Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Pennsylvania
Septic, PA
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Pennsylvania?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Pennsylvania?
Septic License Requirements in Pennsylvania
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.
According to PennState Extension, around 25% of homes in Pennsylvania rely on private septic systems, sometimes called on-lot sewage disposal systems, to manage household sewage.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Pennsylvania employs 1,000 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 Pennsylvania, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 6% 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 Pennsylvania.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Pennsylvania?
While there isn't a specific state license for septic system installers in Pennsylvania, installing or modifying a septic system requires a system permit from the local Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO). Certification and training to become a sewage enforcement officer is overseen by the Pennsylvania Department Of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Clean Water, which follows all regulatory requirements outlined in the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
Some municipalities have their own requirements through their health departments or local agencies, so it’s important to research public health regulations in each township.
Types of Septic Licenses in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania certifies Sewage Enforcement Officers, who are responsible for reviewing permit applications, issuing permits, and inspecting the construction of on-lot sewage disposal systems.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Pennsylvania
To become a Sewage Enforcement Officer, follow these steps:
Complete the required pre-certification training via the Clean Water Academy, which includes a course through SoilHub.
Complete the pre-certification Academy courses offered by the Pennsylvania Association of Sewage Officers.
Register for and pass the exam.
You can find more information, including FAQs, at pa.gov.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Pennsylvania?
The costs to become a Sewage Enforcement Officer include:
$550 for the required soils course
$825 for the pre-certification Academy
$25 for the exam registration fee
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 Pennsylvania?
The required soils course lasts two days and the Academy lasts a week. The time it takes to obtain licensure depends on the course schedule at the time you get started.
Pennsylvania Septic Training Programs and Schools
The required soils course is taught by SoilHub. The Academy is taught by the Pennsylvania Association of Sewage Enforcement Officers. Additional courses are offered through the Pennsylvania Clean Water Academy.
Pennsylvania Septic Licensing Exam Details
After completing the required training, applicants must pass an exam administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers. This incurs a $25 fee. The exam covers system design, sewage flows, soil testing, sand mounds, percolation tests, holding tanks, zoning, wastewater treatment, water conservation, absorption areas, and more.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Do I Need to Renew My Pennsylvania Septic License?
Yes, certification must be renewed every two years. There is a $50 renewal fee.
Does Pennsylvania Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, there are no reciprocity agreements for the Sewage Enforcement Officer certification.
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
15 credit hours of continuing education are required every renewal cycle for the Septic Enforcement Officer certification. The Pennsylvania Clean Water Academy has a list of approved training courses.
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 Pennsylvania, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
