Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Louisiana
Septic, LA
Table of Contents
Septic License Requirements in Louisiana
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as onsite sewage disposal systems (OSDS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems. Everyone, in every community, needs those professionals to have the expertise to protect the environment and public health from the inherent contaminants.
As of August 2023, a total of 475,299 onsite septic systems have been permitted in Louisiana. Approximately 54,750,000,000 gallons of wastewater per year is treated by onsite wastewater treatment systems in the state of Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Department of Health Bureau of Sanitation Services Onsite Wastewater Program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Louisiana employs 140 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 Louisiana, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 10% 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 Louisiana?
Licensing and registration for septic professionals in the state of Louisiana falls under the authority of the Bureau of Sanitation Services’ Onsite Wastewater Program (OSWW). The LDH has information you need on its website for state licensure, including training and insurance requirements.
Types of Septic Licenses in Louisiana
Louisiana issues three types of Installer licenses:
Basic License: Required by the Louisiana Public Health Sanitary Code for the installation and maintenance of septic tanks/field lines, septic tanks/oxidation ponds, septic tanks/sand filters, or limited-use systems.
Combination License: Required by the Louisiana Public Health Sanitary Code for the installation and maintenance of mechanical treatment plants. This license may be obtained only in conjunction with a Basic License, though it is considered to be a separate license.
Maintenance License: Required by the Louisiana Public Health Sanitary Code for the maintenance of mechanical treatment plants, and does not apply to installations.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Louisiana
The steps to getting any of the septic licenses listed above are similar with variations in the required endorsements and fees. The process includes:
Attend and successfully complete a training course approved by the Sanitarian Services Section of the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, which requires passing the workshop exam.
Obtain general liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000 each occurrence/$300,000 aggregate per person. List the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Public Health (OPH), Onsite Wastewater Program (OSWW), Bin 10, Box 11, P.O. Box 4489, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 as a certificate holder.
Complete and submit the license application packet with a $100 application fee paid via check or money order per license type.
Receive your license.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Louisiana
There are many benefits to obtaining septic licensure in Louisiana:
First, and most important, it is illegal to operate as a septic professional in Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
It’s relatively affordable to become a septic professional in Louisiana. The cost to obtain a septic license in Louisiana includes $120 for the workshop and an additional $100 licensing fee for each license type.
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 License in Louisiana
To recap, obtaining a septic license in Louisiana requires completing a training course, obtaining liability insurance, and filling out the application form. The application packet includes an affidavit you must sign noting you’ve read and will comply with applicable chapters of the Louisiana Sanitary Code.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Louisiana?
The longest wait in the contractor licensing process is waiting for a training course. In 2024, training courses were held in March, May, August, and October. Once you successfully complete a course, you can submit an application.
Louisiana Septic Training Programs and Schools
Training courses approved by the Sanitarian Services Section of the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health are offered through The Roger Kelley, Water and Wastewater Trainer, LLC in Denham Springs and The Louisiana State University AgCenter Water Quality Extension Lab.
Louisiana Septic Licensing Exam Details
The required training course concludes with an exam. Applicants must pass with at least a 70%. If they don’t pass, the workshop attendee can retake the course exam with a regional OPH representative at no additional cost.
Do I Need to Renew My Louisiana Septic License?
Yes, licenses expire on Jan. 31 each year. Renewal requires an application and $100 fee per license type. Training must be completed every five years.
Louisiana Septic License Exceptions
If there’s no training course offered for 60 days or more, applicants can take a temporary Onsite Wastewater Workshop exam and receive a temporary license. Once the approved training courses are available, it is the installer’s responsibility to register, attend the training, and pass the workshop exam. If they don’t attend the first available training class, their temporary license will no longer be valid.
Does Louisiana Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Louisiana does not have any reciprocity agreements with other states for septic licensing.
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 Louisiana through Clean Water Professionals of Louisiana.
Other Requirements Unique to Louisiana
To service a home system, homeowners must obtain a Homeowner Certification. This requires attending a training class and passing the exam with a 70% or higher.
There are also permitting requirements for installing new septic systems. Sewerage permit applications must be submitted with each local Parish Health Unit.
Continuing Education
Louisiana septic installers must retake the training course every five years to maintain their license.
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.
