Septic Tanks - Licensing for OSWW System Professionals | South Carolina Department of Environmental Services

If you install, clean, or repair septic systems or if you haul and dispose of sewage from septic systems and portable toilets, you must be licensed by SCDES and renew your license each year.

Online Application Form

To apply for a License to Construct or Clean Onsite Wastewater Systems and Self-Contained Toilets, you will need to submit an online application through ePermitting. Before an application can be submitted, you will first need to contact your local SCDES office to make arrangements for testing.

Exams

The first time you apply for a license to work with septic systems and/or sewage disposal, you must pass an exam that tests your understanding of Regulation 61-56. To pass, you must score 80% or better. Exams should be scheduled with your local SCDES office.

Click the button below for a list of local SCDES offices.

If you do not pass this test, you can retake it in 30 days. If you fail to pass a second time, you can wait 60 days and retake the exam a third time.

Once you are granted a license, you will not have to retake the test as long as you pay the annual license renewal fees and submit all necessary documentation. If you allow your license to expire, you will have to repeat the new license process from the beginning.

License Fees

The licensure and annual renewal fees for onsite wastewater system installers and pumpers/haulers are listed below:

Installer:
- Tier 1 - $100
- Tier 2 - $100
- Tier 3 - $200
Pumper/Hauler:
- $100
Dual License to Construct and Clean:
- Tier 1 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $150
- Tier 2 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $150
- Tier 3 Installer/Pumper/Hauler: $250

You must pay these fees each year in order to renew your license. If we don’t receive your payment by the due date, a late fee will be charged.

Your license to work on septic systems or haul sewage will expire if you fail to pay your renewal fees and late fees within 90 days of the renewal due date.