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How to become a licensed septic system installer in New Hampshire. Training: 24 hours. Exam required. Total initial fees: $275. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Septic System Installer
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
18% of data points are verified against official sources. 27 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
24 hours
Training Hours
Yes
Exam Required
Yes
Experience Required
Yes
Insurance Required
$275
Total Initial Fees
New Hampshire septic system installer licensing requirements
Mostly verifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Title
Septic System Installer License
Separate Pumper License
Yes
County-Level Licensing
No
License Levels / Categories
Septic system installer licensing is regulated at the state level, typically through state departments of health or environmental quality. Most states require separate licenses for installation and pumping/hauling operations. All installations must comply with EPA Clean Water Act requirements and state environmental regulations.
Training & Education Requirements
Mostly verifiedTraining Required
Yes
Training Hours
24 hours
Approved Programs
State-approved training programs administered or recognized by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES)
Soil Evaluation Training
Soil evaluation and percolation testing knowledge is required as part of installer training
Septic system installer training typically covers system design principles, soil evaluation and percolation testing, installation techniques, environmental regulations, and proper maintenance procedures. Training courses are administered or approved by the state licensing authority.
State Examination Requirements
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Passing Score
70%
Exam Provider
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES)
Exam Details
Written examination covering septic system design, installation, soil evaluation, regulations, and environmental protection
The state examination tests knowledge of septic system design, soil evaluation, percolation testing, installation procedures, state and federal regulations, and environmental protection requirements.
Work Experience & Apprenticeship
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
Yes
Apprenticeship Available
Yes
Experience Details
6 months of experience installing septic systems under a licensed installer
Some states require documented field experience installing septic systems under the supervision of a licensed installer before granting a license. Experience requirements help ensure installers have practical knowledge of soil conditions, system design, and proper installation techniques.
Insurance Coverage & Surety Bond
Mostly verifiedLiability Insurance
Required
Minimum: $300,000
Surety Bond
Not Required
Most states require septic system installers to carry general liability insurance to protect property owners and the environment. Some states also require a surety bond as additional financial protection. Insurance requirements help ensure installers can cover costs if systems fail or cause environmental damage.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application/registration fee | $75 |
Exam Fee State examination fee | $50 |
License Fee Initial license/certification fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee (Biennial (2 years)) | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and initial license fees. Does not include training course costs or insurance premiums. | $275 |
Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
Mostly verifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
Required
Continuing Education
8 hours/2 years
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Most states require annual or biennial license renewal with continuing education. CE courses typically cover new regulations, advanced system technologies, soil science updates, and environmental protection best practices. Failure to renew on time may result in license expiration and the need to re-apply.
New Hampshire DES requires licensed installers and has strict setback requirements. All systems must be designed by a licensed designer.
All septic system installations must comply with EPA Clean Water Act regulations and state environmental protection requirements.
A soil evaluation and percolation test must be completed before any septic system installation can be permitted.
New Hampshire requires separate licenses for septic system installation and septic tank pumping/hauling.
Continuing education (8 hours/2 years) is required for license renewal in New Hampshire.
All installations in New Hampshire must be inspected and approved by the local permitting authority before use.
There is no interstate compact for septic installers.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Hampshire.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#17 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Construction and Related Workers, All Other (SOC 47-4099)
Entry Level
N/A
25th percentile
Median
$47,800
+4% vs. national avg ($46,000)Experienced
N/A
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Note: SOC 47-4099 (Construction and Related Workers, All Other) is the closest BLS match for septic system installers
Source: BLS OEWS – Construction and Related Workers, All Other (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2022-2032
Projected Growth
+5%
High DemandNew Jobs
N/A
over 10 years
Annual Openings
N/A
per year (avg.)
N/A currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2022-2032 (September 2023)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES)
Estimated total: 12–60 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES)
3–15 months
Estimated processing time
Source: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES)
Study guides for septic system installation and onsite wastewater licensing exams.
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Accessed 2025-01-15
New Hampshire requires a license for septic system installation. Training of 24 hours is required. A state examination must be passed. Licensing is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES).
Requirements vary by state and county. Always verify current requirements with your state and local licensing authority.