Requirements
Installer and inspector certifications for the onsite wastewater industry in North Carolina are issued and regulated by the NCOWCICB.
To become licensed to install or inspect septic systems in North Carolina, applicants must take an approved installer/inspector education course and any additional continuing education credit hours required for certification.
All applicants must also pass an onsite wastewater inspector exam in order to become certified.
Installer Certification
During the class, attendees will experience real-life scenarios of system layout as well as physically set a septic tank. Certifications are achievable in two grade levels: II and IV.
Grade Level II Certification
Covers most normal residential systems in NC. Effective 9/1/24, to receive a Grade Level II certification you will need to complete the Installer Introduction class, which is a 24-credit hour class.
Grade Level IV Certification
Covers all onsite wastewater systems. Effective 9/1/24, to receive a Grade Level IV certification, you will need to complete the Installer Introduction class PLUS 6 hours of continuing education as well as achieve a passing grade on the certification exam. For 6-hour class dates and locations, click here.
Note: Effective 1/1/25, any applicant for Inspector Certification will need to have the following:
Minimum of two years satisfactory certification of Grade Level IV Installer, Evaluator or Subsurface Operator.
In lieu of the experience requirements, the applicant may complete the ducation requirements for a Grade Level IV Installer Certification.
Inspector Certification
To become certified as a septic inspector and preform inspections on existing systems for real estate transactions, individuals must complete an approved Inpector class plus six hours of continuing education. Additionally, inspectors must achieve a passing grade on the Inspector exam.
Upcoming Installer & Inspector Classes
Learn more about our continuing education opportunities
The NCSTA is an approved educator for the NCOWCICB, the governing body that regulates and administers all certification courses for Installers and Inspectors in North Carolina. We are the largest provider of continuing education courses for the onsite wastewater industry in North Carolina, educating over 1,500 industry professionals every year.
Click below to learn more about us, how we are advocating for our members and the onsite wastewater industry as a whole.