Licensing Guides
Utah Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Utah
Septic, UT
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
Septic License Requirements in Utah
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as onsite wastewater systems, depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems. This includes maintaining the proper distance from water sources to protect groundwater and public health.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide and 200 in Utah. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 across the country and even faster in Utah—33% from 2022 to 2032—according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website, which projects about 2,900 job openings a year nationally.
Across Utah, many homes and businesses in areas without municipal sewer service depend on septic, or onsite wastewater, systems, according to the Utah Division of Water Quality, so demand for skilled professionals who can install and maintain them safely remains steady. If you're thinking about starting a septic business or working in this field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started in Utah.
Is certification required to work as a septic professional in Utah? Yes. Under Utah Administrative Code R317-11, anyone who designs, inspects, maintains, or conducts soil and percolation tests for underground wastewater disposal systems must hold state certification. The state certifies professionals at three levels—Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3—each tied to a specific scope of work.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Onsite Wastewater Program issues certification statewide, but local health departments add their own permit applications and requirements. Confirm the process in each city or county where you plan to work. Performing regulated onsite wastewater work without the required certification violates Utah's water quality rules and can lead to enforcement action, so certify at the correct level before you take on jobs.
Types of Septic Licenses in Utah
There are three levels of licensure for Onsite Professional Certification:
Level 1: Required for soil evaluations and percolation testing
Level 2: Required for septic system design, inspection, and maintenance of conventional systems, including site evaluations and percolation testing
Level 3: Required for septic system installation, inspection, and maintenance of alternative systems or conventional underground wastewater disposal systems, including soil tests and percolation testing
For each level, certification is valid for up to three years, and you must hold current certification at the lower level(s) before you can certify at Level 2 or Level 3, according to the Utah DEQ Onsite Wastewater Program. Each level requires attending the corresponding certification course and passing its exam, unless you qualify for one of the experience-based substitutions described in the exam section below.
Progression runs in sequence. Level 1 (soil and percolation testing) leads to Level 2 (conventional system design, inspection, and maintenance), which leads to Level 3 (alternative and conventional system design, inspection, and maintenance). There is no separate apprentice or master tier—you advance by completing each level's training and exam.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Utah
The steps to get a certification include the following:
Attend a certification training course through the Onsite Wastewater Program. There are separate courses for Levels 1 through 3, and you must obtain each level of certification before moving up to the next.
Pass an exam after the course.
Submit application.
Pay $25 certification fee.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Utah
There are several benefits to earning your Utah onsite wastewater certification:
Utah Administrative Code R317-11 requires certification to design, inspect, or maintain underground wastewater disposal systems.
It proves your skill and experience.
It lets you operate and advertise a septic business legally.
It qualifies you to pull permits and pass local health department inspections.
It can open the door to public and government projects.
It increases your earning potential and marketability.
It protects both your customers and your business.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Utah?
The national mean annual wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners is $53,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Utah, the median annual wage is $49,770, and pay rises with experience. Utah workers at the 10th percentile earn about $45,850, the median earner makes $49,770, and those at the 90th percentile earn around $70,700.
The terms "mean wage" and "median salary" can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage is the mathematical average of all wages.
Median salary is the point where half of workers earn less and half earn more, and it is usually a better indicator of typical pay.
Salaries vary based on the city where you work, your certification level, your experience, and whether you own the business. Earning a higher certification level and building a book of business are the most direct ways to increase your income.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician's visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Utah?
The training fees and the state certification fee are separate. The Utah Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Program at Utah State University sets certification course tuition, which varies by level, and the course includes the exam. The Utah Division of Water Quality charges a $25 certificate fee each time it issues a new certificate. If you run your own septic business, budget for additional costs such as local health department permit fees, business registration, insurance, and equipment, which vary by locality rather than by the state.
How to Get a Septic License in Utah
Becoming a certified onsite wastewater professional in Utah is straightforward, though the required classes are limited and fill up quickly.
Training: Enroll in the certification course for the level you want through the Utah Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Program at Utah State University. There are separate courses for Levels 1 through 3, and you must certify at each level before moving up to the next.
Exam: The training course ends with an exam. Some professionals can substitute experience for the course but must still pass the exam.
Application: Submit the certification application to the Utah Division of Water Quality, including the required Citizenship/Alien ID Certification form, and pay the $25 certificate fee.
Local permitting: Before working in a given jurisdiction, confirm any additional permit requirements with the local health department.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Utah?
The required classes for licensure are limited and fill up quickly. The time it takes to obtain septic certification depends on the class schedule.
Because you earn certification by completing a course and passing the exam rather than through a multi-year apprenticeship, you can become certified relatively quickly once a seat opens in the required class. Moving up from Level 1 to Level 2 to Level 3 takes additional time, since you must hold current certification at each lower level before certifying at the next. Each certification is valid for up to three years before renewal, according to the Utah DEQ Onsite Wastewater Program.
Utah Septic Training Programs and Schools
Certification and renewal classes are hosted by the Utah On-Site Wastewater Treatment Training Program at Utah State University's Utah Water Research Laboratory. These courses cover how to read soil and percolation test results, design requirements for on-site wastewater treatment systems, site feasibility, drain fields, protecting drinking water, and other FAQs related to septic system permits and proposed system designs.
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Utah Septic Licensing Exam Details
Each training course ends with an exam. Some professionals can opt out of the training course but still must pass the exam:
A licensed environmental health scientist with two years of experience qualifies to substitute licensure and experience for required training for a Level 1, 2, or 3 certification.
A licensed professional engineer qualifies to substitute licensure for required training for a Level 1, 2, or 3 certification.
A licensed contractor with at least five years of experience installing underground wastewater disposal systems qualifies to substitute licensure and experience for required training for a Level 1 or 2 certification.
The Utah Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Center at Utah State University's Utah Water Research Laboratory administers the certification exams. The state designates this center for both training and testing. You take the exam at the end of each level's course, and you schedule it by registering for a class on the Training Center's training calendar.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Utah?
The best preparation is the certification course itself. Courses through the Utah Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Center cover how to read soil and percolation test results, design requirements for onsite wastewater treatment systems, site feasibility, drain fields, and protecting drinking water. Reviewing Utah Administrative Code R317-4, which sets the technical standards for onsite wastewater systems, will also help you understand the material the exam covers. Because seats are limited, register early and give yourself time to work through the course content before test day.
Utah Administrative Code R317-11 requires certification for septic professionals in Utah. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Onsite Wastewater Program grants those certifications. Local health departments have additional requirements and permit applications, so check the permitting process in the cities where you intend to work.
Does My Utah Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. Utah issues onsite wastewater certification under its own rules, and other states do not automatically recognize it. If you plan to work in another state, you will need to meet that state's certification or licensing requirements. Likewise, a certification from another state does not by itself authorize you to work in Utah.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Utah?
Utah does not offer reciprocity for onsite wastewater certification. All applicants must complete the required training course and pass the exam for each level, regardless of any certification held in another state.
Septic-Specific Requirements in Utah
Onsite wastewater work in Utah carries a few trade-specific requirements. Soil evaluations and percolation testing require at least Level 1 certification, and system design, inspection, and maintenance require Level 2 or Level 3, depending on whether the system is conventional or alternative. Every job must also comply with the technical standards in Utah Administrative Code R317-4, which governs onsite wastewater systems. You must also follow any additional permitting rules from the local health department where you install the system.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Utah
Before the Division of Water Quality can issue your certification, Utah law requires the state to verify your lawful presence in the United States. Applicants who are at least 18 years old must complete and notarize a Citizenship/Alien ID Certification form. Submit it with a copy of a photo ID, such as a driver license or passport, along with the certification application. You should also confirm any local business registration or permitting rules with the city or county health department where you plan to work.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Utah?
Utah does not run a scholarship program specific to onsite wastewater certification, largely because certification is course-and-exam based rather than a multi-year degree. Utah homeowners and, in some cases, contractors doing repair or replacement work may qualify for help through the Division of Water Quality's State Revolving Fund financial assistance. This program covers septic system repair or replacement when applicants meet eligibility requirements. If you plan to pursue related coursework at a community college or trade program, start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what grants and aid you qualify for.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Utah?
Clients and employers can confirm your certification through the Utah Division of Water Quality. Its Onsite Wastewater Program publishes a Certified Onsite System Professionals List that shows currently certified professionals and their certification level. To verify a professional, open the professionals list from that page and search for the individual's name and certification level.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Utah?
You can jeopardize your certification when you fail to meet the standards in Utah Administrative Code R317-11. Common reasons you can lose your certification include:
Letting the certification expire without completing the required renewal classes.
Fraud or misrepresentation on an application.
Failing to follow the design and construction standards in Utah Administrative Code R317-4.
Performing work outside the scope of your certification level.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Utah onsite wastewater certification, refer to the official Utah Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Utah?
Designing, inspecting, or maintaining underground wastewater disposal systems without the required certification violates Utah Administrative Code R317-11, which the state adopted under the Utah Water Quality Act. The Division of Water Quality can take enforcement action, including orders to stop work and civil penalties, and local health departments can also enforce their own permit rules. The safest course is to certify at the correct level before taking on regulated work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation, refer to the official Utah Administrative Code and the Utah Water Quality Act.
Continuing Education
You must complete certification renewal classes through the Utah Onsite Wastewater Treatment Training Program at Utah State University's Utah Water Research Laboratory. You must renew your certification every three years, and the Utah DEQ Onsite Wastewater Program charges a $25 fee for each certificate renewed. Attend the renewal classes before your certification expires. If your certification lapses, Utah offers a reinstatement option within six months of the expiration date. To reinstate, complete the required refresher class and submit a renewal application with the reinstatement fee. After that window, you must meet the initial certification requirements again.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan's blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan's "Toolbox for the Trades" podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other service providers, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, or general contractor license in Utah, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
