QUESTION: Is a homeowner allowed to install his or her own system?

ANSWER: A homeowner may install the system for a property that will used as his or her primary residence as long as the system is gravity fed, pipe and gravel system and is limited to two systems within a five year period. 

QUESTION: Does having a subsurface operators license exempt me from having an inspector license?

ANSWER: No, just as an inspector cannot operate the system with only an inspector license, neither can an operator inspect it with only an operator license. 

QUESTION: What certifications require an exam?

ANSWER: All certifications require an exam.

QUESTION: What are the continuing education requirements for each grade level?

ANSWER: Grade level II—3 hours, Grade level IV—6 hours; Point of Sale Inspector—6 hours, Authorized Onsite Evaluator - 12 hours, and Private Compliance Inspector - 12 hours of continuing education are required each calendar year.  

QUESTION: What type systems can I install with Grade Level II certification:

ANSWER: Single tank, conventional (gravel) gravity systems, multiple tanks, grease traps, single pump or single siphon, fill systems, sand lined trench, up to 1499 gpd, and any approved gravity or single pump dispersal system not specified in GL IV

QUESTION: What type systems can I install with Grade Level IV certification:

ANSWER: Any system under GL II plus dual pumps or dual siphons, no limit on gpd, low pressure dispersal, flow equalization, any system requiring ground water lowering with a pump, multiple off-site systems, industrial process wastewater, residential wastewater treatment (RWTS), TS-I and TS-II system, drip dispersal systems, and wastewater Reuse Systems or any Pretreatment Component.

QUESTION: Does my fee to the NCOWCICB cover any class training expenses?

ANSWER: NO, the fee paid to NCOWCICB is for certification only.  You are responsible to pay for any fees charged for classes.

QUESTION: When do I submit my application for certification to NCOWCICB?
ANSWER: You will submit the application for certification, certification fee and copies of attendance certificates after you have taken all the required classes.
QUESTION: What can I inspect if I become a certified Inspector?
ANSWER: The Inspector certification issued by NCOWCICB is used when there is a real estate transaction involved on the property.  This certification does not allow you to inspect system that are newly installed to receive the operations permit.
QUESTION: What is required to run a pump truck to pump out septic tanks?
ANSWER: NCOWCICB does not regulate pumpers.  This permit is a septage firm permit.  You will need to contact The NC Division of Waste Management Septage for information.
QUESTION: What is required to become a subsurface operator?
ANSWER: NCOWCICB does not regulate subsurface operators.  For information above becoming a subsurface operator contact NC Environmental Quality Wastewater Operator Certification.