Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Oklahoma
Septic, OK
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Septic License Requirements in Oklahoma
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.
Since 2002, 51% of all new houses built in the state of Oklahoma use septic systems, according to the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.
Oklahoma employs 830 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide, according to the BLS.
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 Oklahoma, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is at 9% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
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.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) certifies septic system installers and licenses for those who pump, haul, or dispose of domestic wastewater from septic tanks, holding tanks, and chemical toilets.
On-site sewage treatment systems servicing rural homes and businesses in Oklahoma include conventional systems with a 1,000-gallon septic tank and a dispersal field, which is a network of trenches filled with pipe and gravel; aerobic treatment units with spray or drip irrigation; and low-pressure dosing systems and lagoon systems.
The DEQhas 21 local offices that provide services related to septic systems, including soil profiles, existing system inspections, authorizations or permits to construct an on-site sewage treatment system, and final inspections.
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 252 Chapter 641 sets out regulations for individual and small public on-site sewage treatment systems, while Chapter 645 details regulations on septage pumpers and transporters. These regulations ensure protection of the waters of the state, public health, and the environment.
Types of Septic Licenses in Oklahoma
All septic installers, pumpers, and haulers must be certified or licensed by DEQ. The agency also certifies soil profilers. Each certification or license has different requirements.
Certified installers
The certified installer program certifies septic system installers to inspect their own septic service installations. These individuals may install a new system, perform the inspection, and complete the final backfill and grading without a DEQ inspection.
Individuals may obtain certification for the following type of systems:
Conventional/shallow extended/evapotranspiration-absorption (CSE)
Lagoons
Low pressure dosing (LPD)
Aerobic treatment with spray irrigation
Aerobic treatment with drip irrigation
The responsibilities of certified installers include:
Ensure that an authorization to construct has been issued before construction begins.
Notify the local DEQ office of the time, date, and location of the installation before construction.
Submit an accurate, completed DEQ final inspection form to the local DEQ office within 10 working days of system completion.
Install on-site systems in accordance with Chapter 641.
Maintain records of all installed systems.
Septage pumper and transporter license
A septage pumper and transporter license is required for businesses and drivers who pump, haul, or dispose of domestic wastewater. Domestic septage does not include industrial solids, industrial wastewater, grease-traps waste, or car wash mud traps.
Certified soil profilers
The certified soil profiler program trains and certifies individuals to perform soil tests for designing on-site sewage treatment systems.
Responsibilities include:
Perform soil profiles as outlined in Chapter 641.
Submit an accurate, completed DEQ soil profile form to the local DEQ office within 10 working days of system completion.
Maintain all soil profile records.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Oklahoma
The DEQ Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division provides all the information for becoming a certified installer or obtaining a septage pumper and transporter license on its training information page.
Certified installer
To become a certified installer, follow these steps.
Download and complete the certified installer application. This information includes contact information and a list of five on-site sewage treatment systems the applicant installed within a two-year period from the application date. Installers must have at least 90% of their installed systems approved upon the initial inspection within the past year, with any disapproved systems requiring only minor changes.
Document financial assurance by submitting a certificate bond form for a $75,000 surety bond. The applicant must be named as the principal of the bond and the Oklahoma DEQ must be named as obligee of the bond. Or the applicant may submit an affidavit stating the installer is working only for a federally recognized tribe or a governmental entity, and will pay for the repair or replacement of faulty or improperly installed systems.
Submit a signed and notarized Affidavit Regarding Citizenship form.
Mail application and $200 fee to: Environmental Complaints & Local Services Department of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 1677 Oklahoma City, OK, 73101-1677
Contact the DEQ to register for initial certification training classes.
For each category of certification, pay a $150 exam fee and pass the exam.
For more information, visit the DEQ’s certified installer page or FAQ page.
Septage pumper and transporter license
To become a licensed septage pumper and transporter business or licensed driver, follow these steps.
Download and complete the pumper and transporter license application.
Provide a copy of the applicant’s government-issued photo identification.
Identify methods for septage storage, treatment, or disposal. Certain methods require a Consent for the Disposal of Septage form or a copy of records for the previous year.
Register information for vehicles that pump, transport, or dispose of septage. The DEQ will assign a number to each vehicle and a local environmental specialist will inspect each registered vehicle.
Submit a certificate of bond form for a $25,000 surety bond, with the license holder named as the principal and DEQ named as obligee of the bond.
Each driver must be at least 18 years of age and submit a copy of a government-issued photo identification and a signed and notarized Affidavit Regarding Citizenship form.
Businesses providing other services may need to submit additional forms, such as application for a permit to land apply septage or authorization to operate a storage facility. These forms are found on the septage pumper and transporter page.
Mail application and $150 fee to: Environmental Complaints & Local Services Department of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 1677 Oklahoma City, OK, 73101-1677
Contact the DEQ to register for two hours of initial training.
Pay the $150 exam fee and pass an examination.
Pay a $50 annual registration fee for each pumping and transporting vehicle.
For more information, visit the septage pumper and transporter page or FAQ page.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Oklahoma?
It costs $200 to get an annual septic installer certification. It costs $150 for an annual septage pumping and transporting license, along with a $50 annual fee for each pumping and transporting vehicle.
Examinations cost $150 for each category for the septic installer certification, and $150 for the pumping and transporting license.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic operator license, no matter where technicians 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 Oklahoma?
Getting septage operator certification can be accomplished fairly quickly. Both the installer certification and the septage pumper and transporter license require applicants to take initial training classes and pass an exam.
The DEQ offers classes several times throughout the year for the installer certification, and each month for the septage pumper and transporter license. Application processing times vary based on the local DEQ office.
Oklahoma Septic Training Programs and Schools
In Oklahoma, the DEQ provides initial training classes for the septic installer certification and the septage hauler and transporter license. For class details, visit the certified installer training page or the septage pumper and transporter license training page. The continued education section below lists DEQ-approved renewal training providers.
Oklahoma Septic Licensing Exam Details
Applicants for the installer certification or septage pumper and transporter license must contact the local DEQ office to register for initial training and obtain exam information.
The installer certification exam costs $150 for each certification category. The septage pumper and transporter exam also costs $150.
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Do I Need to Renew My Oklahoma Septic License?
Yes. Both the installer certification and the septage pumper and transporter license must be renewed annually. The DEQ notifies license holders when it is time to renew.
Certified installer renewal requirements include:
Submit a renewal application each year on or before Jan. 15 after the date of issuance.
Complete six hours of renewal training in courses or workshops, approved in writing by the DEQ in advance.
Pay $200 certification fee.
Late renewals incur an additional $50 fee.
Septage pumper and transporter license renewal requirements include:
Submit a renewal application each year on or before Jan. 31 after the date of issuance.
Complete two hours of renewal training in courses or workshops, approved in writing by the DEQ in advance.
Pay the $150 license fee.
Pay $50 for each licensed pumping and transporting vehicle.
Late renewals incur an additional $50 fee.
Does Oklahoma Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, Oklahoma does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for septic licenses. Septic installers and septage pumping and transporters must apply to the DEQ for the appropriate certification or license.
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 add to your marketability by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about septic system disposal and groundwater protection through other governmental agencies and industry associations in Oklahoma. This includes:
Continuing Education
Oklahoma requires six hours of continuing education annually for certified installers and two hours annually for septage pumpers and transporters.
DEQ-approved training providers include:
Portable Sanitation Association International (for pumpers and transporters only)
Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources continuing education classes
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.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Oklahoma, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
