licenses depend on the city or town. In Sutton, there’s a $240 application fee to become a Septic Installer.
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.
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 Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Massachusetts?
The courses to become a System Inspector or Soil Evaluator are offered twice a year and fill up quickly, so the time it takes to achieve certification varies based on class availability and schedules.
The time it takes to receive a local license depends on the municipality. In Sutton, you need a year of experience before you can apply to become an Installer.
Massachusetts Septic Training Programs and Schools
NEIWPCC offers Title 5 System Inspector and Soil Evaluator certification classes and exams. In addition, the New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program (NEOWTP) provides classroom and field training for a variety of wastewater professionals.
Massachusetts Septic Licensing Exam Details
There is an exam required for Soil Evaluators and System Inspectors, which is administered by the NEIWPCC. Many municipalities, such as Sutton, require exams for Installer licenses.
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Do I Need to Renew My Massachusetts Septic License?
Yes, System Inspectors and Soil Evaluators must renew their licenses every three years. The renewal fee is $100. The Sutton Installer license must be renewed annually for a $240 fee.
Does Massachusetts Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Massachusetts does not offer reciprocity to other states for septic licensing.
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.
Continuing Education
Soil Evaluators and System Inspectors aren’t required to complete continuing education the first time they renew their certification, but must complete 10 training contact hours (TCH) for every renewal period after.
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 Massachusetts, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
