Licensing Guides
West Virginia Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in West Virginia
Septic, WV
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in West Virginia?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in West Virginia?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in West Virginia?
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in West Virginia?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in West Virginia?
Septic License Requirements in West 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 sewage systems (OSSS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain sewage disposal systems to protect the water supply and safeguard drinking water.
In West Virginia nearly 40% of households rely on individual on-site sewage or septic systems to manage wastewater, especially across the state's many rural communities according to West Virginia University.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and West Virginia employs about 70 of them. Nationally, employment in this field is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,900 job openings each year, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website.
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 in the state of West Virginia.
Yes, a license is required. To install septic (on-site sewage) systems in West Virginia, you must hold an Individual Sewage System Installer certification issued by the state, available at two levels: Class I and Class II. Certification is handled at the state level by the Public Health Sanitation Division of the West Virginia Office of Environmental Health Services, while local health departments issue the permits for each individual installation. Working without the required permit is a misdemeanor under West Virginia Code §16-1-9, punishable by a fine of $50 to $500, so confirm both your certification and the necessary local permits before starting any job.
Types of Septic Licenses in West Virginia
West Virginia offers an Individual Sewage System Installers license with two classifications. Aside from the examination, the licensing requirements are the same for both classifications. The classification basically determines the types of septic systems the certified installer can work on.
Class I Sewage System Installer
A Class I certificate applies to the installation of standard soil absorption systems, soil absorption beds, holding tanks, effluent lift stations, water wells, and gray water soil absorption systems.
Class II Sewage System Installer
A Class II certificate applies to those systems covered by the class I certificate plus all alternative and other individual or on-site sewer systems as set forth in Sewage Treatment and Collection System Design Standards, 64-CSR-47.
The two classifications form a simple progression. To earn a Class II certificate, you must first meet all the requirements of a Class I Sewage System Installer, then pass the additional Class II exam. Roughly 1,000 Class I and Class II installers are currently certified and active across West Virginia, according to the Office of Environmental Health Services.
Property owners must obtain an installation permit (and in some cases a construction permit) for all new septic system installations and major repairs or replacements of existing systems. The homeowner must submit the permit application to the local health department with site plans detailing the septic tank's location, size, and proposed drain field placement. The licensed installer must sign off on the application and perform a percolation test.
Steps to Get a Septic License in West Virginia
Select a license classification.
Complete the license application.
Complete the pre-license training course.
Schedule the licensing exam with the District Sanitarian.
Pay the $150 licensing fee (only required for Class I license).
Submit the application via mail, fax, or email to:
Mail: Office of Environmental Health Services Attn: PHS On-site Sewage Program 350 Capitol Street, Room 313 Charleston, WV 25301-1071 Fax: 304-558-1071 Email: oehsphssewage@wv.gov
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in West Virginia
Earning your Individual Sewage System Installer certification does more than satisfy a legal requirement. It opens the door to steady, well-paid work in a field with consistent demand. Key benefits include:
Meeting the legal requirement to install on-site sewage systems in West Virginia.
Demonstrating proven skill and knowledge of state sewage rules to homeowners and employers.
The ability to sign off on permit applications and perform required percolation tests.
Qualifying to operate and advertise your own septic installation business.
Access to a career with reliable demand for septic installation and maintenance across the state.
Higher earning potential as you advance from a Class I to a Class II certificate and take on more complex systems.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in West Virginia?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in West Virginia earn an annual mean wage of $37,250, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is below the national mean wage of $53,500 for the occupation.
The mean is the average of all wages, while the median is the midpoint, where half of workers earn more and half earn less. West Virginia's median wage for the field is $36,200, compared with a national median of $49,880.
Pay rises with experience. In West Virginia, the lowest-paid 10% of these workers earn about $23,320 per year, while the top 10% earn about $43,630. Where you work, how much experience you have, whether you hold a Class II certificate, and whether you own your own business all affect your earnings.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation 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 West Virginia?
The fee schedule for the Class I Sewage System Installer license is $150. The fee only applies to the Class I license; there is no additional fee to apply for a Class II license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in West Virginia?
The process is relatively quick as candidates only need to complete a short training program and pass an exam to become licensed. However, the in-person installer training is typically offered only once a year, so you may need to wait until the next available training period begins.
West Virginia Septic Training Programs and Schools
West Virginia requires septic candidates to complete the required training at the West Virginia Environmental Training Center (ETC), Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia. Call 304-372-7878 to register or find more information here.
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West Virginia Septic Licensing Exam Details
All candidates must pass either the Class I Sewage System Installer or Class II Sewage System Installer exam with a score of at least 70%.
Both exams cover legislative rules 64-CSR-9 (Sewage Systems Regulations) and 64-CSR-47 (Excerpts - Individual and On-Site Sewage Systems). The Class I exam also covers the New Installer Candidate Basic Principles.
You must schedule the licensing exam with the District Sanitarian.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in West Virginia?
Both the Class I and Class II exams are built around West Virginia's sewage rules, so the best preparation is to study the source material directly. The state provides study materials through the On-Site Wastewater Management program, including:
64 CSR 9 — Sewage Systems Regulations, which governs permits, construction, and installer certification.
64 CSR 47 excerpts covering the Sewage Treatment and Collection System Design Standards for individual and on-site systems.
The New Installer Candidate Basic Principles document, which is covered on the Class I exam.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass. Because the exam is scheduled with On-Site Sewage staff or your assigned Regional Sanitarian, reach out early and use the annual in-person Class I and II installer training offered at the West Virginia Environmental Training Center to review the material before your test date.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Environmental Health Services, Public Health Sanitation Division certifies Individual Sewage System Installers, and local health departments issue permits for septic system installations, modifications, or repairs.
Does West Virginia Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, West Virginia doesn't maintain reciprocal agreements with other states for Sewage System Installer licenses. That means a certification from another state will not transfer, and installers moving to West Virginia must apply and test as new candidates.
Septic-Specific Requirements in West Virginia
Beyond holding a valid installer certification, West Virginia sets specific rules for the installation work itself. Under 64 CSR 9, no sewage system may be installed without first obtaining a written permit from the local health department. The property owner submits the permit application with site plans showing the tank's location, size, and proposed drain field, and the certified installer must sign off on the application and perform a percolation test to confirm the soil can absorb effluent. Alternative and advanced systems must also meet the design standards set out in 64 CSR 47. Systems that discharge to surface water may require an additional permit from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians offers certifications, and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offers training and professional development through its academy. Those and other professional credentials are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Septic Scholarships in West Virginia?
West Virginia does not offer scholarships specific to septic system installer certification, in part because the required training is short and the certification fee is modest. However, related financial support is available. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund Residential Septic Loan Program helps property owners finance septic system work, and the USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program supports wastewater projects in rural areas. Aspiring installers may also find scholarships through national wastewater associations such as the National Association of Wastewater Technicians.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in West Virginia?
Homeowners, employers, and local officials can confirm that an installer is certified by checking the state's public list. The Public Health Sanitation Division maintains a searchable list of certified On-Site Sewage System Installers that shows each installer's classification and certification status. For questions or to confirm a certification directly, the On-Site Sewage Program can be reached by email at oehsphssewage@wv.gov or by phone at 304-558-2981.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in West Virginia?
Under 64 CSR 9, the director can suspend or revoke a permit for failing to comply with its provisions or for improper construction or operation of a sewage system. An installer certification can likewise be jeopardized by violating the sewage system rules, performing substandard work, or letting the certification lapse. A certification that has been expired for six months or more cannot simply be renewed. The installer must reapply as a new candidate, including retaking the exam.
Note: This information is general guidance and not legal advice; consult the Office of Environmental Health Services or an attorney for questions about a specific situation.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in West Virginia?
Installing a sewage or excreta disposal system without the required written permit is illegal in West Virginia. Under West Virginia Code §16-1-9, anyone who violates the permit and installation requirements is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, faces a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500. If the violator continues to refuse to correct the problem, each 24-hour period counts as a separate offense carrying its own $50 to $500 fine. Magistrate courts share jurisdiction with circuit courts over these violations.
Note: This information is general guidance and not legal advice; consult the Office of Environmental Health Services or an attorney about a specific situation.
Do I Need to Renew My West Virginia Septic License?
Septic licenses in West Virginia require renewal every five years. If you fail to renew your license after six months of expiration, you will need to reapply as a new candidate and retake the licensing exam, per 64 CSR 9, Section 11.10. The renewal application must be signed by a local health department sanitarian familiar with your work, and the license renewal fee is $150 for both license classifications.
Continuing Education
Septic professionals in West Virginia don't need to complete continuing education to remain licensed. The only requirement is to renew the license every five years.
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, electrical, or general contractor license in West Virginia, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
