Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Wisconsin
Septic, WI
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Septic License Requirements in Wisconsin
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.
About 750,000 homes in Wisconsin dispose of their wastewater using private on-site wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), according to the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Wisconsin employs 890 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide, according to the BLS.
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 Wisconsin, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is at 9% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
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.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) licenses septage businesses and septage servicing operators. Only licensed plumbers may install septic systems.
The DNR lists all the information on its website about licensing septage businesses that service septic systems or dispose of septage, which includes septic tanks, holding tanks, sanitary grease interceptors, and portable restrooms. It also lists information about licensing septage servicing operators, including exam and continuing education requirements.
Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 113 and Chapter NR114 spells out all the regulations and certification requirements for septic businesses and operators.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) licenses POWTS inspectors and maintainers, who evaluate, monitor, and maintain private on-site wastewater treatment systems components. Different agencies conduct POWTS plan reviews, depending on the type of system. Primarily, county planning and zoning or public health departments are tasked with reviewing and inspecting sanitary permit applications from property owners for private sewage systems for one- or two-family dwellings.
Types of Septic Licenses in Wisconsin
To operate as a septic business in Wisconsin, you must hold a septage business license and designate an operator-in-charge. In addition, individual septage operators must be certified. Each license or certification has its own requirements.
Septage business license
Septage businesses must be licensed to operate in Wisconsin. The business designates an operator-in-charge (OIC), who is in direct, responsible charge of the septage business. An OIC must hold a valid master operator certification. The business also must submit a vehicle inspection report form for each vehicle operating under the septage license. Septic system businesses should also check local ordinances to meet any additional business licensing requirements.
Operator-in-training certification
An operator-in-training (OIT) may perform septage servicing under the certification of the designated operator-in-charge for up to 12 months without being certified as a septic operator.
Septage operator certification
The two certification grades for septage servicing operators include:
Grade T Certified Operator: Certified to conduct all aspects of septage servicing except septage land application. To receive this certification, operators must pass a Grade T exam.
Grade L Certified Operator: Certified to conduct all aspects of septage servicing, including septage land application. To receive this certification, operators must pass a Grade L exam.
Master septage operator certification
The two types of master operator certifications include:
Grade T Master Operator: Requirements include completion of 1,600 hours of work experience, complete a master operator training class, and pass a Grade T exam.
Grade L Master Operator: Requirements include completion of 1,600 hours of work experience, complete a master operator training class, and pass Grade T and L exams.
Plumbing license
In Wisconsin, only licensed plumbers may install septic systems. The DSPS lists which septic system activities require a licensed plumber, such as piping installation, in this fact sheet. The DSPS oversees nine types of plumbing licenses at the apprentice, journeyman, and master levels.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Wisconsin
The steps to getting a certified septage operator license and master operator are similar. The master operator certification requires an additional educational course and work experience.
Complete a septage service operator certification exam application form. An applicant does not need to be an operator-in-training to take the septage operator Grade T or Grade L exam.
Those seeking a master operator certification must complete a training class and accrue a minimum of 1,600 hours of work experience within the operator’s designated grade certification. The training class and exams may be taken before reaching the work experience requirement.
Provide your Social Security number and contact information, including mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Pay the $100 exam fee by check, money order, or cash, payable to Wisconsin DNR.
Exam applications must be postmarked no later than four weeks before the requested exam date. Mail completed exam applications and fee to: Wisconsin DNR Operator Certification EA/7 PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921
It takes the department about 10 business days to review and process exam applications. Once approved, the department mails applicants an exam confirmation letter with details about exam location and what to bring to the exam.
After scoring 75 percent or higher on the exam, applicants will receive the certificate by mail identifying the type of certification, expiration date, and required continuing education credits. Certified operators upgrading to master operator pay an additional initial issuance fee of $100.
To learn about how to get a plumbing license for septic system installs, visit ServiceTitan’s Wisconsin plumber licensing requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Wisconsin?
It costs $100 to apply for a septage operator certification exam. Certified operators upgrading certification to a master operator pay an additional $100 initial issuance fee.
It costs $65 to renew a septage operator certificate and $100 to renew a master operator certificate. Certificates expire three years from the date of issuance.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic operator license, no matter where technicians 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 Wisconsin?
Getting septage operator certification can be accomplished within two to three weeks, since there’s no initial training or experience requirements. It takes longer to obtain a master operator certificate, since this certification requires 1,600 hours of experience and completion of a training class.
Septage operators must pass an exam to obtain certification. The DNR offers septage servicing operator exams four times a month, during four months of the year. The department notifies applicants of exam results within 30 days of taking the exam.
Wisconsin Septic Training Programs and Schools
In Wisconsin, septage operators do not need to complete any training, other than department-approved continuing education credits. The DNR provides a mandatory training class for those seeking a master operator certification.
Wisconsin Septic Licensing Exam Details
The DNR lists current exam schedules, exam information, and exam FAQs on its exam page. In 2025, the DNR provides in-person paper exams about four times a month, during four months of the year.
To take the exam, applicants complete the exam application and mail it in with the $100 exam fee. Applications must be postmarked no later than four weeks before the requested exam date.
Once the exam application is approved, the department mails an exam confirmation letter with the exam location address and what applicants need to bring. The department offers current study guides on its septage servicing operator certification page.
Exams are three hours long and include the following:
Septage Operator Grade L: 40 questions
Septage Operator Grade T: 40 questions
Septage Master Operator Grade L: 25 questions
Septage Master Operator Grade T: 40 questions
The department notifies applicants of exam results within 30 days of the exam date. Those with questions may email the department at DNROpCertSeptage@Wisconsin.gov.
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Do I Need to Renew My Wisconsin Septic License?
Yes. Septage operator certificates expire three years from the month of issuance. Operators must keep track of their certification expiration date, accumulate the required number of continuing education credits, and pay renewal fees.
Renewal fees are as follows:
Septage operator Grade L and Grade T: $65. If postmarked after the certification expiration date, a $100 late fee is applied, for a total of $165.
Master operator Grade T and Grade L: $100. If postmarked after the certification expiration date, a $100 late fee is applied, for a total of $200.
Septage and master operators mail in evidence of completing continuing education requirements (listed in the continuing education section below) and renewal fees to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Septage Certification - EA/7 101. S. Webster St. PO Box 7921 Madison WI 53707-7921
Does Wisconsin Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, the DNR does not provide a form for septage operator license reciprocity. The department offers reciprocity application forms only for wastewater and drinking water operators.
The state may grant reciprocal licensing for certain professions in the trades, such as licensed master plumbers, depending on the type of license, and the state’s minimum experience and examination requirements.
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 add to your marketability by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about sewage pumpers, disposal, and groundwater protection through other governmental agencies and industry associations in Wisconsin. These include:
Continuing Education
Septage operators must meet minimum continuing education requirements before renewing their certificates. The amount of continuing education hours depends on the certification type.
Certified Operator Grade T and Grade L: Obtain three hours of certified compliance continuing education within the three-year certification term.
Master Operator Grade T and Grade L: Obtain 18 hours of department-approved continuing education, including a minimum of three hours of certified compliance continuing education, within the three-year certification term. The 15 hours of continuing education may be compliance credits, general septage credits, or a combination of both.
Operators earn compliance hours by attending pre-approved training specific to state and federal septage rules, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule 40 CFR Part 503, or Wisconsin Administrative Rules chs. NR 113 and NR 114.
General septage continuing education opportunities include:
DNR-approved training classes, workshops and seminars.
Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carrier Association events.
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services-approved private onsite wastewater treatment system maintainer or master plumber classes.
Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling events.
Wisconsin Wastewater Operator's Association events.
Environmental Protection Agency-sponsored events.
Wisconsin Rural Water Association classes.
Wisconsin technical college courses.
Wastewater Treatment Facility tours.
General continuing education hours may also include approved online courses and safety-related classes such as CPR, first aid, confined space entry, or bloodborne pathogens.
The department lists all the information about continuing education requirements on its septage servicing operator certification page.
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.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Wisconsin, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
