Licensing Guides
Virginia Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Virginia
Septic, VA
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Virginia?
How to Get a Septic License in Virginia
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in Virginia?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Virginia?
Septic License Requirements in Virginia
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 wastewater treatment systems (OSWT), depend on service providers who know how to install and maintain sewage disposal systems. Everyone, in every community, needs those professionals to have the expertise to protect the environment and public health from the inherent contaminants.
Roughly 1.1 million homes in Virginia use septic systems and 700,000 are served by private wells, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Division of Onsite Water and Wastewater Services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Virginia employs about 890 of them. Employment is projected to grow 8% nationally from 2024 to 2034, adding about 2,900 openings each year. In Virginia, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 5% from 2022 to 2032.
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.
Licensing and registration for septic professionals in the state of Virginia falls under the authority of The Commonwealth of Virginia Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP Board) within the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The Board has all the information you need on its website (https://www.dpor.virginia.gov), including requirements for licensing issuance, training courses, and application fees.
Types of Septic Licenses in Virginia
There are several types of onsite sewage system professional licenses in the state of Virginia, which are broken out into three categories:
Installers
Installer licenses include:
Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: Journeyman and Master designation
Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: Journeyman and Master designation
Operators
Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: Journeyman and Master designation
Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: Journeyman and Master designation
Evaluators
Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: Journeyman and Master designation
Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: Journeyman and Master designation
Steps to Get a Septic License in Virginia
The steps to get a septic license in Virginia include the following:
Installer License Steps
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
If currently an employee of a licensed contractor, must complete six months of full-time experience assisting with the installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator. If not, you need one year of the same experience.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Receive license.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
Meet one of the following requirements:
One year of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator; and 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and be a current employee of a licensed contractor.
Two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator; and be a current employee of a licensed contractor.
Hold a Journeyman Conventional license and receive 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Conventional license and three years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Schedule and pass PSI exam, which incurs an $80 exam fee.
Receive license.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
If currently employed by a licensed contractor, complete one year of full-time experience assisting with the installation of alternative onsite sewage systems, verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator. If not employed by a licensed contractor, two years of the same experience is required.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Receive license.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
Must be at least 18 years old.
Meet one of the following requirements:Be a current employee of a licensed contractor and complete two years of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.Be a current employee of a licensed contractor and complete 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering the basic installation of alternative onsite sewage systems; and 18 months of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.Complete 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of alternative onsite sewage systems and three years of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.Hold a Journeyman Alternative or Conventional license and complete 18 months of full-time experience installing alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an alternative onsite soil evaluator, an alternative onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Submit an application with a $100 application fee.
Schedule and pass the PSI exam, which incurs an $80 exam fee.
Receive license.
Operator License Steps
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Follows the same process outlined for Journeyman Installer with a variation in the required experience. Experience requirement is six months of full-time experience assisting with the operation and maintenance of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system operator, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Follows the same process outlined for Master Installer with a variation in the required experience. Experience requirements include one of the following:
Be a current employee of a licensed contractor; and receive 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and obtain one year of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Be a current employee of a licensed contractor and obtain two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Onsite Sewage System Installer license; and complete 20 hours of training approved by the Board covering basic installation of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems; and obtain two years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Hold a Journeyman Onsite Sewage System Installer license and obtain three years of full-time experience installing conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system installer, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Journeymen Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
Follows the same process outlined for Journeyman Conventional System Operator with a variation in the required experience. Experience requirements outlined here.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
Follows the same process outlined for Master Installer with a variation in the required experience. Additional information on experience requirements outlined here.
Onsite Soil Evaluator Steps
Again, these licenses follow the same outlined processes defined above, with variations for the experience requirements.
Applications can be found here. Experience qualifications are listed on the WWWOOSSP Board website as well.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Virginia
There are many benefits to obtaining septic licensure in Virginia.
First, and most important, it is illegal to operate as a septic professional in Virginia 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.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Virginia?
The annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide is $53,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A Virginia-specific mean wage is not published in the latest release, but the state-level median gives a clear picture of local pay: half of Virginia’s septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners earn more than the median and half earn less.
Pay in Virginia rises with experience. According to the BLS Virginia annual wages break down roughly as follows:
Entry level (10th percentile): $36,610
Lower-middle (25th percentile): $39,050
Median (50th percentile): $47,150
Experienced (75th percentile): $56,850
Top earners (90th percentile): $62,570
The terms “mean wage” and “median salary” are easy to confuse. Here is the difference:
Mean wage is the mathematical average of all wages.
Median salary is the point where half of workers earn more and half earn less, and it is usually a better indicator of what most people actually take home.
Salaries vary with the city where you work, your experience, the license level and certifications you hold, and whether you own the business. If you decide to start a septic company, business ownership can raise your earning potential well beyond the wage ranges above.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Virginia?
Each septic license type in Virginia incurs a $100 application fee. In addition, a Master’s license of any kind requires an exam, which incurs an $80 exam fee.
Beyond the application and exam fees, budget for the Board-approved training many license levels require. Master installer and operator licenses call for 20 hours of Board-approved training, and course tuition is set by each approved provider rather than the state. Licenses also renew on a two-year cycle, and each renewal carries its own fee, so factor ongoing renewal costs into your long-term planning.
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.
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 Licence in Virginia
To recap, the steps to obtaining a septic license in Virginia include filling out an application and meeting a combination of experience and/or education requirements. All of the master-level licenses require an exam.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Virginia?
The length of time it takes to get a license depends on the license type:
Installers
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: Requires 6 months if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 1 year of experience if you don’t.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: If you currently work for a licensed contractor, requires 1 year of experience and 20 hours of Board-approved training, or 2 years of experience. If you hold a current Journeyman license, it requires 20 hours of Board-approved training and 2 years of experience; or 3 years of experience.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: Requires 1 year of experience if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 2 years of experience if you don’t.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: Requires 2 years of experience if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 20 hours of Board-approved training and 18 months of experience. If you don’t currently work for a licensed contractor, it requires 20 hours of training and 3 years of experience. If you currently hold the Journeyman Alternative System license, it takes 18 months of full-time experience.
Operators
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: Requires 6 months of full-time experience assisting with the operation and maintenance of conventional or alternative onsite sewage systems verified by one or more of the following: an onsite soil evaluator, an onsite sewage system operator, a professional engineer, or an authorized onsite soil evaluator.
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: If an employee of a licensed contractor, it requires 1 year of full-time experience and 20 hours of training or two years of full-time experience. If you hold a Journeyman Conventional System license, it requires 2 years of experience and 20 hours of training or three years of experience.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: Requires 1 year of experience if you currently work for a licensed contractor or 2 years if you don’t.
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: Can take up to 2 years of experience and 20 hours of training. Full requirements outlined here.
Evaluators
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 1.5 years. Full requirements outlined here.
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 3 years, plus the time it takes to achieve the Journeyman license or a required degree. Full requirements outlined here.
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 2 years of experience. Full requirements outlined here.
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: Can take up to 4 years. Full requirements outlined here.
Virginia Septic Training Programs and Schools
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation includes a list of approved training programs and courses to meet training requirements for licensure. The list includes courses from:
Virginia Tech Waterworks/Wastewater Works Annual Operators Short School
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Tom Fore Water & Wastewater Consulting
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Virginia Septic Licensing Exam Details
Applicants for Master Onsite Sewage System licenses are required to take exams proctored by PSI. The following examinations are offered by PSI:
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator
In order for a candidate to become eligible to take an examination, they must submit the appropriate application to DPOR. Upon approval of eligibility, they will be mailed a confirmation notice containing instructions for scheduling an appointment to take the examination. Each exam incurs an $80 fee.
Exams are delivered at PSI test centers across Virginia. After the WWWOOSSP Board approves your eligibility, you schedule your appointment directly with PSI. The PSI Virginia onsite sewage system professional candidate information outlines the reference materials permitted for each exam, the exam format, and rescheduling rules. Review the candidate bulletin closely before your test date so you know which code books and references you may bring and what the check-in process requires.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Virginia?
Preparing for a master onsite sewage system exam starts with the reference materials PSI allows in the testing room. The PSI candidate information for Virginia onsite sewage system professionals lists the approved references for each exam, so build your study plan around those documents.
A few tips to prepare:
Study the current regulations for onsite sewage systems in the Virginia Administrative Code (Title 18, Agency 160), which govern installer, operator, and evaluator work.
Complete the Board-approved training required for your license level, which reinforces the installation and maintenance topics the exams cover.
Tab and highlight your permitted reference books before test day, following the PSI rules on what marking is allowed.
Get comfortable with the exam format and timing so you can pace yourself, and rest well the night before.
Do I Need to Renew My Virginia Septic License?
Yes, Virginia septic licenses require renewal. All license types expire two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Renewal fees are set in the Onsite Sewage System Professionals Regulations, and each license type carries its own renewal fee.
Virginia Septic License Exceptions
Pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia, active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements.
Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application.
Does My Virginia Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No, a Virginia onsite sewage system professional license does not automatically authorize you to work in another state. Licensing rules are set state by state, so you must apply for a license in any other state where you plan to work and meet that state’s requirements. Some states will, however, accept your Virginia license and experience as proof of eligibility to test or apply. Virginia takes a similar approach with qualified applicants from other states, as described in the reciprocity requirements below.
Does Virginia Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Yes, Virginia reciprocates septic licenses. To qualify for reciprocal licensing in Virginia, applicants must:
Hold a current and valid license from a neighboring state with a similar scope of practice.
Be in good standing with no pending investigations or unresolved complaints.
Have a clean criminal record as per Virginia's standards.
Not be subject to any harmful disciplinary actions except minor financial penalties.
Specifically, the state offers a path to fast-tracked Virginia licensing for professionals with a North Carolina license, which became effective July 2024.
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 Virginia through one of the industry associations in the state. They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Virginia
Effective December 2021, requirements for licensure were revised to exclude marijuana-related misdemeanor convictions from having to be disclosed on a license application. In addition, standards of conduct and practice were revised to exclude marijuana-related drug distribution misdemeanor convictions from those that must be reported to the Board.
Property that is not served by public sewer or a public water system requires permitting by the Virginia Department of Health. The property owner or agent must obtain a permit to construct a sewage disposal system and private well before the county will issue a building permit. If the property has an existing sewage disposal system, the owner must obtain a certification from the health department that the existing system is adequate for the proposed construction or must obtain a construction permit to make any necessary upgrades.
Beginning Aug. 11, 2019, all applications for onsite sewage systems and/or private wells must be accompanied by supporting work from a private sector consultant who is properly licensed.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Virginia?
Yes, several scholarships and tuition-assistance programs can help you pay for onsite wastewater training in Virginia.
The Virginia Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (VOWRA) offers scholarships for people seeking licensure or certification in the onsite wastewater field.
The state’s Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead (G3) program provides tuition assistance for low- and middle-income Virginians enrolling in high-demand skilled-trades programs at community colleges.
The Virginia Water Environment Association (VWEA) awards scholarships to students and operators working in the water and wastewater industry, including tuition for the Virginia Tech operators short school.
Nationally, the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) lists scholarships offered through its affiliate members.
Most programs open applications on an annual cycle, so check each organization’s website for current deadlines and eligibility.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Virginia?
Clients, employers, and inspectors can confirm the status of a Virginia onsite sewage system professional license online through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Go to the DPOR License Lookup tool.
Search by the license holder’s name, license number, or business name.
Review the results to confirm the license type, its status, and its expiration date.
Keeping your license active and in good standing makes it easy for customers to verify your credentials before hiring you.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Virginia?
A suspension temporarily bars a license holder from legally practicing their trade. The WWWOOSSP Board can discipline, suspend, or revoke a license under the authority granted to regulatory boards in Section 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia. Common reasons a Virginia onsite sewage system license can be suspended include:
Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining or renewing a license
Professional incompetence or negligence
Violations of the Board’s standards of conduct or the onsite sewage system regulations
Aiding or allowing unlicensed individuals to perform licensed work
Practicing on a lapsed license
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For the full standards of conduct, refer to the Virginia Administrative Code (Title 18, Agency 160).
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Virginia?
Performing onsite sewage system work in Virginia without the required license is illegal. Under Section 54.1-111 of the Code of Virginia, practicing or offering to practice a regulated profession without a valid license is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and each unlicensed act can be treated as a separate offense.
Consequences can include:
Criminal charges as a Class 1 misdemeanor
Monetary civil penalties
Cease-and-desist orders and court injunctions that stop the unlicensed work
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For the specific statutory language, refer to Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Continuing Education
Each license type requires the following amount of continuing education credits for renewal:
Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: 16
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: 16
Master Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: 16
Master Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: 12
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: 12
Master Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: 8
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator: 8
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer: 8
Journeyman Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator: 8
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Soil Evaluator: 4
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Installer: 4
Journeyman Conventional Onsite Sewage System Operator: 4
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.
