Tiered Installer Licensure

Transition to Tiered Licensure

Effective July 1, 2022, all installers licensed as master contractors with the Department became Tier 3 installers. Installers who were licensed but not as master contractors became Tier 2 installers.

All installers who will become Tier 2 installers and plan to install Standard 610, Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems, will have 30 days, starting on July 1, 2022, to obtain their Tier 3 licensure. During this period, they may continue to install engineered systems while working to obtain the requirements necessary to be granted a Tier 3 license. After July 31, 2022, any installer who has not obtained a Tier 3 license will no longer be allowed to install Standard 610, Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems. 

Tiered Licensing System for Onsite Wastewater (Septic) System Installers

As with the septic system pumper/hauler license, to become licensed as a septic system installer an examination must be taken and passed with a score of 80% or better. To schedule the in-person exam, please contact your local SCDES office.

The Department licenses the following tiers of installers:

• Tier 1 Installer:
  • Can install all gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems.
  • Must obtain 8 hours of continuing education units every 2 years.*
  • May self-inspect systems they have installed when directed by the Department.
• Tier 2 Installer:
  • Can install all Tier 1 systems in addition to systems that require pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated infiltration systems, mounded systems, and all commercial systems.
  • Must obtain 12 hours of continuing education units every 2 years.*
  • May self-inspect systems they have installed when directed by the Department.
• Tier 3 Installer:
  • Can install all Tier 1 and 2 systems in addition to Standard 610, Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems.
  • Must obtain 18 hours of continuing education units every 2 years.*
  • May self-inspect systems they have installed.
  • Must be bonded and insured.
  • To qualify for eligibility, you must be licensed as a septic system installer and actively installing in South Carolina for the previous 3 years with no pending or prior disciplinary or enforcement action involving onsite wastewater systems OR licensed as a septic system installer and actively installing out of state for 5 years with no pending or prior disciplinary or enforcement action involving onsite wastewater systems.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Delayed Implementation of Continuing Education Units

There will be a delayed implementation of 3 years following July 1, 2022, for the continuing education unit requirement. Once implemented, CEUs will need to be completed every 2 years and must be submitted with license renewals. 

Approved Continuing Education Unit Classes

Continuing Education Units are obtained by taking approved classes pertaining to septic systems. Beginning July 1, 2025, all septic system installers are required to obtain a certain amount of CEUs depending on the tier of licensure. CEUs must be completed every 2 years and submitted with license renewals. 

Please Note: Only classes taken after July 1, 2025 will count toward the required number of CEUs.

Anyone attending these classes must register with the entity offering the class. Please contact SC DES prior to attending any class not listed below to ensure the credit hours will be accepted.

Below are links to external websites that offer classes that have been approved by the Department:

• South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Association (SCOWA)
• National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA)
• Onsite Wastewater Professionals
• Goulds Water Technology - Xylem US
• Zoeller Pump Company
• Infiltrator Water Technologies
• North Carolina State
• Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association

Department Approved Alternative Infiltration Trench Products

The following drainfield alternative products have been approved for use in South Carolina.