Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Virginia
Septic, VA
Table of Contents
Septic License Requirements in Virginia
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 treatment systems (OSWT), depend on service providers who know how to install and maintain sewage disposal systems. Everyone, in every community, needs those professionals to have the expertise to protect the environment and public health from the inherent contaminants.
Roughly 1.1 million homes in Virginia use septic systems and 700,000 are served by private wells, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Virginia employs 790 of them. 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 Virginia, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly lower at 5% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a business in this field or you want a job in it, 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 Virginia?
Licensing and registration for septic professionals in the state of Virginia falls under the authority of The Commonwealth of Virginia Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP Board) within the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The Board has all the information you need on its website (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov), including requirements for licensing issuance, training courses, and application fees.
Types of Septic Licenses in Virginia
There are several types of onsite sewage system professional licenses in the state of Virginia, which are broken out into three categories:
Installers
Installer licenses include:
Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: Journeyman and Master designation
Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: Journeyman and Master designation
Operators
Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: Journeyman and Master designation
Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: Journeyman and Master designation
Evaluators
Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: Journeyman and Master designation
Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: Journeyman and Master designation
Steps to Get a Septic License in Virginia
The steps to get a septic license in Virginia include the following:
Installer License Steps
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
If currently an employee of a licensed contractor, must complete six months of full-time experience assisting with the installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator. If not, you need one year of the same experience.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Receive license.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
Meet one of the following requirements:
One year of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator; and 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and be a current employee of a licensed contractor.
Two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator; and be a current employee of a licensed contractor.
Hold a Journeyman Conventional license and receive 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Conventional license and three years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Schedule and pass PSI exam, which incurs an $80 exam fee.
Receive license.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
If currently employed by a licensed contractor, complete one year of full-time experience assisting with the installation of alternative onsite sewage systems, verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator. If not employed by a licensed contractor, two years of the same experience is required.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Receive license.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
Meet one of the following requirements:
Be a current employee of a licensed contractor and complete two years of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Be a current employee of a licensed contractor and complete 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering the basic installation of alternative onsite sewage systems; and 18 months of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Complete 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of alternative onsite sewage systems and three years of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Alternative or Conventional license and complete 18 months of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Schedule and pass the PSI exam, which incurs an $80 exam fee.
Receive license.
Operator License Steps
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Follows the same process outlined for Journeyman Installer with a variation in the required experience. Experience requirement is six months of full-time experience assisting with the operation and maintenance of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system operator, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Follows the same process outlined for Master Installer with a variation in the required experience. Experience requirements include one of the following:
Be a current employee of a licensed contractor; and receive 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and obtain one year of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Be a current employee of a licensed contractor and obtain two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Onsite Sewage System Installer license; and complete 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and obtain two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Onsite Sewage System Installer license and obtain three years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Journeymen Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
Follows the same process outlined for Journeyman Conventional System Operator with a variation in the required experience. Experience requirements outlined here. Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
Follows the same process outlined for Master Installer with a variation in the required experience. Additional information on experience requirements outlined here.
Onsite Soil Evaluator Steps
Again, these licenses follow the same outlined processes defined above, with variations for the experience requirements.
Applications can be found here. Experience qualifications are listed on the WWWOOSSP Board website as well.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Virginia
There are many benefits to obtaining septic licensure in Virginia.
First, and most important, it is illegal to operate as a septic professional in Virginia without being licensed.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the industry.
Only licensed professionals can operate a business and advertise and perform septic services.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Virginia?
Each septic license type in Virginia incurs a $100 application fee. In addition, a Master’s license of any kind requires an exam, which incurs an $80 exam fee.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic professional, 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 to Get a Septic Licence in Virginia
To recap, the steps to obtaining a septic license in Virginia include filling out an application and meeting a combination of experience and/or education requirements. All of the master-level licenses require an exam.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Virginia?
The length of time it takes to get a license depends on the license type:
Installers
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: Requires 6 months if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 1 year of experience if you don’t.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: If you currently work for a licensed contractor, requires 1 year of experience and 20 hours of Board-approved training, or 2 years of experience. If you hold a current Journeyman license, it requires 20 hours of Board-approved training and 2 years of experience; or 3 years of experience.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: Requires 1 year of experience if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 2 years of experience if you don’t.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: Requires 2 years of experience if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 20 hours of Board-approved training and 18 months of experience. If you don’t currently work for a licensed contractor, it requires 20 hours of training and 3 years of experience. If you currently hold the Journeyman Alternative System license, it takes 18 months of full-time experience.
Operators
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: Requires 6 months of full-time experience assisting with the operation and maintenance of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system operator, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: If an employee of a licensed contractor, it requires 1 year of full-time experience and 20 hours of training or two years of full-time experience. If you hold a Journeyman Conventional System license, it requires 2 years of experience and 20 hours of training or three years of experience.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: Requires 1 year of experience if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 2 years if you don’t.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: Can take up to 2 years of experience and 20 hours of training. Full requirements outlined here.
Evaluators
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 1.5 years. Full requirements outlined here.
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 3 years, plus the time it takes to achieve the Journeyman license or a required degree. Full requirements outlined here.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 2 years of experience. Full requirements outlined here.
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 4 years. Full requirements outlined here.
Virginia Septic Training Programs and Schools
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation includes a list of approved training programs and courses to meet training requirements for licensure. The list includes courses from:
Virginia Tech Waterworks/Wastewater Works Annual Operators Short School
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Tom Fore Water & Wastewater Consulting
Virginia Septic Licensing Exam Details
Applicants for Master Onsite Sewage System licenses are required to take exams proctored by PSI. The following examinations are offered by PSI:
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator
In order for a candidate to become eligible to take an examination, they must submit the appropriate application to DPOR. Upon approval of eligibility, they will be mailed a confirmation notice containing instructions for scheduling an appointment to take the examination. Each exam incurs an $80 fee.
Do I Need to Renew My Virginia Septic License?
Yes, Virginia septic licenses require renewal. All license types expire two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. The renewal fee is $80 for each license type.
Virginia Septic License Exceptions
Pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia, active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements.
Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application.
Does Virginia Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Yes, Virginia reciprocates septic licenses. To qualify for reciprocal licensing in Virginia, applicants must:
Hold a current and valid license from a neighboring state with a similar scope of practice.
Be in good standing with no pending investigations or unresolved complaints.
Have a clean criminal record as per Virginia's standards.
Not be subject to any harmful disciplinary actions except minor financial penalties.
Specifically, the state offers a path to fast-tracked Virginia licensing for professionals with a North Carolina license, which became effective July 2024.
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. You can also learn more about certification and the septic business in Virginia through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Virginia
Effective December 2021, requirements for licensure were revised to exclude marijuana-related misdemeanor convictions from having to be disclosed on a license application. In addition, standards of conduct and practice were revised to exclude marijuana-related drug distribution misdemeanor convictions from those that must be reported to the Board.
Property that is not served by public sewer or a public water system requires permitting by the Virginia Department of Health. The property owner or agent must obtain a permit to construct a sewage disposal system and private well before the county will issue a building permit. If the property has an existing sewage disposal system, the owner must obtain a certification from the health department that the existing system is adequate for the proposed construction or must obtain a construction permit to make any necessary upgrades.
Beginning Aug. 11, 2019, all applications for onsite sewage systems and/or private wells must be accompanied by supporting work from a private sector consultant who is properly licensed.
Continuing Education
Each license type requires the following amount of continuing education credits for renewal:
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: 16
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: 16
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: 16
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: 12
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: 12
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: 8
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: 8
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: 8
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: 8
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: 4
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: 4
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: 4
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, or Electrical license in any of the 50 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
