Virginia Septic Installer School
How to become a Licensed Septic Installer in Virginia:
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The Septic Installer Certification class is provided by Onsite Wastewater Professionals. Register for the next class on this page. Complete the requirements for certification in 3 days.
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We will assist you with your application in class. Upon completion of the 3 day class you will mail your application for certification, certification fee, exam application, and required course attendance certificates to NC certification board:
NCOWCICB - P O Box 132 Lawsonville, NC 27022.Level II Application Fee: $200
The certification board will confirm you test date for a multiple choice test administered by the board.
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Beginning July 1, 2024 legislation created a fast track path to getting licensed in VA for anyone licensed in NC. Upon application, without examination, the board will grant a VA license to anyone holding an NC license.
Your application will need to include a verification letter provided by the certification board in NC stating that you hold an NC license.
Click here for a link to the Universal License Recognition Application PDF for VA DPOR Sewage Board.
Click here for a fillable online form to complete the application.
FAQ
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No. As of July 1, 2024 applicants who hold license in NC will no longer be required to have 3-years experience in order to be granted a license in VA through the Universal License Recognition path.
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As of July 1, 2024 anyone holding a North Carolina license you will no longer be required to take an exam in Virginia to get licensed as a septic installer through the VA Universal License Recognition path.
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Yes. As of July 1, 2024 an applicant holding a North Carolina License may apply for reciprocity and be granted a Virginia Master Alternative license using the Universal License Recognition path.
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Applicants will take a 3-day class in North Carolina and an exam to become licensed. Once licensed in NC they can apply for the Virginia Master Alternative License through DPOR using the Universal License Recognition path.
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As of July 1, 20224 you can get a license in NC with 3-days in a class and then seek reciprocity from VA through the Universal License Recognition path.
No mandatory bonding or insurance requirements, though we recommend being bonded and insured.
No experience requirements to get the basic installer license in NC necessary to seek reciprocity from VA.
NC Level II License holders do not need to take the Virginia Exam when applying for a Virginia license through reciprocity.
Meet your instructor
Jonathan Godfrey
Jonathan is a leading expert in onsite wastewater systems and septic industry education. He holds a BS in Business Management and a Master's in Extension Education from North Carolina State University.
Jonathan's career spans nearly every side of the onsite wastewater industry, including environmental health, operation and maintenance, design and permitting, manufacturing, and system installation. Over the years he has developed curriculum and training programs for multiple state associations and presents regularly at industry conferences across the United States. His focus is on building hands-on training for certification and continuing education that is engaging, practical, and delivers real value to the septic businesses that attend.
Today, Jonathan is the Education Director of Onsite Wastewater Professionals (OWP), a national training and certification organization serving septic installers, inspectors, and operators. He also operates a Certified Organic farm, and received the Steinbeck Achievement Award in 2018 for his contributions to the industry.
Virginia Continuing Education (CPE) Requirements
Continuing Education is required for Installers, Operators, and Soil Evaluators in Virginia every 2-years.
| License Type | CPE Contact Hours Required |
|---|---|
| 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 |