Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Utah
Septic, UT
Table of Contents
Septic License Requirements in Utah
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 wastewater systems, depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems. This includes maintaining the proper distance from water sources to protect groundwater and public health.
The Utah Division of Water Quality reports 12% of the state’s population relies on septic systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Utah employs 640 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 Utah, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is more than four times the national average, at 33% 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 Utah.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Utah?
Per Utah administrative code r317-4, certification is required for septic professionals in the state of Utah. Certifications are granted by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Onsite Wastewater Program. Local health departments have additional requirements and permit applications, so be sure to check the permitting process in the cities you intend to work.
Types of Septic Licenses in Utah
There are three levels of licensure for Onsite Professional Certification:
Level 1: Required for soil evaluations and percolation testing
Level 2: Required for septic system design, inspection, and maintenance of conventional systems, including site evaluations and percolation testing
Level 3: Required for septic system installation, inspection, and maintenance of alternative systems or conventional underground wastewater disposal systems, including soil tests and percolation testing
Steps to Get a Septic License in Utah
The steps to get a certification include the following:
Attend a certification training course through the Onsite Wastewater Program. There are separate courses for Levels 1 through 3, and you must obtain each level of certification before moving up to the next.
Pass an exam after the course.
Submit application.
Pay $25 certification fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Utah?
The Level 1 and Level 2 certification courses cost $285, or $210 for state and local employees. The Level 3 certification course costs $425, or $315 for state and local employees. There’s a $25 certification fee for each level as well.
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 Utah?
The required classes for licensure are limited and fill up quickly. The time it takes to obtain septic certification depends on the class schedule.
Utah Septic Training Programs and Schools
Certification and renewal classes are hosted by the Utah On-Site Wastewater Treatment Training Program at Utah State University's Utah Water Research Laboratory. These courses cover how to read soil and percolation test results, design requirements for on-site wastewater treatment systems, site feasibility, drain fields, protecting drinking water, and other FAQs related to septic system permits and proposed system designs.
Utah Septic Licensing Exam Details
An exam is administered at the end of each training course. Some professionals can opt out of the training course, but still must pass the exam:
A licensed environmental health scientist with two years of experience qualifies to substitute licensure and experience for required training for a Level 1, 2 or 3 certification.
A licensed professional engineer qualifies to substitute licensure for required training for a Level 1, 2, or 3 certification.
A licensed contractor with at least five years of experience installing underground wastewater disposal systems qualifies to substitute licensure and experience for required training for a Level 1 or 2 certification.
Do I Need to Renew My Utah Septic License?
Yes, certifications must be renewed every three years. There’s a $25 fee for renewal.
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Does Utah Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, all applicants are required to take a training course and pass a test.
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
Certification renewal classes are required. These are administered by the Utah On-Site Wastewater Treatment Training Program at Utah State University's Utah Water Research Laboratory.
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 service providers, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, or general contractor license in Utah, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
