Certification Information

Installers
Pumpers
Portable Sanitation Providers
Soil Classifiers   (Level III)

1. Review the certification requirements . 
2. Study for the exam(s).
   1. As a contractor you must demonstrate knowledge of all standards and criteria found in the DPH Manual for On-site Sewage Management Systems. However, it will be helpful in preparing for the exam(s) to focus on Section A- Rules and Regulations ,  Section D- Pretreatment , Section E- Effluent Distribution and Dosing Devices , and Section F- Dispersal . 
   2. Septic Tank Pumpers, focus on  Section I- Removal and Disposal .
   3. Portable Sanitation Pumpers focus on Rule 511-3-6 . 
   4. You must pass at least the Residential Exam to install and the Pumper Exam if you are going to pump septic tanks.
   5. Additional exams are required for installing Commercial systems, Subsurface Drip Systems, and Mounds.  
   6. Contact your County Environmental Health Office to schedule your exam. Click here .
3. Complete the application(s) and bring them to your county. 
   1. Contractor Application
   2. Company Application
4. If starting a new company, pay the certification fee (amounts and payment link below). 
5. If you are a pumper company, you'll also need to have your truck(s) inspected by the county and be issued a County Septage and Removal Permit. 

Important Notes: 

• If you were previously certified and have been non-certified for over 2 years, you must reapply and retest. 
• If you are changing companies, need to change your contact information, or have any questions about certification, please email: [email protected] or call the State Environmental Health Office at 404-657-6534.

1. Get continuing education (Installers = 8 hrs; *Pumpers = 6 hrs).
2. Pay the State COMPANY Certification Renewal Fee (link below, it is not a fee per individual).
   • $100 late fee if paid after 2/28/22.
3. If pumping, renew your County pumper permit (contact your county to renew and pay).

Additional notes:

• Must be working under a certified company.
• If you were previously certified and have been non-certified for over 2 years, you must reapply and retest. 
• For Portable Sanitation ONLY companies (no pumping of septic tanks), only one pumper in the company needs to get continuing education. 
• If you are changing companies, need to change your contact information, or have any questions about certification, please email: [email protected]

Applications:

Geologists   ( Word version )
Engineers   ( Word version )
Soil Classifiers  (Word version)

Renewal Requirements:

• $400 renewal payment was due February 28, 2022 (pay below and include $100 late fee).
• 30 hours of continuing education.  
• CEU Course Requirements  (note: the Ethics Requirement is waived for the 2022 renewal cycle)
• CEU Reporting Form   
• Insurance must be current and on file with the State Environmental Health Office or you will automatically be removed from the Approved list. 
• Email policy to: [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE: all future correspondence will be sent via email and you are responsible for letting us know if your email address changes. If you did not receive a renewal notification email from us or if you want to update your address, contact us: [email protected] 

Additional Information:

Professional Reference Form
Code of Conduct

* Please call 404-657-6534 if you have any questions. 

Current Certification Cycle: 2/28/22 - 2/28/24

EVERYONE has to renew their certification by 2/28/24

Pro-rated Certification Fees for 2023:

NEW Installer Company: $200 ($500 if renewing late)
NEW Pumper Company: $200 ($500 if renewing late)
NEW Installing AND Pumping Company: $400 ($900 if renewing late)

NEW Portable Sanitation Pumping Only Company: $150 ($400 if renewing late)
NEW Soil Classifiers Individuals: $200 ($500 if renewing late)

Pay online using the link below. Renewal fees above include $100 late fee. 

Expect delays if mailing a check or money order.
Make payment out to GA DPH, Env Health and send to:
Env Health, 2 Peachtree St NW, 13th Floor; Atlanta, GA 30303

Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association (GOWA) 2021-2022 Courses
Call 706-407-2552 or click here for details and to register.​

Southeastern Building Trade Association (online and in-person classes)
Call 888-882-7282 or click here for details and to register.             

Soil Science Inc. (in-person classes)
Call Donnie Bradshaw, 770-307-7311, 6360 Lower Mill Rd, NE; Crawfordville, GA 30631

* If you want to remove someone from your company, make changes to owner information, address, or company certification type please email ([email protected]) a note on company letterhead with the details of your change requests.

By making a renewal payment and renewing your certification as a DPH Environmental Health Septic Tank Installing or Pumping Company, you agree to the following statements:

• I nor my employees have violated any of the Department’s Rules and Regulations governing Onsite Sewage Management Systems, Chapter 511-3-1 during the last renewal period.
• I nor my employees have  received a criminal conviction or have have any pending criminal charges related to on-site services. 
• I further understand that the company will be held accountable for all violations committed by its employees.