NC
North Carolina — Five regulatory bodies

Onsite licensure in NC is fragmented across multiple agencies. Installers, inspectors, and evaluators are regulated by NCOWCICB; subsurface operators by NC DEQ; soil scientists by NC BLSS; engineers by NCBELS; pumpers by NC DEQ Septage program.

NCOWCICB NC DEQ — WPCSOCC NC BLSS NCBELS NC Septage
2025 Rule Change · SB166 Effective January 1, 2025: Grade Level IV Installer applicants now need 2 years at Grade II first. Point-of-Sale Inspector requires 2 years as GL IV, AOWE, or Subsurface Operator (or full GL IV education in lieu of experience). A new Private Compliance Inspector class was created.
NCOWCICB — Installers · Inspectors · Evaluators (calendar year)
Two Deadlines, Not One Although NCOWCICB certifications expire December 31, proof of continuing education must be submitted to the Board by November 15 of each year to renew without disruption.
Grade Level II InstallerConventional gravity systems, multiple tanks, single pump, fill, sand-lined trench, up to 1,499 gpd
3hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Nov 15CE proof due · license expires Dec 31
NCOWCICB
21 NCAC 39
→ Source
Grade Level IV InstallerAll approved subsurface system types — comprehensive contractor
6hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Nov 15CE proof due · license expires Dec 31
NCOWCICB
21 NCAC 39
→ Source
Point-of-Sale InspectorInspections for real estate transactions on existing systems
6hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Nov 15CE proof due · license expires Dec 31
NCOWCICB
21 NCAC 39
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Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE)Site/soil evaluation and system design under 15A NCAC 18E
12hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Nov 15CE proof due · license expires Dec 31
NCOWCICB
21 NCAC 39
→ Source
Private Compliance InspectorNew in 2025 — compliance inspections on newly-installed systems; 36-hr class + 5 yrs experience required
12hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Nov 15CE proof due · license expires Dec 31
NCOWCICB
SB166 / 21 NCAC 39
→ Source
NC DEQ — Subsurface Wastewater System Operator
Subsurface System OperatorRequired for LPP, drip, pressure-dosed sand filter, peat biofilter, and large existing subsurface systems.
6hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 31Each year
NC DEQ — WPCSOCC
15A NCAC 8G / NCGS 90A Art. 3
→ Source
Adjacent licenses commonly held by onsite professionals
Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS)PDH framework; max 15 PDH may carry forward into next cycle
45PDH / 3 yr
3-YearJuly 1 – June 30
June 30License year-end
NC BLSS
21 NCAC 69 / NCGS 89F
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Professional Engineer (PE)≥1 hr must be Ethics/Rules of Professional Conduct (effective 2024)
15PDH / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 31Each year
NCBELS
21 NCAC 56.1703
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Licensed Geologist (LG)Up to 12 additional PDH may be carried forward
12PDH / yr
AnnualLicense year
VariesAnnual
NCBLG
21 NCAC 21
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Septage Management Firm Operator (Pumper)Annual training required. NCDEQ offers free online training every 2 months.
4hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 15Permit expires Dec 31
NC DEQ Septage
NCGS 130A-291.3(a) · 15A NCAC 13B
→ Source
Septage Land Application Site OperatorSeparate annual training for operators of permitted septage land application sites (SLAS).
3hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 15Permit expires Dec 31
NC DEQ Septage
NCGS 130A-291.3(b) · 15A NCAC 13B
→ Source
SC
South Carolina — Two regulatory bodies for onsite

SCDES (formerly DHEC) handles installer and pumper licensure under Regulation 61-56. Soil classifiers are regulated separately by the SC State Board for Registration of Soil Classifiers.

SCDES SC Soil Classifiers Board
Tier 1 / 2 / 3 CE Now Active Installer CE requirements were authorized in 2022 with a 3-year delayed implementation. Now in effect: CE hours must be completed every 2 years from license date, and only classes taken on or after January 1, 2025 count. Up to 3 hours may roll over to the next cycle.
SCDES — Onsite Installers (R.61-56 §701)
Tier 1 InstallerAll gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems. No repairs on existing systems.
8hr / 2 yr
2-YearFrom license date
AnnualRenewed yearly; CE every 2
SCDES
R.61-56 §701
→ Source
Tier 2 InstallerAll Tier 1 plus pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated/mounded systems, all commercial systems. Authorized to repair existing systems.
12hr / 2 yr
2-YearFrom license date
AnnualRenewed yearly; CE every 2
SCDES
R.61-56 §701
→ Source
Tier 3 Installer (formerly Master)All Tier 1/2 plus Standard 610 specialized systems. Must be bonded & insured. 3 yrs SC experience.
18hr / 2 yr
2-YearFrom license date
AnnualRenewed yearly; CE every 2
SCDES
R.61-56 §701 / Act 37 of 2015
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Pumper / HaulerPumps onsite wastewater systems and self-contained toilets; transports sewage to disposal sites.
No CE
AnnualLicense renewal
AnnualPer license date
SCDES
R.61-56
→ Source
Soil Classifier & Engineer (adjacent)
Licensed Soil ClassifierRequired for Tier 3 / Standard 610 work. Self-directed study capped at 10 hr.
30hr / 2 yr
BiennialPer license
Per boardBiennial
SC Soil Classifiers Board
Chapter 108
→ Source
VA
Virginia — DPOR-licensed; biennial cycle

Virginia has the most structured onsite framework: master/journeyman tiers across alternative and conventional categories for installers, operators, and onsite soil evaluators. All under one DPOR board. HB2671 (2025) made operator/installer/OSE licensure mandatory for real estate transactions.

DPOR — WWWOOSSP DPOR — PSSWPG DPOR — APELSCIDLA
HB2671 (Eff. July 1, 2025) — Septic Inspections Only individuals holding a valid DPOR onsite sewage system operator, installer, or onsite soil evaluator license may perform real-estate septic inspections in Virginia. CE for inspections rides on the underlying license.
DPOR — Onsite Soil Evaluators (18VAC160-40-330)
Master Alternative OSE (AOSE)Site/soil evaluation and design for conventional + alternative systems
14hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Master Conventional OSEConventional systems only
10hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Journeyman Alternative OSEWorks under direct supervision of master
6hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Journeyman Conventional OSE
4hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
DPOR — Onsite Sewage System Installers
Master Alternative Installer
14hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Master Conventional Installer
10hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Journeyman Alternative Installer
6hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Journeyman Conventional Installer
4hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
DPOR — Onsite Sewage System Operators
Master Alternative Operator
14hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Master Conventional Operator
6hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Journeyman Alternative Operator
6hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Journeyman Conventional Operator
4hr / cycle
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseAnniversary
DPOR — WWWOOSSP
18VAC160-40
→ Source
Adjacent licenses
Licensed Professional Soil Scientist (LPSS)Replaces former CPSS certification (transitioned 2013)
8hr / yr
AnnualPer code
Per licenseAnnually
DPOR — PSSWPG
18VAC145-20-145 / §54.1-2205
→ Source
Professional Engineer (PE)Biennial renewal on licensee's birth month
16PDH / 2 yr
Biennial2-yr renewal
Per licenseLast day of birth month
DPOR — APELSCIDLA
18VAC10-20
→ Source
TN
Tennessee — No continuing education required

Tennessee is the only state in this region with no mandatory CE for onsite installers, pumpers, or soil consultants. TDEC issues annual permits that renew on a calendar-year cycle. The Soil Scientist Licensure Program was repealed in 2025.

TDEC — DWR TN BELS
Repealed July 1, 2025 — Soil Scientist Licensure Program The TN Department of Commerce & Insurance's Soil Scientist Licensure Program (T.C.A. §§62-18-201 to 219) was repealed via Public Chapter No. 524. Soil professionals submitting maps for SSDS work are now regulated solely as TDEC-Approved Soil Consultants.
TDEC — Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Permits
Conventional SSDS Installer PermitConventional gravity-fed systems
No CE
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 31Each year
TDEC — DWR
Rule 0400-48-01-.19
→ Source
Alternative SSDS Installer PermitLPP, mound, lagoon, aerobic, drip
No CE
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 31Each year
TDEC — DWR
Rule 0400-48-01-.19
→ Source
Septic Tank Pumping ContractorPumps septic, holding tanks, portable toilets
No CE
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 31Each year
TDEC — DWR
Rule 0400-48-01-.20
→ Source
Domestic Septage Disposal (Land Application)Requires high-intensity soil map and approved disposal site
No CE
AnnualCalendar year
Dec 31Each year
TDEC — DWR
Rule 0400-48-01
→ Source
TDEC-Approved Soil ConsultantSubmits soil maps for SSDS permits. Requires BS in soils/agronomy + 15 sem. hrs soil science + 2 yrs experience + TDEC exam.
No formal CE
ApprovalNo re-application unless inactive
—No fee
TDEC — DWR
Rule 0400-48-01-.03 / .18
→ Source
Third-Party Water Resources EngineerRegistered TN PE who prepares permit packages or conducts final inspections in lieu of TDEC or contract county
Via PE only
—PE biennial
Per PE
TDEC
T.C.A. §68-221-403(m)(2)
→ Source
Performance Trigger Although TDEC does not require CE for installer/pumper permit renewal, applicants who failed to perform satisfactorily during the prior year — or who let their permit lapse — must re-take the written exam and score ≥70% to re-permit.
GA
Georgia — DPH-administered; biennial cycle

Georgia DPH oversees the Onsite Sewage Program statewide under Chapter 511-3-1, with the 18 county health districts handling local permitting. CE is tracked at the individual contractor level on a biennial cycle ending Feb 28 of even-numbered years.

GA DPH — Onsite Sewage GOWA SCCAC
GA DPH — Installers · Pumpers · Soil Classifiers
Certified InstallerResidential exam covers Sections A, D, E, F of the DPH Manual
8hr / 2 yr
BiennialEven years
Feb 28$100 late fee after
GA DPH
Ch. 511-3-1
→ Source
Certified Septic Tank Pumper
6hr / 2 yr
BiennialEven years
Feb 28$100 late fee after
GA DPH
Ch. 511-3-1
→ Source
Installer + Pumper (combined)Single 8-hr requirement covers both certifications
8hr / 2 yr
BiennialEven years
Feb 28$100 late fee after
GA DPH
Ch. 511-3-1
→ Source
Portable Sanitation OnlyNo septic tank pumping; one designee per company gets CE
6hr / 2 yr
BiennialEven years
Feb 28$100 late fee after
GA DPH
Rule 511-3-6
→ Source
Certified Soil Classifier (Level III soil reports)Required for complex sites. Passed Fundamentals of Soil Science exam, $1M E&O insurance, signed code of ethics.
30hr / 2 yr
BiennialEven years
Feb 28$100 late fee after
GA DPH (SCCAC)
Ch. 511-3-1
→ Source
AL
Alabama — AOWB · calendar year cycle

Alabama's Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB) issues installer, pumper, manufacturer, and portable restroom licenses with annual calendar-year CE requirements that escalate as licensees stack additional credentials.

AOWB ADPH — Onsite UWA Training Center
AOWB — Installers · Pumpers · Manufacturers (Title 628)
Basic InstallerConventional onsite systems. 12 months work experience required prior to testing.
6hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3 / 628-X-2
→ Source
Advanced Level I InstallerSmall-flow systems, mound systems, simplex pumps with time dosing. Requires 24 mo. at Basic Level + 5 installs.
8hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3
→ Source
Advanced Level II InstallerAll systems including large-flow (≥1,800 gpd). 24 mo. at Advanced Level I required.
10hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3
→ Source
PumperSeptic tank, sewage tank, grease trap, and portable toilet pumping; replacing lids, risers, tees, filters
6hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3
→ Source
Manufacturer LicenseFor tank manufacturers
6hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3
→ Source
Manufacturer Level IICE replaced by signed/notarized affidavit annually
Affidavit
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3
→ Source
Portable Restroom LicensePumping, transport, servicing of portable toilets
4hr / yr
AnnualCalendar year
AnnualPer license
AOWB
628-X-3
→ Source
Stacking Rule Hours don't accumulate per license held — they cap at the highest-tier license's requirement. A licensee with Basic Installer + Pumper + Manufacturer = 6 hr/yr (not 18). Adding Advanced Level I pushes the total to 8 hr/yr. Adding Advanced Level II pushes it to 10 hr/yr.
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About this resource

This page is maintained by Onsite Wastewater Professionals (OWP) — a training and professional services organization serving installers, inspectors, soil scientists, operators, and engineers across the Southeast. We built this reference because the rules live across dozens of agency websites and rarely match up neatly state to state.

If you spot an outdated requirement or a license type we missed, please email us so we can update it.

Disclaimer

Regulations change. Always verify hour requirements, renewal dates, and source rules with the issuing board before renewing. OWP makes no warranty as to the completeness or current accuracy of this information. Last full review: May 14, 2026.