Septic Tanks Education and Training
Learn what it takes to earn a license or certification to work on septic tanks
Whether the designer of a city's sewage system or the sole employee of a septic tank cleaning business, most states require, or at least strongly recommend, a license or certification to work on septic systems. A septic system requires many professionals to operate correctly. A septic tank must first undergo design, installation, installation, periodic inspections and cleaning.From concrete septic tanks to plastic septic tanks, the construction of a septic system can vary greatly; gaining a well-rounded education in wastewater will prepare you to design, install, inspect or maintain any system. When earning a certification or license to work on septic tanks, consider the following:
1. Learn what your individual state requires for you to work on septic systems.
2. Read educational and training materials to expand your education in wastewater.
3. Know that continuing education credits are often required to renew a certification or license.
Register for the appropriate classes to become certified to work on septic systems
Each state has specific laws on what is required to design, install, maintain and inspect septic tanks. Some states require licensed home inspectors to perform septic system inspection. Many states recommend homeowners contract only companies certified with the state to work on septic systems. Companies obtain licensing and certification by passing wastewater classes.
Try: To read more information about septic systems certification guidelines, visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Be aware that certification laws for septic tank installers and maintenance providers vary by state. To view examples of courses required for certification, visit the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. Find more information about obtaining a septic system certification at the Maine Joint Environmental Coordinating Committee.
Increase your knowledge of septic tanks by reading wastewater textbooks
Wastewater textbooks can supplement material presented in septic system classes or to prepare for certification examinations. Textbooks that cover septic tanks typically include the physical properties of a septic holding tank as well as the environmental impact they systems have on groundwater.
Try: Purchase "Wells, Pumps and Septic Systems" from the American Home Inspectors Training Institute. This textbook is ideal for those pursuing a license in septic tank inspection. For a textbook that covers the environmental impact of septic tank installation, read "Septic Tank System Effects on Ground Water Quality" available at Routledge.
Keep your septic tanks education and training current with online continuing education courses
You must renew certifications and licenses at intervals determined by the state. Typically, they expire every one to five years. The state may require continuing education classes in order to renew a certification, or it may require simply passing an exam.
Try: Take septic tank systems online re-certification courses at Georgia Southern University. PDHonline.org is a continuing education provider for surveyors, engineers and architects. The organization's Managing Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems can help you renew a license to design and install septic systems. Approved Environment offers several continuing education courses on wastewater and managing a septic tank. Prices are on the website.
- State departments have specific courses that they consider appropriate septic tanks education and training before granting a certification, license or renewal. Unless the course is on your state's website, contact the department to make sure the course is acceptable before registering.
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