Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Rhode Island
Septic, RI
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Rhode Island?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Rhode Island?
Septic License Requirements in Rhode Island
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and property owners 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 public health and the water supply.
The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) reports over 35% of homes and businesses in Rhode Island are served by on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Rhode Island employs 200 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. There’s no projected growth rate listed for Rhode Island.
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 Rhode Island.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Rhode Island?
Septic system licensing for the state is overseen by the RIDEM Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Permitting program. The RIDEM OWTS program has everything you need to know regarding licensing online, including rules and regulations, fact sheets, and FAQs. The Permitting program licenses five categories of OWTS Professionals.
Municipalities may enact their own wastewater management laws, so it’s important to verify requirements in each locality where you intend to work.
Types of Septic Licenses in Rhode Island
License categories include:
Installer: Required to install, construct, alter, or repair an OWTS.
Class I Designer: Required for the design of a repair to an OWTS.
Class II Designer: Required for the design of an OWTS repair, a system for a building renovation (if it meets certain conditions), or a new building with wastewater flow under 900 gallons per day (as long as no special exceptions are needed).
Class III Designer: Authorizes the design of any OWTS.
Class IV Soil Evaluator: Required to perform soil evaluations.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Rhode Island
To obtain an Installer license, follow these steps:
Submit application and $125 application fee to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Resources at 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI.
Optional: Attend a two-day information and examination preparation course offered by the New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program (NEOWTP).
Pass exam.
To obtain a Class I or Class II Designer license, follow these steps:
Meet prerequisite requirement: For Class I, must hold Installer license. For Class II, registration as a Professional Land Surveyor with the Rhode Island State Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors is required to apply.
Submit application with $50 fee.
Pass exam.
To obtain a Class III Designer license, follow these steps:
Meet prerequisite requirement: Must be a Professional Civil or Environmental Engineer.
Submit application with $150 fee.
To obtain a Class IV Soil Evaluator license, follow these steps:
Meet one of the following prerequisite requirements:
Registration as a Professional Soil Scientist by The Society of Soil Scientists of Southern New England or The American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops and Soils.
Four years professional experience in soil studies for OWTS design in Rhode Island or in soil classification, mapping, interpretation or a combination thereof; and successful completion of nine semester hours in soil science from an accredited college or university.
Four years professional experience in soil studies for OWTS design in Rhode Island or in soil classification, mapping, interpretation or a combination thereof; and a bachelor's degree or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in soil science, geology, engineering or similar discipline; and successful completion of nine semester hours in soil science from an accredited college or university.
Submit application with $50 fee.
Pass written and field exams.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Rhode Island?
There are application fees for each license:
Installer: $125
Class I or II Designer: $50
Class III Designer: $150
Class IV Soil Evaluator: $50
You may incur additional fees for OWTS 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 Rhode Island?
The length of time it takes depends on the credential type. Installer exams are offered twice a year, in the spring and fall, so applicants will have to wait until the first exam date after applying. The Class I and Class II Designer exams are offered only once a year.
For Class III Designer, you must be registered as a Professional Engineer.
Becoming a Class IV Soil Scientist could take up to eight years (bachelor’s degree and four years of professional experience in soil studies) to meet the prerequisites. In addition, the exams are only offered once a year.
Rhode Island Septic Training Programs and Schools
RIDEM offers study guides and optional exam prep courses for the required licensure exams. Details are available online. In addition, the University of Rhode Island Onsite Wastewater Training Program offers classroom and field training courses.
Rhode Island Septic Licensing Exam Details
Exams are required for the Installer, Class I and II Designer, and Class IV Soil Evaluator licenses. The Installer exam is offered twice a year, while the others are offered just once a year. The exam schedule is posted online at dem.ri.gov, along with study guides and details on exam prep courses.
Exams include information on zoning, cesspools, drain fields, ground water, site plans, storm water, wetlands, septic system checkups, pumpouts, and more.
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Do I Need to Renew My Rhode Island Septic License?
Yes, all license types must be renewed every three years. Renewal fees are $150.
Does Rhode Island Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, Rhode Island does not offer reciprocity for septic licenses from 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
Licensed designers (Class I and II) and Soil Evaluators are required to obtain 12 hours of continuing education each renewal period. If you have held a license in good standing for 12 or more years, you no longer need continuing education credits for renewal. Continuing education opportunities are listed on the RIDEM website.
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 Rhode Island, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
