Licensing Guides
Arkansas Septic License & Certification | 2025 Contractor Guide
Septic, AR
Learn how to get a septic license in Arkansas, how much it costs, and everything else you need to know.
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Septic Contractors in Arkansas
Types of Septic Licenses in Arkansas
Steps to Get a Septic License in Arkansas
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Arkansas
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Arkansas?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Arkansas?
How to Get a Septic License in Arkansas
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in Arkansas?
Arkansas Septic Training Programs and Schools
Arkansas Septic Licensing Exam Details
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Arkansas?
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Arkansas?
Does My Arkansas Septic License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Arkansas?
National Septic Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Arkansas
Are There Septic Scholarships in Arkansas?
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Arkansas?
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Arkansas?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Arkansas?
Continuing Education
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become a septic professional can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling.
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 and water supply from the inherent contaminants. In the state of Arkansas, septic systems are also referred to as individual sewage disposal systems. Roughly 40% of Arkansas’s population is on a septic system.
There are 29,050 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Arkansas employs 110 of them. The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2023 to 2033. In Arkansas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is much higher at 20% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen while the demand for them continues to grow. So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready. Licensing requirements for septic professionals vary from state to state. In Arkansas, licensure is handled statewide by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Licensing Requirements for Septic Contractors in Arkansas
Is a license required to work as a septic professional in Arkansas? Yes. Under Act 402 of 1977, septic tank installers and septic tank manufacturers must be licensed and pass an examination administered by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Septic tank cleaners must also be licensed under Arkansas Department of Health rules.
Arkansas licenses septic professionals at three levels: Septic Tank Installer, Septic Tank Cleaner, and Designated Representative. Each classification requires passing an ADH-administered exam and paying a registration fee.
Licensing is managed statewide by the Arkansas Department of Health, specifically the Onsite Wastewater Program. There is no local or county-level licensing for septic work; the ADH sets statewide policies and provides assistance to Environmental Health Specialists in each county health department.
It is illegal to operate as a Septic Tank Installer, Septic Tank Cleaner, or Designated Representative in Arkansas without being licensed. Violations can result in civil penalties and criminal misdemeanor charges.
Types of Septic Licenses in Arkansas
Arkansas offers three license classifications related to septic work: Septic Tank Installer, Septic Tank Cleaner, and Designated Representative. Each license includes specific licensing requirements. See the ADH license descriptions below.
Septic Tank Installer: “Any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality, or governmental agency licensed by the department, which constructs, installs, alters, or repairs onsite wastewater systems for others.”
Scope of work: Constructs, installs, alters, or repairs onsite wastewater systems for others.
Supervision rules: No supervision required once licensed. Installers operate independently under their own license.
Experience/education requirements: No formal education or prior experience is required. Applicants must be gainfully employed by a licensed septic business.
Exam requirement: Yes — must pass the ADH-administered Installer licensing exam with a 75% minimum passing score.
Limitations: Installer license does not authorize cleaning or pumping septic tanks or performing system design work. Those activities require a Cleaner or Designated Representative license, respectively.
Progression: Licensed Installers can expand their credentials by obtaining a Designated Representative license if they meet additional qualifications.
Septic Tank Cleaner: “Any person, firm, corporation, or association which cleans septic tanks, marine sanitation devices, portable toilets, or transports septage or sewage within the State of Arkansas.”
Scope of work: Cleans septic tanks, marine sanitation devices, portable toilets, or transports septage or sewage within the state.
Supervision rules: The licensed owner or operator of the business is responsible for the actions of employees regarding septic tank cleaning and proper disposal of septage and sewage.
Experience/education requirements: No formal education or prior experience is required. Applicants must be employed by a licensed septic business.
Exam requirement: Yes — must pass the ADH-administered Cleaner licensing exam with a 75% minimum passing score.
Limitations: Cleaner license does not authorize installation, alteration, or repair of onsite wastewater systems. A separate Installer license is required for that work.
Progression: Cleaners who wish to expand into installation can pursue the Installer license by passing the Installer exam.
Designated Representative: “A person certified by the Department to make percolation tests, system designs, and inspections subject to the Authorized Agent's final approval.”
Scope of work: Makes percolation tests, system designs, and inspections subject to the Authorized Agent’s final approval.
Supervision rules: Work is subject to the Authorized Agent’s (county Environmental Health Specialist) final approval.
Experience/education requirements: Must hold a professional title such as registered professional engineer, registered land surveyor, registered sanitarian, or licensed master plumber. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in natural science or math, or three years of experience in septic system design with supporting attestation, may qualify.
Exam requirement: Yes — must pass the four-part DR exam with a 75% minimum score on each section.
Limitations: DR license does not authorize physical installation or cleaning of septic systems. DRs provide specialized design and testing services.
Progression: This is the most advanced septic credential in Arkansas and is typically held alongside another professional license.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Arkansas
While each license classification has its own specific requirements, here is the general path to becoming a licensed septic professional in Arkansas:
Gain employment with a licensed septic company in Arkansas.
Meet criminal history requirements and pass a background check.
Prepare for the licensing exam using the ADH-provided Onsite Wastewater Study Packet.
Take and pass the appropriate ADH licensing exam with a score of 75% or better.
Pay the registration fee — $100 for Installer or Designated Representative or $25 for Cleaner.
Receive your license and begin practicing.
Renew your license annually, complete 6 hours of continuing education per year, and pay the renewal fee of $50, as detailed in Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater renewal requirements.
Optional: Expand your credentials. Installers can pursue a DR license; Cleaners can pursue an Installer license; professionals with qualifying degrees can pursue Designated Representative status.
Below are the specific steps for each license classification:
Septic Tank Installer: (No application required)
Gain employment with a licensed septic company
Meet criminal history requirements and background check
Pass a licensing examination administered by ADH
Pay the $100 registration fee
Septic Tank Cleaner: (No application required)
Gain employment with a licensed septic company
Meet criminal history requirements and background check
Pass a licensing examination administered by ADH
Pay the $25 license fee
Designated Representative:
Note: Designated Representatives must first obtain a professional degree, including engineer, land surveyor, sanitarian, or master plumber, to qualify for the DR license.
Complete the Designated Representative license application form
Complete the Designated Representative application letter
Pass a licensing examination administered by ADH
Pay the $100 registration fee
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Arkansas
There are many benefits to getting a septic license in Arkansas.
First, and most important, it is illegal to operate as a Septic Tank Installer, Septic Tank Cleaner, or Designated Representative in Arkansas without being licensed.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the industry.
Only licensed professionals can operate a business and advertise services and perform them.
Only licensed installers can obtain the required permits — a Permit for Construction and a Permit for Operation — from the Arkansas Department of Health for onsite wastewater system projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Arkansas?
The annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationally is $52,730, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationally, there are 29,050 workers employed in this occupation.
BLS does not publish a separate Arkansas-specific mean wage for this occupation due to the small sample size in the state. However, the national wage percentiles provide useful context for Arkansas septic professionals:
10th percentile: $36,500 per year
25th percentile: $42,700 per year
Median (50th percentile): $49,140 per year
75th percentile: $60,320 per year
90th percentile: $73,670 per year
The meaning of “mean wage” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession, and whether you own your own septic business. If you choose to start a septic business, your earning potential can increase significantly.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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.
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 Arkansas?
Getting a septic license in Arkansas is reasonably affordable. None of the licenses require an exam fee. The Installer and Designated Representative licenses have a $100 registration fee. The Cleaner license has a $25 registration fee.
Each license requires annual renewal at the same rate as the registration fee.
Cost breakdown by license type:
Septic Tank Installer: $100 registration fee. No exam fee. Annual renewal: $100.
Septic Tank Cleaner: $25 registration fee. No exam fee. Annual renewal: $25. An additional $25 annual fee applies for each pumper vehicle beyond the first owned by the licensee.
Designated Representative: $100 registration fee. No exam fee. Annual renewal: $100.
Training costs: Because Arkansas does not require formal pre-employment training or apprenticeship, there are no mandatory tuition costs to obtain a septic license. Most learning happens on the job.
Fee waivers: Under Act 725 of 2021, applicants who meet certain low-income criteria — such as receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or unemployment benefits within the last 12 months — may be eligible for a waiver of the initial licensure fee.
Employer sponsorship: Because the licensing path requires current employment with a licensed septic company, many employers absorb exam preparation time and support licensing costs for their employees.
How to Get a Septic License in Arkansas
There are no educational requirements to get started as a septic professional. However, the ADH requires you to be gainfully employed by a licensed septic business in order to apply for licensing. Next, prepare to take the installer licensing exam, administered by the ADH. Exams are held several times per year at the Arkansas Rural Water Association in Lonoke. The examination consists of four parts: 50 multiple-choice questions on rules, 20 multiple-choice questions on math, an electrical section requiring applicants to wire a control panel, and a field section where applicants must record rod readings/elevations and determine if maximum storage of effluent can be achieved.
The ADH provides an Installer license Study Packet to help you prepare for the exam. View the current Installer exam dates, but note you don’t need to register for the exam. After passing the exam with a score of 75% or better and paying the $100 certification fee, you’ll receive your license.
The steps to obtain the Cleaner license are similar to the Installer license. You must gain employment, pass the licensing exam, and pay the $25 certification fee.
Note: You don’t need to fill out an application for the Installer or Cleaner license.
To qualify as a Designated Representative, you must already possess one of several approved professional titles, including engineer, land surveyor, and master plumber. This is because the DR provides specialized knowledge and usually works in tandem with septic businesses. If you meet these qualifications, you can submit the Designated Representative application, application letter, and take the license exam. After passing the exam with a score of 75% or better and paying the $100 certification fee, you’ll receive your license.
If you don’t already hold one of the professional titles mentioned above, you may still apply for a Designated Representative License if you meet either of these requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in natural science or math
Three years of experience in septic system design and an attached statement from an Environmental Health Specialist and Designated Representative affirming that experience
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in Arkansas?
Compared to other trades, it doesn’t take long to receive an installer or cleaner license in Arkansas. After gaining employment with a licensed company, the only other requirement is passing the corresponding exam.
Installer license timeline: After gaining employment with a licensed septic company, the primary time investment is preparing for and passing the licensing exam. The Septic Tank Cleaning exam is administered ten times a year, January through October, while the Septic Tank Installer exam is administered nine times a year, January through September. Once you pass the exam and pay the $100 fee, you receive your license. From start to finish, many candidates complete the process in a matter of weeks to a few months, depending on the next available exam date.
Cleaner license timeline: The timeline mirrors the Installer path. Gain employment, pass the Cleaner exam, pay $25, and receive your license.
Designated Representative timeline: Because the DR license requires a pre-existing professional credential or equivalent education or experience, the timeline depends on how long it takes to obtain that prerequisite. The DR exam itself is given once a quarter, as shown in the 2026 Designated Representative Examination Dates. After passing all four sections with a 75% or better score, you pay the $100 fee and receive your license. Source: Arkansas Department of Health
Compared to trades like HVAC or plumbing, which often require four- to five-year apprenticeships, the path to a septic license in Arkansas is relatively quick for the Installer and Cleaner classifications.
Arkansas Septic Training Programs and Schools
Because Arkansas doesn’t require formal training before starting employment with a septic company, there aren’t many training options available. A majority of the training opportunities (required for renewal) take place at the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy at Southern Arkansas University Tech.
On-the-Job Training: Since Arkansas does not require formal education or apprenticeship before licensing, most septic professionals learn through on-the-job training with their employer. You will gain hands-on experience in system installation, soil evaluation, and equipment operation while working under the supervision of experienced licensed professionals.
Annual Continuing Education: The Arkansas Environmental Training Academy at Southern Arkansas University Tech is the primary provider of state-approved training courses. These courses are required annually for license renewal and cover topics relevant to onsite wastewater systems, environmental health, and regulatory compliance.
Additional Resources: The Arkansas Water & Wastewater Managers Association and the ADH Onsite Wastewater Program also provide educational resources and networking opportunities for septic professionals in the state.
Program Prerequisites: There are no formal educational prerequisites to begin working as a septic professional in Arkansas. A high school diploma or GED is not mandated by the ADH but is recommended by most employers.
On-the-Job Expectations: While working, you will need to be physically fit, detail-oriented, and comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions. The job can include heavy lifting, operation of excavation equipment, and working in confined spaces.
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Arkansas Septic Licensing Exam Details
As part of the process to receive your Septic Tank Installer, Cleaner, or Designated Representative license, you will need to take and pass an examination via the ADH.
Installer/Cleaner exam details:
The Installer exam is administered nine times a year, January through September, and the Cleaner exam is administered ten times a year, January through October, both at the Arkansas Rural Water Association in Lonoke.
A minimum of 75% is required to receive licensure.
Open-book exam: No. Notes are not allowed during the Installer or Cleaner exam.
Exam fee: There is no separate exam fee for any of the three license classifications. You only pay the registration fee after passing.
Scheduling: The Installer and Cleaner exams are administered at the Arkansas Rural Water Association in Lonoke. You do not need to pre-register for the Installer or Cleaner exam; simply show up on the test date.
Designated Representative exam details:
The ADH advises candidates to review the available DR exam preparation materials before testing.
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A minimum of 75% is required to pass each section, and each section is stand-alone.
Open-book exam: Candidates may use reference materials during the DR exam.
Exam fee: There is no separate exam fee.
Scheduling: DR exams are given multiple times per year by a committee of Registered Professional Sanitarians employed by the ADH, with examination dates in March, May, July, and additional dates throughout the year as shown in the 2026 Designated Representative Examination Dates. Contact Nicholas.Kitchens@arkansas.gov to register for the exam.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Arkansas?
The best way to prepare for the Arkansas septic licensing exam is to study the official materials provided by the Arkansas Department of Health.
For the Installer/Cleaner exam:
Download and study the ADH-provided Study Packet.
The exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions (50 rules questions and 20 math questions) plus practical sections covering applicable federal and state laws and other onsite wastewater topics.
Practice math calculations related to rod readings, elevations, and determining maximum storage of effluent, as these are tested in the field section of the exam.
A minimum score of 75% is required to pass.
For the Designated Representative exam:
Download and study the DR materials provided by the ADH.
Review Act 402, as amended, and the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems.
The four-part exam tests multiple-choice knowledge, pressure distribution and pump design, soil profile analysis and textural classification, and system design and scale drawing ability.
A minimum score of 75% is required on each section, and each section is stand-alone.
General study tips:
Organize your Study Packet with tabs or highlights for quick reference during the exam.
Work through any practice problems included in the packet.
Gain as much hands-on experience as possible with your employer before sitting for the exam.
Get plenty of rest the night before the test.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Arkansas?
Licensing for septic installers for the entire state of Arkansas falls under the authority of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), specifically the Onsite Wastewater Program. In Arkansas, Act 402 requires septic tank installers and septic tank manufacturers to be licensed and pass an examination.
According to the ADH, “The Arkansas Department of Health’s Onsite Wastewater program sets statewide policies and provides assistance to Environmental Health Specialists in each of the county health departments. This program, in cooperation with the local Environmental Specialist, reviews permit applications for onsite wastewater systems under 5,000 gallons per day for subsurface treatment and under 2,000 gallons per day for surface discharging design.”
The ADH, located in Little Rock, is also responsible for approving and inspecting individual disposal systems, including subdivisions, mobile homes, and alternate and experimental sewage systems. The ADH website includes more information for licensing, training, renewal, and more.
Does My Arkansas Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No, your Arkansas septic license does not automatically work in any other state. Septic licensing is regulated at the state level, and each state has its own rules and requirements. If you are licensed in Arkansas and want to work in another state, you will need to apply for a license in that state following its specific rules.
Some states may accept your Arkansas license as evidence of qualifications when applying for reciprocal licensure. Likewise, Arkansas offers conditional reciprocity for out-of-state license holders, as described in the next section.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Arkansas?
Conditional reciprocity. Arkansas offers conditional reciprocity for out-of-state septic license holders. According to the Arkansas Department of Health onsite wastewater rules, an applicant must hold a substantially similar license in another United States jurisdiction. The out-of-state license must be in good standing, and the applicant must not have had a license revoked. The ADH may waive the requirement for the applicant to pass an examination specific to Arkansas state laws if the other state’s qualifications are equal to or greater than Arkansas’s requirements.
Arkansas does not publish a specific list of reciprocal states. Eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To apply, contact the ADH Onsite Wastewater Program to verify whether your out-of-state license qualifies for reciprocal licensure in Arkansas.
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 Arkansas through the Arkansas Water & Wastewater Managers Association.
Other Requirements Unique to Arkansas
While performing commercial septic services requires a license in Arkansas, the state allows homeowners to perform very limited work on their owner-occupied, single-family homes. Property owners should contact the local board of health before starting work.
Permitting Exemption: Arkansas has a permitting exemption for work performed by the homeowner on a single residence located on 10 or more acres where all parts of the sewage system are more than 200 feet from any property line, including roads.
According to the ADH, “The exemption is only for obtaining a permit.” The property owner is still required to install and operate the sewage system in a manner that meets state requirements and does not cause a nuisance. A letter stating that the property is exempt from the permit requirement may be obtained from the local Health Unit. This exemption does not apply to any other state or federal requirements.
Permits Required for Installation: All septic system installations require two permits from the Arkansas Department of Health: a Permit for Construction and a Permit for Operation. The system may not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.
Pumper Vehicle Requirements: Septic Tank Cleaners must display a Department-issued decal on each licensed pumper vehicle, adjacent to the firm name, license number, and tank capacity. Each pumper vehicle must maintain a bound service record on board.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Arkansas?
Because Arkansas does not require formal education or apprenticeship to obtain a septic license, there are no septic-specific scholarships in the state. However, there are several workforce development programs that may help offset training costs for septic professionals and their employers.
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship: The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship provides funding for workforce training in high-demand areas of industry. The program is funded by lottery revenue and supports both credit and non-credit workforce-training programs at approved institutions. Applicants must be Arkansas residents and high school graduates.
Office of Skills Development (OSD) Training Grants: The Arkansas Office of Skills Development funds workforce training grants for Arkansas businesses. These grants reimburse up to 75% of allowed training expenses and support customized technical training that can include septic and wastewater-related skills development. Small businesses headquartered in Arkansas with 250 or fewer employees may qualify for the Grow Our Own grant.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services offers WIOA funding to qualifying Arkansans who are underemployed or unemployed. Contact your local Arkansas Workforce Center to speak with a Career Advisor about training funding options.
Initial Licensure Fee Waiver: Under Act 725 of 2021, qualifying low-income applicants may receive a waiver of the initial septic licensure fee. Eligibility documentation includes proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or unemployment benefits within the last 12 months.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Arkansas?
Your Arkansas septic license can be verified by potential clients or employers through the Arkansas Department of Health online licensee database. According to the ADH Onsite Wastewater FAQ, anyone can search the database of Onsite Wastewater Licensees.
Visit the ADH Onsite Wastewater Program website.
Locate the licensee search tool. The ADH provides separate searchable lists for Designated Representatives, Onsite Wastewater System Installers, and Septic Tank Cleaners.
Select the appropriate license type from the dropdown menu — “Designated Representative” for designers, “Advanced Septic Installer” for installers, or “Septic Tank Cleaner” for cleaners.
Search by name, zip code proximity, or other available criteria to verify the license status.
If you cannot find a specific licensee in the database, contact the ADH Environmental Health division at 501-661-2171 for assistance.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Arkansas?
Suspending a septic license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Based on Arkansas Department of Health rules and Act 402 of 1977, some of the common reasons that an Arkansas septic license can be suspended or revoked include:
Violation of any provisions of the ADH rules or regulations pertaining to onsite wastewater systems or septic tank cleaning
Violation of any condition of a license, permit, certificate, or registration issued by the State Board of Health
Providing false information to the Board regarding a criminal conviction
Criminal convictions that disqualify a person under Arkansas law
Demonstrated incompetence in performing licensed work
Performing work beyond the scope of the license held, such as a Cleaner performing installation work without an Installer license
Practicing on a lapsed license
Proceedings regarding a license are conducted pursuant to the Department’s rules of administrative procedure.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arkansas septic license regulations, refer to the official Act 402 and Onsite Wastewater Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Arkansas?
Performing septic work in Arkansas without a license is illegal. Under the Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act, any person, firm, corporation, or association who violates the law may, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000.
In addition, the State Board of Health rules allow civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation. Each day of a continuing violation may be deemed a separate violation for purposes of penalty assessments.
A person who willfully and knowingly violates these provisions may also be liable to the aggrieved party for the cost of suit, including a reasonable attorney’s fee and actual damages.
No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association may engage in the business of septic tank cleaning or the transportation of septage for compensation without a valid license.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arkansas septic regulations and penalties, refer to the official Act 402 rules.
Continuing Education
Arkansas requires all licensed septic professionals — installers, cleaners, and designated representatives — to complete continuing education as a condition of annual license renewal.
Required training: All license holders must attend one annual training course approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. (See Arkansas Department of Health Final Rules)
Renewal cycle: All septic licenses expire on Dec. 31 each year and must be renewed annually. (Note: Original Arkansas source unavailable; verification pending)
Renewal process: License holders must complete the recertification form and pay the renewal fee: $100 for installers and designated representatives and $25 for cleaners. Visit the Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program website to find renewal forms for all three septic licenses.
Grace period: The ADH does not publish a formal grace period for late renewals. License holders should ensure they renew before the Dec. 31 expiration to avoid any lapse in licensure. Practicing on a lapsed license may result in disciplinary action.
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.
