State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Georgia

Table of Contents

1. Septic License Requirements in Georgia

2. Who Issues Septic Licenses in Georgia?

3. Types of Septic Licenses in Georgia

4. Steps to Get a Septic License in Georgia

5. Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Georgia

6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Georgia?

7. How to Get a Septic License in Georgia

8. How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in Georgia?

9. Georgia Septic Training Programs and Schools

10. Georgia Septic Licensing Exam Details

11. Do I Need to Renew My Georgia Septic License?

12. Georgia Septic License Exceptions

13. Does Georgia Reciprocate Septic Licenses?

14. National Septic Certifications

15. Other Requirements Unique to Georgia

16. Continuing Education

Septic License Requirements in Georgia

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. Everyone, in every community, needs septic professionals to have the expertise to protect the environment from the inherent contaminants. In the state of Georgia, septic systems are also referred to as on-site sewage management systems. Roughly 1.5 million homes in Georgia are on a septic system.

There are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Georgia employs 400 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 Georgia, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is almost duoble that at 14% 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 Georgia?

Licensing for septic installers, pumpers, and soil classifiers for the entire state of Georgia falls under the authority of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) - Environmental Health Section, which is located in Atlanta. The department’s website includes requirements for licensing, training, renewal, and more. You can also register to take an exam and find training and continuing education courses. 

Types of Septic Licenses in Georgia

To operate as an septic installer or pumper in Georgia, you must be licensed by the DPH. There are different parameters of work permitted for each license and different requirements to obtain each.

Installer License 

Allows the license holder to install residential and commercial septic systems with no limit on tank size or design flow.

Note: Septic tank installation requires a construction permit issued by the Georgia State County Board of Health. The permit requires your business contact information, the property location, number of wastewater flow estimates, plans and specs for the new septic system, and the location of on-site water supplies. Click here for the construction permit application.

Pumper License

Required for individuals or companies that pump septic tanks, grease traps, or other on-site sewage systems. Licensees can also transport and properly dispose of the waste.

Soil Classifier License

This license is required for septic workers who perform site evaluations and classify soil for the suitability of on-site sewage management systems. They determine the feasibility of septic system installation based on soil composition and drainage characteristics.

Steps to Get a Septic License in Georgia

The steps to obtain any of the septic licenses listed above are similar with variations in the required training, work experience, and tests.

Installer/Pumper License

1. Gain employment with a certified company.

2. Submit anapplication to the Georgia Department of Public Health and pay the $100 certification fee.

3. Provide notarized proof of residency and documentation verifying you’re over age 18.

4. Pass the license examination administered by your County Environmental Health Office with a minimum passing score of 70%, and pay a $50 exam fee.

5. Renew license every two years after completing continuous education (CE) requirements and pay the renewal fee.

Certified Soil Classifier

1. Demonstrate four years of coursework as specified in the Department of Public Health’s Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems.

2. Complete the Soil Classifierapplication process.

3. Earn a passing score on the Fundamentals of Soil Science Exam.

4. Provide a letter from an approved soil classifier verifying proof of training.

5. Provide 5 examples of soil mapping work.

6. Include a signed and notarized Code of Ethics form.

7. Show proof of $1 million in professional liability insurance coverage.

8. Pay the $400 certification fee.

Company Certification Requirements 

If starting a business, follow these steps in addition to the steps listed above to receive your septic license.

• Complete theCompany Application.

• Sign the affidavit declaring you have no criminal convictions, are not currently facing civil judgment, and have not violated any of the DPH’s rules and regulations.

• Pay the certification fee: 

  • Installer Company Fee: $400 

  • Pumper Company Fee: $400 

  • Installing and Pumping Company Fee: $800

• Email the application to: EnvironmentalHealth@dph.ga.gov.

All company certifications expire on Feb. 28 and require renewal every 2 years on even-numbered years.

Note: Pumper companies must have a current County Septage Removal Permit in order to become certified and maintain state certification.

Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Georgia

There are many benefits to getting a septic license in Georgia.

• First, and most important, it is illegal to install or operate on existing systems as a septic installer or pumper in Georgia without being licensed or registered by the DPH. 

• A license is proof of your experience and skill in the industry.

• Only licensed professionals can operate a business and advertise septic services and perform them.

• 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 Georgia?

Getting a septic license in Georgia is reasonably affordable. For both the installer or pumper license classifications, you need to pay a $50 examination fee and $100 certification fee. Soil classifiers must pay a $100 application fee and $400 certification fee. Installer and pumping businesses need to pay a $400 certification fee or $800 fee if they perform both services.

Note: License renewal and continuing education courses will add to the cost over time. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a septic 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 to Get a Septic License in Georgia

There are no educational requirements to get started as a septic installer or pumper in Georgia if you begin as an apprentice working for a licensed professional. After gaining employment, you can prepare to take the licensing exam via your County Environmental Health Office. Use the DPH Manual for On-site Sewage Management Systems to prepare for examination. 

Installers should focus on: 

• Section A - Rules and Regulations

• Section D - Pretreatment

• Section E - Effluent Distribution and Dosing Devices

• Section F - Dispersal 

Septic Tank Pumpers should focus on:

• Section I - Removal and Disposal

The Installer and Pumper licenses include a $50 exam fee and $100 certification fee.  

To earn a Certified Soil Classifier license, you need to achieve four years of approved coursework before starting the application process. Courses are administered by the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Visit their website to view a list of training opportunities.

After completing training, submit the Soil Classifier application and prepare to take the Fundamentals of Soil Science Exam. You need a minimum score of 70% to pass. The application process also requires you to submit a letter from an approved soil classifier verifying proof of training, examples of soil mapping work, a signed and notarized Code of Ethics form, and proof of $1 million professional liability insurance coverage.

The Soil Classifier license includes a $400 certification fee. 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Georgia?

You can begin work as a septic installer or pumper without any training as long as you work under a licensed professional. Georgia doesn’t require training or coursework to apply for an Installer or Pumper license, so you can become licensed once you prepare for and pass the exam.  

The Soil Classifier license takes significantly longer, requiring candidates to demonstrate a minimum of four years of approved coursework to become eligible for licensing.

Georgia Septic Training Programs and Schools

Because the Georgia Department of Public Health specifies which training programs are approved for each license, there is not a lot of choice as to where to attend. The Installer and Pumper licenses don’t require classroom training. However, the Soil Classifier license requires four years of training via the Soil Society of America.

Georgia Septic Licensing Exam Details

As part of the process to receive your septic Installer or Pumper license, you’ll need to pass the licensing examination via your County Environmental Health Office. These examinations are designed to demonstrate that applicants have a grasp of the information needed to perform the various jobs. The Installer license exam focuses on rules and regulations, pretreatment, effluent distribution and dosing services, and dispersal. The Pumper exam focuses on removal and disposal. Both exams require a minimum passing score of 70% and include a $50 exam fee.

Soil Classifiers need to pass the Fundamentals of Soil Science Exam, and also receive a minimum passing score of 70%. Exams are offered four times per year and can be taken online. 

Do I Need to Renew My Georgia Septic Licensee?

Georgia requires Installers, Pumpers, and septic companies to renew their licenses every two years and pay a $100 renewal fee. Licenses expire on Feb. 28 and require renewal every two years on even numbered years. Installers need to complete eight hours of continuing education units (CEUs) to qualify for renewal, while Pumpers need to complete six hours of CEUs.

Certified Soil Classifier license holders must also renew their licenses every two years. The renewal fee is $500, and candidates must complete 30 hours of CEUs for renewal. 

Georgia Septic License Exceptions

There are few exemptions from the DHP licensing rules in place in Georgia. Any person performing septic work for pay must be licensed. However, a homeowner is allowed to perform septic work only on his or her owner-occupied, single-family home as long as they obtain a permit from their County Environmental Health Office.

Does Georgia Reciprocate Septic Licenses? 

Georgia doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements for septic licenses with other states. This means you’ll need to apply for a new license and go through the licensing process required by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

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.

• Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association

Other Requirements Unique to Georgia

While performing commercial septic services requires a license in Georgia, the state allows homeowners to perform septic work on their owner-occupied, single-family homes as long as they apply for a permit from the county.

Continuing Education

The Georgia Department of Public Health requires continuing education in order to renew a septic license.

• Installers must complete eight hours of continuing education every two years.

• Pumpers must complete six hours of continuing education every two years.

• Soil Classifiers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two 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, or Electrical license in any of the 50 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.