Oregon Septic Installer License: Requirements, Costs, and Application Process

If you’re looking to enter Oregon’s growing onsite wastewater industry, getting your Oregon septic installer license is the first step. This license allows you to legally install, repair, and sometimes maintain septic systems throughout the state. Whether you’re starting a new business or joining a local septic service company, understanding the licensing process is essential. This guide walks you through the requirements, steps, and resources to get certified.

Table of Content

• Why You Need an Installer License in Oregon
• Types of Septic Licenses in Oregon
• Steps to Get an Oregon Septic Installer License
• Helpful Resources
• Tips for New Septic Installers
• Septic Permit Links by State

Why You Need an Installer License in Oregon

Installing a septic system in Oregon isn’t as simple as digging a hole and laying pipes. The state regulates onsite wastewater systems closely to protect public health and the environment. Here’s why getting licensed matters:

• Legal Compliance: You must have a valid license to install or supervise installations in Oregon.
• Job Opportunities: Licensed installers are in demand across rural and suburban communities.
• Environmental Responsibility: Proper installation helps prevent groundwater contamination and system failures.

Types of Septic Licenses in Oregon

The state of Oregon offers multiple levels of licensing under its Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ):

1. Basic Septic Installer License

This is the entry-level license for individuals who want to install standard septic systems.

2. Supervising Installer License

Holders can supervise other workers and are responsible for ensuring that work meets state and local codes.

3. Installer License with Additional Endorsements

These may include authorizations to install alternative treatment technologies or repair failing systems.

Steps to Get an Oregon Septic Installer License

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid photo ID
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (recommended but not always required)

2. Take the Required Training

Oregon DEQ requires all installer applicants to complete an approved septic installer training course. These are often offered by:

• Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association (O2WA)
• Local community colleges
• Environmental training centers

Courses cover key topics like:

• Soil and site evaluations
• System components and design
• Installation techniques
• State codes and inspection processes

3. Pass the Licensing Exam

After training, you’ll take a DEQ-administered exam. The test includes both written and practical components. Topics include:

• Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs)
• Design plans and permits
• Installation best practices
• Troubleshooting issues

4. Apply Through DEQ

Submit your application, proof of training, and exam results to Oregon DEQ. There is a licensing fee, which varies slightly depending on the license type.

• DEQ contact: https://www.oregon.gov/deq

5. Renew and Maintain Your License

Installer licenses must be renewed periodically (usually every 3 years), and continuing education may be required.

Helpful Resources

• Oregon DEQ Onsite Program: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/Pages/Onsite.aspx
• Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association (O2WA): https://www.o2wa.org
• Training Opportunities: Check local colleges or O2WA for class schedules and workshops.

Contact Information

For more details, contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ):
Website: www.oregon.gov/deq
Phone: (503) 229-5696
Email: deq.info@deq.state.or.us
Address: 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97232

Tips for New Septic Installers

• Shadow a Licensed Pro: Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn.
• Understand Local Regulations: Counties may have stricter requirements than the state.
• Network at Industry Events: O2WA conferences and training events are great places to build connections.

Conclusion

Getting your Oregon septic installer license opens the door to a solid, hands-on career in a field that’s essential to rural and off-grid communities. The process requires training, testing, and some paperwork—but the investment is well worth it.

Ready to get started? Visit Oregon DEQ’s Onsite Program page or enroll in an upcoming installer training course today!

Septic Permit Links by State

Alabama Septic Tank Permit	https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/onsite/forms.html
Alaska Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/engineering/homeowners
Arizona Septic Tank Permit	https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/oss.html#where
Arkansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/permits/pdfs/subsurface-septic-tank-app.pdf
California Septic Tank Permit	https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/septics/permits.html
Colorado Septic Tank Permit	https://cdphe.colorado.gov/OWTS
Connecticut Septic Tank Permit	https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/environmental-engineering/environmental-engineering—-subsurface-sewage#:~:text=Septic%20systems%20on%20sites%20with,CT%20Department%20of%20Public%20Health.
Delaware Septic Tank Permit	https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/Water/Septics/forms/septic-system-permit-application.pdf
Florida Septic Tank Permit	https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/onsite-sewage-faq-permitting
Georgia Septic Tank Permit	https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage
Hawaii Septic Tank Permit	https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/app/#/formversion/a7e3ebf0-6183-4cbb-bc89-e5de66e5f619
Idaho Septic Tank Permit	https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/wastewater/septic-and-septage/
Illinois Septic Tank Permit	https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/forms/water-forms/wastewater-permits.html
Indiana Septic Tank Permit	https://www.in.gov/health/eph/onsite-sewage-systems-program/
Iowa Septic Tank Permit	https://iowacounty.iowa.gov/environmental_health/septic_systems/
Kansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8966/Septic-Tanks-PDF
Kentucky Septic Tank Permit	https://www.lfchd.org/onsite-sewage-septic-tank-program/
Louisiana Septic Tank Permit	https://ldh.la.gov/news/2088
Maine Septic Tank Permit	https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/plumb/forms.htm
Maryland Septic Tank Permit	https://septicapplication.mde.state.md.us/Public/StatewideSepticApplication
Massachusetts Septic Tank Permit	https://www.mass.gov/lists/title-5-septic-system-forms
Michigan Septic Tank Permit	https://www.dhd10.org/homeowners/apply-for-a-new-wellseptic/
Minnesota Septic Tank Permit	https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-zoning/onsite-wastewater/apply-for-a-septic-permit
Mississippi Septic Tank Permit	https://msdh.ms.gov/page/30,0,78.html
Missouri Septic Tank Permit	https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/onsite/permitappforms.php
Montana Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.mt.gov/twr/assistance
Nebraska Septic Tank Permit	https://onestop.nebraska.gov/onsite-wastewater-septic-permit
Nevada Septic Tank Permit	https://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/ISDS/dta/Permits/Individual_Sewage_Disposal_Systems_-_Permits/
New Hampshire Septic Tank Permit	https://onlineforms.nh.gov/app/#/formversion/e5058738-ce6b-4bab-b5f3-25dc1c33091d
New Jersey Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.nj.gov/dwq/wastewater/septic-systems/professional-information/
New Mexico Septic Tank Permit	https://www.env.nm.gov/septic/apply-for-a-permit/
New York Septic Tank Permit	https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/septic_systems.htm
North Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.carteretcountync.gov/207/Septic-System-Permits
North Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/6_SepticPumper/sp.aspx
Ohio Septic Tank Permit	https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/sewage-treatment-systems/forms
Oklahoma Septic Tank Permit	https://applications.deq.ok.gov/sewagepermit/
Oregon Septic Tank Permit	https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Residential/Pages/Onsite-Resources.aspx
Pennsylvania Septic Tank Permit	https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/request-water-and-septic-installation-and-modifications-to-your-state-forest-leased-campsite.html
Rhode Island Septic Tank Permit	https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-onsite-wastewater-treatment-owts
South Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspOfc?qOfcID=SCDESS
South Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Livestock/FeedlotPermit/Septic/default.aspx
Tennessee Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tn.gov/environment/permit-permits/water-permits1/septic-systems-permits/ssp/permit-water-septic-system-related-permits.html
Texas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/ossf/ossfpermits.html
Utah Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.utah.gov/water-quality/application-forms-for-onsite-professionals-onsite-wastewater-program
Vermont Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.vermont.gov/water/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water-supply-program/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water
Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/have-you-considered-using-the-private-sector/
Washington Septic Tank Permit	https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/forms-publications
West Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.wv.gov/wwe/permit/Pages/default.aspx
Wisconsin Septic Tank Permit	https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/POWTS/Default.aspx
Wyoming Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-wastewater/permitting/small-wastewater-systems/