Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in New Mexico
Septic, NM
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
Septic License Requirements in New Mexico
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 while protecting the water supply.
A report from the New Mexico Environment Liquid Waste Program shows approximately 29% of New Mexico residents use on-site sewage systems, including an estimated 215,000 septic tanks and cesspools, 2,400 advanced wastewater treatment systems, and 24,000 privies or other systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and New Mexico employs 140 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 New Mexico, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is much higher, at 21% 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 to become a licensed contractor in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started in New Mexico.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Environment Department issues licenses for septic professionals in the state of New Mexico. NMED regulates wastewater in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Grants.
Types of Septic Licenses in New Mexico
The types of septic licenses in New Mexico are:
Septage Pumper: Authorizes individuals or companies to pump, transport, and dispose of septic waste from residential and commercial septic systems.
Installer Specialist: Required for professionals who install septic systems, including conventional and advanced treatment systems.
Advanced Treatment System (ATS) Maintenance Service Provider: Allows individuals to maintain and service advanced treatment septic systems.
Third-Party Evaluator: Authorizes individuals to inspect and assess septic systems for real estate transactions, property owner compliance, and operational efficiency.
Steps to Get a Septic License in New Mexico
Follow these steps to obtain a Septage Pumper license:
Complete the Vacuum Truck Technician Training (VTT) certification program through the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT).
Submit application.
Pay $30 certificate fee.
Follow these steps to obtain an Installer Specialist license:
Meet prerequisite requirement: Must hold a plumbing (MM-1, MM-98, MS-1) or contractor (MS-3) license from the Construction Industries Division (CID).
Must meet one of the following experience requirements:
Three years of professional experience installing on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
Installed or repaired at least 100 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico in accordance with permits approved by NMED or Bernalillo County
Certified as an installer by a national industry or trade organization and have installed at least 50 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
Complete 16 hours of training credits approved by NMED.
Complete NMED Liquid Waste Regulation training class and pass an exam.
Submit the application.
Pay a $150 fee.
Follow these steps to obtain an ATS Maintenance Service Provider license:
Must be certified by manufacturers you intend to service.
Must have NM Operator Certification for Small Advanced Wastewater Systems or Certification as Wastewater Operator from another state.
Submit the application.
Pay a $50 fee.
Follow these steps to obtain a Third-Party Evaluator license:
Meet prerequisite requirement: Must be certified by the NAWT as an onsite system inspector and have three years experience inspecting and evaluating onsite liquid waste systems in New Mexico.
Submit the application.
Pay a $50 fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in New Mexico?
The cost depends on the credential type:
The Septage Pumper license incurs a $200 course fee and a $30 application fee.
An Installer Specialist incurs a $150 application fee, plus the cost of training.
ATS Maintenance Service Providers and Third-Party Evaluators pay a $50 application fee.
You may also incur fees for local liquid waste permit applications.
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 New Mexico?
Septage Pumpers must take a training course.
Installer Specialists must already hold a plumbing or general contractor license, and meet one of the following requirements:
Three years of experience
Install or repair at least 100 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
Certification by a national industry or trade organization and install at least 50 on-site liquid waste systems in New Mexico
ATS Maintenance Service Providers must have an NM Operator Certification for Small Advanced Wastewater Systems or Certification as Wastewater Operator from another state.
Finally, Third-Party Evaluators need three years of experience.
New Mexico Septic Training Programs and Schools
The New Mexico Environment Department lists approved training programs, which include the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT), the New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association, Lagooniversity, and others. There are free and fee-based options.
New Mexico Septic Licensing Exam Details
The Installer Specialist license has a required exam based on the NMED Liquid Waste Regulation training class. The class and exam should be scheduled with the New Mexico Environment Department.
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Do I Need to Renew My New Mexico Septic License?
Yes. Septage Pumper must pay an annual $30 renewal fee per truck. Installer Specialists must renew their license every three years for a $75 fee.
For ATS Maintenance Service Provider, you should be trained annually on the treatment systems you’re approved to maintain, but there’s no renewal requirement with NMED.
Third Party Evaluators must renew their NAWT inspection certificate every two years.
Does New Mexico Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Being accredited by a national industry or trade organization or holding licenses/certifications in other states can help applicants meet the prerequisite requirements for certifications in New Mexico, but they are still required to complete the application and training process.
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
Installer Specialists are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education for renewal every three years.
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, roofing, or general contractor license in New Mexico, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
