Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Texas
Septic, TX
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Septic License Requirements in Texas
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 those professionals to have the expertise to protect the environment from the inherent contaminants. In Texas, OSSF are the systems of choice for about 20% of new homes, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Texas has more septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners than any state in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide according to the BLS and Texas employs 2,920 of them. That’s more than 10% of the national number. 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 Texas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is more than three times that at 28% 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 Texas?
Licensing for septic installers for the entire state of Texas is under the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The TCEQ has all the information you need on its website, including requirements for licensing, training providers, and learning how to get a new license, a renewal, or even a replacement license or registration. You can also register to take an exam, and find training and continuing education courses.
The TCEQ delegates authority to local governments for on-site sewage facility permits. OSSFs must be designed on the basis of a site evaluation that accounts for local conditions and are only for domestic sewage—never industrial waste. This is all spelled out in the Texas Health and Safety Code.
According to the TCEQ website, “The sudden increase of new housing in suburban and rural areas means that more Texas households depend on an OSSF for treatment and disposal of domestic sewage. In recent years, many new systems have been permitted, most in high growth areas of the state. New approaches to design and overseeing OSSFs ensure systems do their job properly and protect the environment. Almost all OSSFs must have a permit prior to any construction, installation, repair, extension, or other alteration. Any work on an OSSF must be performed by a licensed installer or directly by the homeowner when it is their single-family residence. If someone is paid for any part of the process, that person must be licensed by the state.”
The TCEQ website also explains that, “In most areas of the state, local authorities have taken on the responsibility for ensuring that OSSFs in their area comply with all state requirements.” Many local governments have taken on the responsibility of being "authorized agents" (AA) of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for administering the OSSF Program. Residents can search for their local permitting authority online and must submit a permit application before installing an OSSF system.
Types of Septic Licenses in Texas
To operate as an OSSF installer, apprentice, maintenance provider or maintenance technician in Texas, you must be licensed or registered by the TCEQ. There are different parameters of work permitted for each license and different requirements to obtain each.
Installer I License
The holder of an Installer I license is authorized to install standard OSSF systems (septic tanks, absorptive drainfields, unlined ET drainfields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe, and pumped effluent drainfields).
Applicants for Installer I must complete OSSF-approved training through TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services) before applying to TCEQ. Upon approval, you will need to pass the related exam. No previous educational or work experience is required.
Installer II License
The holder of an Installer II license is authorized to install all types of OSSF systems. Applicants for Installer II must complete OSSF-approved training through TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services) and must have worked as either a licensed Installer I for at least a year or a Registered Apprentice for at least two years and provide the necessary documentation before applying to TCEQ. Upon approval, you will need to pass the related exam.
Apprentice Registration
An OSSF apprentice is authorized to represent the supervising installer at the job site. However, apprentices may only perform OSSF installation services under the constant, direct supervision of a licensed installer, either on-site or by radio or other means of direct communications. If supervision is not on-site, the licensed installer must visit the job site at least once each workday to verify the work of the apprentice is being performed in accordance with State or Authorized Agent requirements. No previous educational or work experience is required.
Maintenance Technician Registration
A registered Maintenance Technician is authorized to perform services associated with OSSF maintenance but only under the direct supervision and direction of the maintenance provider either on-site or by direct communication with the maintenance provider.
Applicants must complete approved training through TOWA (Texas On-site Wastewater Association) before applying to TCEQ. No previous educational or work experience is required.
Maintenance Providers License
Licensed Maintenance Providers are authorized to provide service or maintenance to on-site disposal systems using aerobic treatment. Applicants must complete approved training through TOWA (Texas On-site Wastewater Association) and must have previous work experience as follows:
Possess a current OSSF Installer II license; or
Possess a Class C or higher Wastewater Treatment Operator license; or
Have three years of experience as a registered Maintenance Technician.
Applicants must provide the necessary documentation before applying to TCEQ. Upon approval you will need to take and pass the related exam.
The other OSSF-related license is an OSSF Site Evaluator license and it is granted only in addition to other licenses—never as a standalone license. To hold this license, an individual must hold a concurrent license of one of the following types; Designated Representative, Installer II, Professional Engineer, Professional Sanitarian, Professional Soil Scientist. Application for an OSSF Site Evaluator license requires an affidavit affirming that the individual holds a current license in one of these designations.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Texas
The steps to getting any of the septic licenses listed above are similar with variations in the required training, work experience, and tests.
Complete license-specific training course.
Meet specific work experience when required (OSSF Installer II and Maintenance Provider).
Apply to TCEQ, completing the appropriate application packet and pay the application fee.
Meet criminal history requirements, including fingerprinting.
Upon approval from TCEQ, take computer-based tests when required (OSSF Installer II and Maintenance Provider).
Pass the exam when needed and receive your license.
Renew license every three years after completing continuous education (CE) requirements when needed and pay the renewal fee.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Texas
There are many benefits to getting a septic (OSSF) license in Texas.
First, and most important, it is illegal to operate as an OSSF installer, apprentice, maintenance provider or maintenance technician in Texas without being licensed or registered by the TCEQ.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the industry.
Only licensed professionals can operate a business and advertise OSSF 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 Texas?
Getting a septic license in Texas can cost up to about $600-$700.
The cost will depend primarily on the required training. The OSSF application fee for each of the licenses/registrations is $111 to be paid to TCEQ.
Apprentices don’t need any additional training, so the registration fee is the only expense.
The Installer I Basic Training course offered through TEEX is $460 in Mesquite and online and $465 in San Antonio, Bryan, and online.
The Installer II Basic Training course through TEEX is $560 in Mesquite and online and $565 in San Antonio, Bryan, and online. The Maintenance Technician Basic Maintenance Provider course offered through TOWA is only held in San Marcos and has a $355 fee.
The Maintenance Providers License requires two courses—Basic Maintenance Provider (BMP) and Advanced Aerobic Maintenance Provider (AMP)—offered through TOWA. Both are held in San Marcos except where noted. The fee for BMP is $355 as noted above. AMP costs $525.
There is also a fee associated with the computer-based testing, but it varies by exam center location. The fee to renew all licenses and registrations is $111 every three years. There are also continuing education courses required for Installer I & II and Maintenance Providers.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
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How to Get a Septic License in Texas
There are no educational or work experience requirements to get started as a septic professional in Texas if you begin as an apprentice working for a licensed professional. To do that legally, you will need to apply for Apprentice Registration through the TCEQ. There is an online portal to submit your application for registration. The application fee is $111. There is no testing required and no license-related documents are required for an apprentice registration. Once registered, you may begin working for a licensed professional on the types of septic systems that he or she is authorized to install or repair.
You may also begin your journey in the field with an Installer I License. Again, there are no minimum educational or work experience requirements, but for an Installer I License you will need to take an approved OSSF training course. The course is Installer I Basic Training and is offered through TEEX at the Mesquite, San Antonio, and Bryan campuses and online. After successfully completing the course, you will need to apply for an Installer I License through TCEQ and pay the $111 application fee. Again, no license-related documents are required to apply for Installer I, but you will need to pass a computer-based test to receive your license.
You may work indefinitely with an Installer I license as long as you meet the continuing education requirements and renew your license every three years. That Installer I license only permits the holder to work on standard OSSF systems.
An Installer II License allows the holder to work on all kinds of OSSFs, including aerobic systems. If you wish to pursue this less-restrictive license you will not only need to apply to TCEQ and pay that same $111 application fee, but you will need to pass two courses through TEEX and provide documentation proving a minimum amount of work experience in the field. There are two ways to demonstrate the experience needed:
Hold a current Installer I License for at least one year and submit either a sworn statement for OSSF I to OSSF II verifying at least three installations from either a designated representative who approved the installations or from three individuals for whom the applicant performed construction services or other documentation approved by the executive director of TCEQ.
Hold an apprentice registration for at least two years and submit either a sworn statement for Apprentice to OSSF II verifying at least six installations from either a designated representative who approved the installations or from six individuals for whom the applicant performed construction services or other documentation approved by the executive director of TCEQ.
Upon approval from TCEQ, you must pass a computer-based test at one of the exam locations throughout Texas.
The other path you may pursue is a Maintenance Technician Registration and Maintenance Providers License. Just like an Apprentice Registration, there are no educational or work experience requirements to begin as a registered Maintenance Technician. Once registered, you may perform services associated with OSSF maintenance but only under the direct supervision and direction of the maintenance provider either on-site or by direct communication.
Applicants must complete approved training through TOWA (Texas On-site Wastewater Association) before applying to TCEQ and paying the $111 application fee. There are no continuing education requirements to renew your registration.
A Maintenance Provider License requires more training and work experience. To get this license, you will need to complete two courses of approved training through TOWA. You will also need to either hold a current OSSF Installer II license, a Class C or higher Wastewater Treatment Operator license, or have three years of experience as a registered Maintenance Technician.
Applicants must provide the necessary documentation before applying. Upon approval from TCEQ, you will need to pass computer-based testing at one of the exam locations throughout the state. Licensees must complete 24 units of continuing education to renew every three years.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Texas?
Obtaining a septic license in Texas can take from a few months to a few years, depending on which license you are seeking. The Apprentice or Maintenance Technician Registration can be accomplished quickly as there is no required training, so it’s simply a matter of applying and waiting for your registration to be issued. To qualify for an Installer II License, it can take more than two years; for a Maintenance Provider License, it can take more than three.
Texas Septic Training Programs and Schools
Because the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality specifies which training programs are approved for each license, there is not a lot of choice as to where to attend. As mentioned above, for either of the Installer licenses you will need to complete training at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services (TEEX). OSSF Installer I and OSSF Installer II classes are offered through Texas On-site Wastewater Association (TOWA).
Texas Septic Licensing Exam Details
As part of the process to receive your Installer I, Installer II, or Maintenance Provider License, you will need to pass a computer-based test (CGT) through TCEQ. These examinations are designed to demonstrate that applicants have a grasp of the information needed to perform the various jobs. They are offered at testing centers throughout the state. All examinations have a three-hour time limit. Pre-approval of your license application is required for testing. For pre-approval, applicants must complete licensing requirements including education, work experience, and training and submit an application through the website using the online application—Occupational Licensing Electronic Application (OLEA).
Everything you need to prepare for the TCEQ licensing examinations is on the website. The website encourages applicants to study the most current training materials from all of the required training to prepare. According to the site, “the testing fees are established by each CBT center and may vary based on the center. CBT exams at TCEQ-approved test centers provide immediate exam scores and exam analysis feedback. Some test centers may offer one immediate retest on the same day.”
Do I Need to Renew My Texas Septic License?
All septic licenses and registrations in Texas must be renewed every three years. There are requirements for renewal. Also, detailed information can be found on another page of the website.
To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:
Complete the continuing education requirements—24 CE credit hours for each Installer I, Installer II, and Maintenance Provider Licenses.
Submit a renewal application and criminal history attestation.
Pay the $111 renewal fee.
Only TCEQ-approved training courses will be accepted for continuing education and must be completed before the current license expires. You can check your current CE hours earned by searching the License Information webpage.
TCEQ strongly encourages licensees to keep their contact information up to date, so you will receive courtesy reminders when your license is up for renewal. Renewal notifications will be mailed to the last known address on file at least 60 days before the license expires. If there is an email address on file, an email notification will be sent 90 days before the license expires.
Texas Septic License Exceptions
There are few exemptions from the OSSF Licensing rules in place in Texas. Those exemptions are spelled out in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). It states that only owners of a single-family dwelling are not required to be a licensed installer to install or repair an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) on the individual's property. The code is very clear that this provision does not apply to property that is to be developed for sale or lease. It also specifies that if the property owner compensates a person to construct any portion of an OSSF, the individual performing the work must be a licensed installer.
Does Texas Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Yes, Texas does reciprocate septic licenses. You can apply for a septic license through reciprocity in Texas, and the TCEQ may waive qualifications, training, or an examination for a license on a case-by-case basis. According to the website, to be eligible you must have a current license from another state, territory, or country, have taken an exam to receive the license, and have a good compliance history, and currently be in good standing with the licensing authority that issued the license.
When applying by reciprocity, you can still apply online. Just be sure to enter all of the information under the reciprocity section and upload a copy of your current license, and copies of any applicable training or course completion certificates.
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 Texas through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:
American Backflow Prevention Association Texas Chapters —Central Texas, Corpus Christi, Lower Rio Grande Valley, North Texas (DFW Area), San Antonio
Other Requirements Unique to Texas
While septic licensing authority in Texas rests with the TCEQ, permitting authority for OSSFs rests with local jurisdictions—cities, counties, towns—and they determine some of the maintenance rules for these systems. Some permitting authorities allow homeowners to perform maintenance, but others are adopting more stringent rules surrounding who can perform these maintenance tasks. In some cases, authorities may require homeowner training before being allowed to maintain systems or even prohibit homeowners from doing it themselves at all. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local permitting authority. You can search for that contact information by clicking this link.
Continuing Education
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires continuing education for all septic licenses except Apprentice Registrations and Maintenance Technician Registrations. All other OSSF licenses require 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) for renewal. You can find a list of approved training providers here.
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.
