Installer and maintenance provider certification
Installer certification is required to obtain an installer sewage disposal service license. Chemeketa Community College provides this training and certification. Students who complete the course and pass the test receive a serial-numbered, laminated certification card. You must provide a copy of this card with your license application.
Installers: For the installer-type license, at least one member or employee of the licensed business must be a certified installer. This person is responsible for the proper construction or installation of onsite systems. The only exception is if the installer is the permittee or the permittee's regular employee. Note: Certified installers must obtain a license to conduct construction or installation of onsite systems.
Maintenance Providers: a maintenance provider who inspects, maintains, or certifies maintenance of onsite systems using alternative treatment technologies, recirculating gravel filters, or sand filters must be certified as a maintenance provider and certified by the manufacturer of the system.
New to the industry? The certification class is intended for folks with some basic knowledge of excavation work, basic septic systems and generally how to develop and submit plans and permit applications. If you are not at this level, consider taking some self-study online training classes. National Onsite Wastewater Recyclers Association offer classes such as Introduction for Installers or Septic Systems A to Z.
Recertification
Recertification is required every three years following initial certification. Chemeketa Community College will recertify installers and maintenance providers who complete 18 hours (1.8 Continuing Education Units, CEUs) of approved continuing education following their most recent certification. Approved courses must be completed within six months after active certification expires.
To recertify, submit proof of completion of approved CEUs to Chemeketa with a fee. Chemeketa will issue a new laminated card with a new certification number and expiration date.
Please keep current, as you must have a current certification to construct, install, repair or maintain septic systems.
CEU Information
Courses must be approved by the Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council and listed on their website to be used to recertify. Submit an application to OESAC for courses you or your organization are holding, or have held, that you would like to be considered toward recertification.
Go to the OESAC website to see courses that will qualify toward recertification. Search for installer and/or maintenance provider approved courses.
Inspectors
If you are a certified Installer or Maintenance Provider, and would like to identify yourself as an "Existing System Evaluation Inspector," please access and complete this form.