Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in West Virginia
Septic, WV
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in West Virginia?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in West Virginia?
Septic License Requirements in West 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 sewage systems (OSSS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain sewage disposal systems to protect the water supply and safeguard drinking water.
In West Virginia, approximately 7,000 septic tanks are installed each year, according to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 nationwide and West Virginia employs 170 of them. The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% by 2033, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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 in the state of West Virginia.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Environmental Health Services, Public Health Sanitation Division certifies Individual Sewage System Installers, and local health departments issue permits for septic system installations, modifications, or repairs.
Types of Septic Licenses in West Virginia
West Virginia offers an Individual Sewage System Installers license with two classifications. Aside from the examination, the licensing requirements are the same for both classifications. The classification basically determines the types of septic systems the certified installer can work on.
Class I Sewage System Installer
A Class I certificate applies to the installation of standard soil absorption systems, soil absorption beds, holding tanks, effluent lift stations, water wells, and gray water soil absorption systems.
Class II Sewage System Installer
A Class II certificate applies to those systems covered by the class I certificate plus all alternative and other individual or on-site sewer systems as set forth in Sewage Treatment and Collection System Design Standards, 64-CSR-47.
Property owners must obtain an installation permit (and in some cases a construction permit) for all new septic system installations and major repairs or replacements of existing systems. The homeowner must submit the permit application to the local health department with site plans detailing the septic tank’s location, size, and proposed drain field placement. The licensed installer must sign off on the application and perform a percolation test.
Steps to Get a Septic License in West Virginia
Select a license classification
Complete the license application
Complete the pre-license training course
Schedule the licensing exam with the District Sanitarian
Pay the $150 licensing fee (only required for Class I license)
Submit the application via mail, fax, or email to:
Mail: Office of Environmental Health Services Attn: PHS On-site Sewage Program 350 Capitol Street, Room 313 Charleston, WV 25301-1071 Fax: 304-558-1071 Email: oehsphssewage@wv.gov
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in West Virginia?
The fee schedule for the Class I Sewage System Installer license is $150. The fee only applies to the Class I license; there is no additional fee to apply for a Class II license.
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 West Virginia?
The process is relatively quick as candidates only need to complete a short training program and pass an exam to become licensed. However, training for the exam is only offered in the spring, so you may need to wait until the next available training period begins.
West Virginia Septic Training Programs and Schools
West Virginia requires septic candidates to complete the required training at the West Virginia Environmental Training Center (ETC), Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia. Call 304-372-7878 to register or find more information here.
West Virginia Septic Licensing Exam Details
All candidates must pass either the Class I Sewage System Installer or Class II Sewage System Installer exam with a score of at least 70%.
Both exams cover legislative rules 64-CSR-9 (Sewage Systems Regulations) and 64-CSR-47 (Excerpts - Individual and On-Site Sewage Systems). The Class I exam also covers the New Installer Candidate Basic Principles.
You must schedule the licensing exam with the District Sanitarian.
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Do I Need to Renew My West Virginia Septic License?
Septic licenses in West Virginia require renewal every five years. If you fail to renew your license after six months of expiration, you will need to retake the licensing exam. The license renewal fee is $150 for both license classifications.
Does West Virginia Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, West Virginia doesn’t maintain reciprocal agreements with other states for Sewage System Installer licenses.
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
Septic professionals in West Virginia don’t need to complete continuing education to remain licensed. The only requirement is to renew the license every five years.
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 West Virginia, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
