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 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.
Grade Level IV Certification
Covers all onsite wastewater systems. Grade Level II certification must be be held for minimum of two years prior or moving up to Grade Level IV.
To receive a Grade Level IV certification, you will need to complete the Advance to GL IV class and pass Grade Level IV exam.
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.
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 education requirements for a Grade Level IV Installer Certification.
Advance to GL IV Class
Register early. Class fees are non-refundable.
Advance to GL IV
Date May 14
NCSTA Training Site, Lexington NC
Advance to GL IV class is for those seeking to move up from GL II to GL IV or for those seeking Point of Sale Inspector class in lieu of experience. This class is not for continuing education.
Upcoming Installer & Inspector Classes
Introduction Classes have maximum attendee limits. Register early. Class fees are non-refundable.
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
April 14-16, 2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
May 12-14, 2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
June 1-3, 2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
July 14-16, 2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
Sept 22-24, 2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
Oct 19-21,2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Lexinton Installer Introduction Class
Nov 3-5,2026
7am-5pm
Lexington, NC
Learn more about our continuing education opportunities
If you need a Point of Sale Inspector class please send us an email to ncseptictank@gmail.com for information.
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.