Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Nebraska
Septic, NE
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Septic License Requirements in Nebraska
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.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources reports 25% of the state’s population is served by onsite wastewater systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic system servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Nebraska employs 100 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 Nebraska, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is more than double the national rate at 17% 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 Nebraska.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Contractors Certification and System Registration Act (Onsite Act) requires that anyone doing work associated with onsite wastewater systems be certified. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Onsite Wastewater Program oversees certification for onsite professionals of septic systems and lagoons.
According to its website, the Nebraska Onsite Wastewater Program “administers regulations meant to protect surface water and groundwater as well as public health and welfare through the use of standardized design requirements, the certification of onsite professionals, the review of plans for subdivision development and the permitting of systems that because of large size, handling of non-domestic wastes, or siting issues require a site specific evaluation.”
Types of Septic Licenses in Nebraska
There are six categories for onsite professionals:
Journeyman Installer: Required for septic system installation under the supervision of a Master Installer.
Master Installer: Required to independently design, install, alter, repair, and oversee the installation of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
Soil Evaluator: Required for the assessment of soil properties and site conditions to determine their suitability for onsite wastewater treatment (OWT) systems.
Inspector: Required for evaluating the installation, operation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
Journeyman Pumper: Required to perform pumping and basic maintenance of septic tanks under the supervision of a Master Pumper.
Master Pumper: Required to independently perform and oversee the pumping, cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment system tanks.
Professional Engineers and Registered Environmental Health Specialists are also approved to pump, design, and install sewage systems.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Nevada
The certification steps are generally the same regardless of credential type you get through the NDEE, with variations in the exam, exam fee, and certificate fee.
Submit an application.
Submit a Citizen Attestation form.
Pay a $50 exam fee per category you wish to be certified in.
Pay certification fee. If applying for multiple categories, you are only required to pay for one category (whichever has the highest certificate fee).
Pass the exam.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Nebraska?
The cost to obtain a septic certificate in Nebraska is $50 per exam category, plus a certification fee:
Journeyman Installer or Journeyman Pumper: $100
Master Installer, Master Pumper, Soil Evaluator, or Inspector: $300
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 Nebraska?
Since there are no experience or education prerequisites, the time it takes to obtain certification depends on the exam schedule and your ability to pass the exam.
Nebraska Septic Training Programs and Schools
Professional development hours are required for renewal of certifications, and NDEE provides a list of approved conferences and courses on its website, including online courses from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA).
Nebraska Septic Licensing Exam Details
The NDEE hosts exams in-person, in addition to offering limited web-based testing. The exam time period is three hours, and an applicant can take as many exams as time allows during the three-hour period. An 80% or higher is a passing grade. Test takers can bring use a non-programmable non-graphing calculator and a copy of the current Title 124.
Exams cover waste management, state regulations, drainfields, and more.
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Do I Need to Renew My Nebraska Septic License?
Yes, all certificates expire Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is the same as the initial certification:
Journeyman Installer or Journeyman Pumper: $100
Master Installer, Master Pumper, Soil Evaluator, or Inspector: $300
Does Nebraska Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, Nebraska does not offer state-level reciprocity agreements for septic certifications with other states.
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
A certified professional must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education during every two-year certificate period. Approved courses and conferences are listed on the government website (dee.nebraska.gov).
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 Nebraska, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
