The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) promulgated
new and revised rules on September 27, 2007 which will affect many
licensing programs.
Please review the URL below to become acquainted with the newly
adopted Chapter 30 rules for
Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 30, Subchapter A, and
Subchapter G: On-Site Sewage Facilities Installers, Apprentices,
Designated Representatives, Maintenance Providers, and Site
Evaluators, Rules 30.231 - 30.247.
Note: Some of the links on this page will take you off the
TCEQ web site.
To operate as an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) installer,
apprentice, maintenance company or maintenance provider in Texas
you must be licensed or registered by the TCEQ.
To perform the duties of a designated representative, you must
be licensed by the TCEQ and be employed by an authorized agent of
the agency.
To perform site evaluations, you must be licensed
by the TCEQ or a licensed Professional
Engineer.
What work does each
license level do?
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Installer Class I
(OSI) is authorized to install standard
OSSF systems (septic tanks, absorptive drainfields, unlined ET
drainfields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe, and pumped
effluent drainfields).
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Installer Class II
(OSII) is authorized to install all types of
OSSF systems.
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Designated Representatives
(DR) work for an authorized agent of the TCEQ. They
perform site evaluations (when it is part of their job duties),
complaint investigations, system evaluations, and inspections
of OSSFs that have been issued an authorization to construct to
ensure the OSSF has been installed to the criteria established by
the TCEQ, or the Authorized Agent Order approved by the TCEQ,
whichever is more stringent.
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Site Evaluator (SE) is
authorized to perform preconstruction site evaluations to determine
a
site's suitability for a particular OSSF system and to identify
all features in the area where an OSSF is to be installed that
could be contaminated by the OSSF or could prevent the proper
operation of the system.
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Apprentices are
registered under a licensed installer. Registered apprentices may
not perform any services associated with OSSF installations except
under the direct supervision of a licensed installer on the site,
by radio, or other means of direct communication at all times. The
apprentice may represent the supervising installer at the job site,
however, the licensed installer must visit the job site at least
once each work day to verify that the work of the registered
apprentice is in accordance with State and/or Authorized Agent
requirements.
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Maintenance Providers
are authorized to provide service or maintenance to on-site
disposal systems using aerobic treatment.
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Maintenance Companies
are businesses that employ one or more individuals that are
authorized to maintain on-site sewage facilities.
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When is a license not
required?
You are not subject to training and licensing requirements:
- when installing, constructing, altering, extending, or
repairing an OSSF on single-family residential property that you
own.
- However, you must contact the
permitting authority before you install, construct, alter,
extend, or repair the OSSF to inquire about
permitting requirements; and
- If you pay someone to construct any portion of an OSSF, the
person performing the work must be a licensed
installer, except when otherwise specified.
- This provision does not apply to developers or to those who
develop property for sale or lease.
- when installing electrical components through a licensed
electrician.
- when delivering a treatment or pump tank.
- when working under the direct supervision of and receiving
compensation from a licensed installer or the installer's
registered apprentice.
- when a licensed professional engineer is conducting a site
evaluation.
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Obtaining a License
| To obtain this license level ... |
You will need classroom training
... |
With this much experience ... |
Pass an exam, scoring at least a
... |
And pay an application fee of ... |
| Designated Representative (DR) |
Yes
|
0 years
|
70
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Installer Class I (OSI) |
Yes
|
0 years
|
70
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Installer Class II (OSII) |
Yes
|
|
70
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Site Evaluator (SE) |
Yes
|
0 years, however, you must possess a current OSII, DR,
Professional Engineer, Professional Sanitarian, or Professional
Geoscientist with a Soil Scientist discipline license |
70
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Apprentice |
No
|
None
|
N/A
|
$81.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Maintenance Provider |
Yes
|
None
|
N/A
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Maintenance Company |
No
|
None
|
N/A
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
Applications for a license must be approved before taking a
license exam.
Training courses and examinations are provided by the Texas
Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). You may register for a course
on-line by
clicking here, or by calling 800/824-7303.
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I am not licensed; what do
I do?
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Installer Class I license
To qualify for an Installer Class I license, you must:
- submit an application for approval at least three weeks before
the basic training course,
- pay an application fee,
- complete the basic Installer I training course, and
- pass the Installer I exam.
Return to not licensed information
Installer Class II
license
To qualify for an Installer Class II license, you must:
- submit an application for approval at least three weeks before
the basic training course,
- pay an application fee,
- complete the basic Installer II training course, and
- pass the Installer II exam.
- meet experience requirements
- meet one of the following requirements:
-
- held an Installer I license for at least one year,
- held an apprentice registration for at least two years; or
- previously possessed an Installer II license.
- met the experience requirements. Applicants for an Installer II
license must submit statements attesting to the individual's work
experience. Such statements shall include a description of the type
of on-site sewage facility (OSSF) work that was performed by the
individual and the physical addresses where the activity occurred.
The experience shall be actual work accomplished under the license
or registration. The number of systems will not substitute for the
time required
Designated Representative
license
To become licensed as a designated representative, you must:
- submit an application for approval at least three weeks before
the basic training course,
- pay an application fee,
- complete the basic training course, and
- pass the exam, and
You shall not peform any Designated Representative duties until
you are employed by an authorized agent.
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Site Evaluator
license
To become licensed as a site evaluator, you must:
- possess at least one of the following licenses:
- Installer Class II
- Designated Representative
- Professional Engineer
- Professional Sanitarian
- Professional Geoscientist with a Soil Scientist discipline
- submit an application for approval at least three weeks before
the basic training course,
- pay an application fee,
- complete the basic training course, and
- pass the exam.
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Apprentice
registration
To become a registered apprentice, you must:
You must possess an apprentice registration for at least two
years and complete at least six installations under the apprentice
registration before you can qualify for an Installer Class II license.
Maintenance Provider
registration
To become a registered maintenance provider, you must:
- complete the basic maintenance provider training course,
- obtain manufacturer certification,
- submit an application for approval, and
- pay an application fee.
Maintenance Company
registration
To become a registered maintenance company, you must:
- submit an application for approval, and
- pay an application fee.
Return to not licensed information
How do I upgrade my
Installer I license or apprentice registration?
To qualify for an Installer Class II license, you must:
- have possessed an Installer Class I license for at least one
year or apprentice registration for at least two years,
- have verified experience:
- at least three installations under your Installer Class I
license, or
- at least six installations under your Apprentice Registration
who directly supervised your installation;
- submit an application for approval at least three weeks
before the basic training course,
- pay an application fee,
- complete the Installer II basic training course, and
- pass the Installer Class II exam.
You must submit letters of reference with your application (
30 TAC 30.240(b)(5)).
To register for a basic training course, call the
Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at
1-800-824-7303.
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How soon do I need to
renew?
All new licenses (first time issued) expire in two years
(licenses issued after January 1, 2008 will have a 3 year validity
period) on the last day of the month they were first issued, and
will need to be renewed every two years(licenses issued after
January 1, 2008 will have a 3 year validity period and will need to
be renewed every 3 years) in order to retain your license
number.
If you do not renew your license within 30 days after its
expiration date, you will have to fill out a new application, and
re-take and pass the exam for the last
license level you held. You will be assigned a new license
number.
An apprentice registration expiration date will be the same as
the supervising installer's license expiration date, regardless of
when the application was submitted.
To renew a maintenance provider registration, a maintenance
provider must every two years (registrations issued after January
1, 2008 will have a 3 year validity period and will need to be
renewed every 3 years) submit a completed renewal application and a
$70 ($111 effective January 1 , 2008) fee to the executive director
on a form approved by the executive director.
To renew a maintenance company registration, a company must
every two years (registration issued after January 1, 2008 will
have a 3 year validity period and will need to be renewed every 3
years) submit a completed renewal form application and a $70 ($111
effective January 1, 2008) fee to the executive director on a form
approved by the executive director.
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How do I renew?
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Requirements
| To maintain this license level ... |
You need this much continuing education
... |
And you must pay an application fee of
... |
| Designated Representative (DR) |
24 hours Effective 01/01/2008
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Installer Class I (OSI) |
24 hours Effective 01/01/2008
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Installer Class II (OSII) |
24 hours Effective 01/01/2008
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Site Evaluator (SE)*** |
24 hours Effective 01/01/2008
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Apprentice |
0 hours
|
$81.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Maintenance Provider |
0 hours
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| Maintenance Company |
0 hours
|
$111.00 Effective 01/01/2008
|
| *** A Site Evaluator must maintain
a current OSII, DR, Professional Sanitarian, Professional Engineer,
or Professional Geoscientist with a Soil Science discipline
license. |
Check the status of your
license.
Obtain a list of
approved training providers.
Return to renewal information
Online Renewal
If you have obtained your required training credits and your
license has not been expired for more than 30 days you can renew
online at: TCEQ
Occupational License and Registration Online Renewal
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Obtaining a renewal
application
We will mail you a renewal notification at least 60 days before
your license expires. The notification will go to the last known
address we have on file for you. This notification will give
you instructions for renewing your license using the Texas
Online license renewal process.
If you are unable to renew online, please contact our office
immediately to receive a printed renewal application. You can
contact the TCEQ Licensing Section at licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
or phone (512) 239-2045. Please be sure to include your full name
and license number with your request. Follow the directions which
accompany the application, and return it with the requested
materials before your license expires.
Remember, it is your resonsibility to submit a renewal
application in a timely manner.
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Lost renewal
notifications or applications
If you've lost your renewal notification or application or did
not receive one, call 512-239-2045 or e-mail (Please make sure you
include your name, contact information, license number or social
security number) to licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
before your license expires to obtain a new application. You must
submit your application on an approved form.
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Issues of
compliance
You must be in compliance in regard to payment of guaranteed
student loans, child support payments, and TCEQ fees or penalties
in addition to the requirements summarized in the table above.
If you are currently under enforcement, you are encouraged to
resolve these issues before you renew to avoid delays in the
renewal of your license.
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Delinquent
Fees or Penalties
Effective September 1, 2006, the TCEQ no longer issues, amends,
or renews permits, registrations, certifications, or licenses to an
entity or person who is delinquent on any penalties or fees.
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Late renewal
License expired for less than 30
days?
License expired for more than 30
days?
Return to renewal information
If your license has been
expired for less than 30 days:
You must show proof that you have completed the required number
of hours of
approved training before your license expired.
- If you lost or did not receive a renewal notification or
application, click here.
- If you completed your continuing education BEFORE your license
expired:
- You must submit your renewal application with the appropriate
fee within 30 days after your license expired.
- We will also review whether you are delinquent in the paying
student loans, and penalties owed to the TCEQ.
- If you did not complete your continuing education BEFORE your
license expired:
- You will need to follow the same procedures as if your license
was expired for more than 30 days.
- You will be assigned a new license number.
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If your license has been
expired for more than 30 days:
- submit an application for approval at least three weeks before
taking the exam,
- pay an application fee, and
- retake and pass the exam of the license level you last
held.
To obtain an application and register for an exam, call the
Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at
1-800-824-7303.
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What if I change my
address or phone number?
You must notify us of changes in your address or phone number,
in writing, by:
- mail; TCEQ, Operator Licensing Section, MC-178, PO Box 13087,
Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or by
- fax; 512/239-0533 or by
- e-mail; licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
(Please make sure you include your name, contact information,
license number or social security number)
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How do I replace a lost or
damaged license?
To obtain a replacement license, contact the TCEQ Operator
Licensing Section at (512) 239-0914 or by email at licenses@tceq.state.tx.us
and request a duplicate license request form. The form will be
forwarded to you either by mail, fax or email. Complete and submit
the form and a $20 payment to the address listed on the form.
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What laws and rules govern
my license?
The license requirements are listed in Chapter
366 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Sections 366.014 &
366.071 and
Chapter 37 of the Texas Water Code.
The qualifications for each license level vary and can be found
in more detail in the rules (
30 TAC Chapter 30 Subchapters A & G).
The duties and responsibilities for each license level vary and
can be found in more detail in the rules (
30 TAC Chapter 285 Subchapter F).
The enforcement provisions of this program can be found in
Texas Water Code, Chapter 7
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Who can I call for
more information?
