Licensing Guides
Alabama Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Alabama
Septic, AL
October 1st, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Alabama?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Alabama?
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.
Almost 50% of those living in the state of Alabama use a septic tank system to dispose of household sewage, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
Alabama employs 400 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, part of 30,650 working nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 across the country, adding about 2,900 job openings each year. In Alabama, that growth rate is projected to be higher, at 11%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website.
Demand for skilled trades continues to outpace supply across the country, and onsite wastewater work is no exception. Roughly half of Alabama households rely on septic systems, so licensed installers and pumpers who keep those systems running safely stay in steady demand.
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.
Licensing Requirements for Septic Contractors in Alabama
Is a license required to work in the onsite wastewater industry in Alabama? Yes, and it is required at every level.
Alabama licenses everyone who installs, services, pumps, or manufactures onsite wastewater systems. That includes the Basic Level Installer, Advanced Level I Installer, Advanced Level II Installer, and Pumper licenses, along with separate licenses for portable restroom operators and septic tank manufacturers. Licensure is statewide through the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB), which examines, licenses, and regulates the industry. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and county health departments handle the permitting of the systems themselves.
Working without a current AOWB license is a Class A misdemeanor under Alabama law, so getting licensed is the first step before you take on any onsite wastewater work.
Types of Septic Licenses in Alabama
Septic installers and pumpers must be licensed in Alabama. While the license application process is similar, each license has different work experience requirements. The person in charge of the company holds the license, and employees perform work under that license holder's direct supervision, according to the AOWB's frequently asked questions.
Basic Level Installer
A Basic Level Installer License is for the installation, servicing, replacing lids, repairing, or maintenance of a conventional onsite wastewater system and shallow placement onsite wastewater systems with design flows of up to 1,800 gallons per day (GPD). These systems may include a pump that lifts the effluent to the disposal field, and the pump must be basic on-demand pumps with no control panels.
To be eligible to take the training and exam for this license, applicants must have a minimum of one year of work experience as a basic installer. The board waives this work experience requirement if the applicant has one year of work experience as a pumper, portable toilet operator, or manufacturer.
A passing score on the AOWB licensing exam is required. The Basic Level Installer License is the entry-level installer license and the prerequisite for advancing to the Advanced Level I Installer License.
Advanced Level I Installer
An Advanced Level I Installer License allows all the work performed under a Basic Level Installer License, all systems up to 1,800 GPD, and the installation, servicing, repairing, or maintenance of mound systems, simplex pumps with timed dosing requirements, and on-demand duplex pumps, which include single-family systems with secondary treatment.
To be eligible for this license, the applicant must have held the Basic Level Installer license for a minimum of two years, completed at least five conventional onsite sewage systems, and completed the required education.
A passing score on the AOWB licensing exam is required. This license is the prerequisite for the Advanced Level II Installer License.
Advanced Level II Installer License
An Advanced Level II Installer License allows all the work performed under the Basic and Advanced Level I Installers licenses and for the installation, servicing, replacing lids, repairing, or maintaining all systems 1,801 GPD and above, including multiple pump systems with timed dosing requirements and other advanced technology systems.
To be eligible for this license, applicants must have held the Advanced Level 1 Installer license for a minimum of two years, completed five engineered systems, and completed the required education.
A passing score on the AOWB licensing exam is required. This is the top installer license and covers the largest and most advanced systems.
Pumper License
A pumper's license is issued for those pumping, servicing, replacing lids, repairing, replacing or maintaining the component parts of a septic tank, sewage tanks, and grease traps.
To be eligible for this license, the applicant must have six months of work experience as a pumper. The board waives this work experience requirement for those who have held a Basic Level Installer License for six months.
A passing score on the AOWB licensing exam is required. The Pumper License is a standalone license and is not part of the installer progression.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Alabama
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board provides all the eligibility requirements for obtaining a basic installer or pumper license on its website. It also includes all the information about obtaining a Level I or II installer license on its eligibility for Level I and II installers PDF.
To obtain a Basic Level Installer License, follow these steps.
Complete a minimum of one year of work experience as a basic installer.
Download and complete the application.
If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, the board sends notice to attend initial license training and provides a list of approved sponsors for education.
Complete a testing application and pay the $150 testing fee by check or money order, payable to the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
The board notifies applicants of the testing date and location. Once the applicant takes the exam, they are notified within 10 working days whether they passed the exam.
Submit a license application, U.S. citizenship form or non U.S. citizenship form, and a $15,000 surety bond form.
Pay the $50 application and processing fee and the $300 license fee.
Renew the license annually.
Applicants may find all forms on the AOWB's form page and find answers to commonly asked questions on the FAQ page.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Alabama
There are many benefits to getting your Alabama septic license:
It is required by law to perform onsite wastewater work in Alabama.
It proves your skill and experience to customers.
It lets you legally operate and advertise a septic business.
It allows you to post the required surety bond and work under ADPH permitting.
It opens the door to higher-value advanced and engineered system work as you move up license levels.
It protects both your customers and your business by keeping you compliant with state rules.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Alabama?
The septic trade pays a steady, middle-income wage that climbs with experience and license level. Nationally, the annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is $53,500 and the median is $49,880, according to the BLS.
In Alabama, the median annual wage is $47,370, with the lowest-paid 10% earning about $37,610 and the top 10% earning about $57,500.
The mean is the mathematical average of all wages, while the median is the midpoint, where half of workers earn more and half earn less. Your pay rises with experience, with the advanced license levels that let you take on larger systems, and with owning your own septic business.
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.
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 Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Alabama?
To obtain an installer or pumper license, it costs between $500 to $850, depending on the license level. Fees include a $50 application fee, an exam fee, and licensure fee.
Annual license fees are as follows:
Basic Level Installer License or Pumper License: $300
Advanced Level I Installer License: $400
Advanced Level II Installer License: $600
Those holding a license in more than one category must pay the fee for the most advanced license, and pay an additional $100 fee for other categories.
How to Get a Septic License in Alabama
The path to an Alabama septic license follows a clear sequence. First, meet the work-experience requirement for the license you want. That means one year as a basic installer for the Basic Level Installer License, six months as a pumper for the Pumper License, or two years of licensed experience plus the required completed systems for the Advanced levels. Next, submit the AOWB eligibility application, available on the AOWB forms page, and complete the Board-approved initial training through an approved sponsor once the Board approves your eligibility.
After you complete the training, you take the AOWB examination at the Board's office in Montgomery on a scheduled testing date. After you pass, file your license application along with the required surety bond, the citizenship documentation form, and the license fees. Once the Board issues your license, you renew it every year to keep it active.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in Alabama?
Getting an initial installer or pumper license can be accomplished fairly quickly once the applicant meets minimum work experience requirements. The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board offers exams three to four times during the year.
Those seeking a Basic Level Installer License must have at least one year minimum work experience. Those seeking Advanced Level I and II Installer licenses must have at least two years of licensed experience, along with the completion of at least five septic systems.
Alabama Septic Training Programs and Schools
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board approves specific classes and programs for training and continuing education. For details on approved courses, visit the AOWB continuing education page.
Alabama Septic Licensing Exam Details
To take a licensing exam, an applicant must first meet license eligibility requirements. If approved, the applicant submits an application for testing and pays an exam fee. The AOWB informs applicants of the testing date and location.
Exam fees are as follows:
Basic installer exam fee: $150
Advanced Level I and II exam fee: $200
Pumper exam fee: $150
The board provides exams several times throughout the year and lists exam dates on its testing page.
The AOWB administers the licensing exam at its administrative office in Montgomery on testing dates posted to the Board's website. The minimum passing grade for every AOWB licensing exam is 80%, and examinees have two hours to finish, according to Alabama Administrative Code Rule 628-X-3-.04. Applicants who do not pass may re-test up to two times, with at least 14 days between attempts, and must begin the licensing process anew if they do not pass by the second re-test.
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How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Alabama?
Preparing for the AOWB exam starts with the Board-approved initial training class, offered by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association (AOWA) and the University of West Alabama, which covers the material the exam tests.
Study Alabama's onsite wastewater rules, Alabama Code Title 34 Chapter 21A and Alabama Administrative Code Title 628, along with the ADPH onsite sewage requirements, because the exam covers proper installation, servicing, and maintenance standards. Because the exam requires a high passing score, focus your review on the system design flow categories (conventional, mound, and engineered) and the pump and dosing rules that separate the license levels.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Alabama?
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board (AOWB) examines, licenses, and regulates those engaged in the manufacture, installation, or servicing of onsite wastewater systems.
The state requires licenses for those who work in the onsite wastewater industry as a pumper, installer, and portable restroom operator, and for those who manufacture septic tanks. The person who is in charge of the company holds the license, according to the AOWB.
The Alabama Department of Public Health's Division of Community Environmental Protection establishes and enforces the requirements for design, permitting, installation, approval, and use of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. The division's Soil and Onsite Sewage branch coordinates the onsite sewage program in the county health departments.
Alabama Code Title 34 Chapter 21A and Alabama Administrative Code Title 628 sets out regulations for onsite sewage systems. These rules ensure the proper manufacture, installation, service, cleaning, and maintenance of onsite sewage equipment and treatment systems to protect the environment and public health.
Does My Alabama Septic License Work in Any Other State?
Does an Alabama septic license work in any other state? No. An Alabama onsite wastewater license is valid only in Alabama.
If you plan to work in another state, you must apply for and meet that state's own licensing requirements. Alabama does not automatically recognize licenses issued elsewhere, and other states do not automatically recognize an Alabama license.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Alabama?
The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board has not established any reciprocity agreements with other states. Every applicant must complete Alabama's full process, including the eligibility application, Board-approved training, and the AOWB examination, regardless of any license held in another state. Septic installers and pumpers licensed elsewhere still apply to the AOWB as new applicants.
Septic-Specific Requirements
Onsite wastewater work in Alabama comes with a few requirements specific to the trade.
A surety bond, available on the AOWB forms page, is mandatory to hold any license. The bond is $15,000 for a Basic Installer, Pumper, Portable Restroom Operator, or Manufacturer license, and $30,000 for the Advanced Level I and II Installer licenses, under Alabama Code Section 34-21A-16. Separate licenses exist for pumpers, portable restroom operators, and septic tank manufacturers, so match your license to the work you plan to do.
Because onsite systems are permitted through ADPH and county health departments, installers also work within ADPH's design, permitting, and soil and site-evaluation 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 septic system disposal, wastewater management, and groundwater protection through other governmental agencies and industry associations in Alabama. This includes:
Other Requirements Unique to Alabama
A handful of rules are unique to Alabama's onsite wastewater program.
The person in charge of the company holds the license and answers for the work that directly supervised employees perform. Applicants must also submit a U.S. citizenship or non-U.S. citizenship documentation form. Licenses cannot be sold, transferred, or used by anyone other than the holder and their supervised employees.
County health departments coordinate the local onsite sewage program, so some requirements can vary from county to county.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Alabama?
Are there septic scholarships in Alabama? Yes, on a limited basis. The Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association (AOWA) offers an annual $1,000 scholarship open to AOWA members and their immediate family (spouses, children, grandchildren, and stepchildren), as well as employees of AOWA member companies. Recipients can use it at any accredited academic, vocational, or technical school.
There is no state government program funding septic-specific training beyond this member scholarship, so aspiring installers may also look into general skilled-trades funding through the Alabama Community College System.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Alabama?
Anyone can confirm an Alabama septic license through the AOWB's public licensee roster search. Here is how:
Enter a name, license number, license type, or county in the search box.
Review the filtered results, which show the licensee's name, license number, license type, issue date, and service counties.
Open a record's detail view for more information.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Alabama?
The AOWB can suspend or revoke a license for a range of violations, including:
Obtaining a license under false pretenses.
Having someone else take the exam.
Letting another person use the license.
Selling or transferring the license.
Failing to renew on time.
Failing to follow ADPH or local health department rules.
Committing a dishonest or illegal act in licensed work.
The AOWB also automatically suspends a license if the required surety bond lapses, and the suspension stays in place until you restore the bond and pay a reinstatement fee, under Alabama Code Section 34-21A-16.
This is general information, not legal advice.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Alabama?
Performing onsite wastewater work without a current AOWB license is a Class A misdemeanor under Alabama Code Section 34-21A-25.
The Board can also levy an administrative fine of up to $1,000 for each violation, and because each unauthorized job counts separately, the Board's disciplinary actions records show penalties reaching several thousand dollars for repeated unlicensed work. The Board can issue cease-and-desist orders and ask a circuit court for an injunction to stop the work.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Do I Need to Renew My Alabama Septic License?
Yes. Licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal season begins on October 1 of each year. The AOWB recommends online license renewal, or license holders may contact the AOWB to request a renewal application.
Those renewing licenses must show evidence of the required surety bond and meet continuing education requirements before December 31 of each year.
License fees are as follows:
Basic Level Installer License or Pumper License: $300
Advanced Level I Installer License: $400
Advanced Level II Installer License: $600
Those who do not renew by January 1 must pay a $100 late fee.
Continuing Education
Alabama requires continuing education for installer and pumper licenses before license renewal.
Continuing education requirements include:
Basic Level Installer License: Complete six approved continuing education credit hours annually.
Advanced Level I Installer License: Complete eight approved continuing education credit hours annually.
Advanced Level II Installer License: Complete 10 approved continuing education credit hours annually.
Pumper License: Complete six approved continuing education credit hours annually.
The board lists approved courses from the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Association and the University of West Alabama on its continuing education 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 Alabama, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
By Joanne Bratton
