TCEQ OSSF license types and what each can do.

TCEQ licenses/registers OSSF professionals under Chapter 30 occupational rules: an Installer I may install standard systems (septic tanks, absorptive drainfields, unlined ET drainfields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe, pumped effluent drainfields); an Installer II may install all types of OSSF systems; a Site Evaluator (TCEQ-licensed, or a Texas PE) performs preconstruction site evaluations of a site's suitability and identifies features that could be contaminated or interfere with the system; a Designated Representative must be licensed and employed by an authorized agent, and reviews permit applications, site evaluations and planning materials, investigates complaints, and inspects OSSFs issued an authorization to construct against TCEQ or the local Authorized Agent Order, whichever is more stringent; a Maintenance Provider may service/maintain aerobic-treatment on-site systems; and a Maintenance Technician (registration) may perform maintenance only under a maintenance provider's direct supervision (TCEQ OSSF Occupational Licenses). Apprentice registrants may work only under a licensed installer's constant direct supervision, and each license application carries a $111 fee (TCEQ OSSF Occupational Licenses); the maintenance-provider license requires an Installer II license, a Class C or higher Wastewater Operator license, or three years as a registered provider/technician, plus the Basic Maintenance Provider and Advanced Aerobic courses and an exam (TCEQ OSSF Maintenance). A Professional Engineer or Professional/Registered Sanitarian is not an OSSF-specific TCEQ license but is recognized in the rules: variance planning materials must be prepared, sealed, dated and signed by a professional sanitarian or professional engineer (30 TAC §285.3), a PE or Registered Sanitarian must prepare planning materials for complex or small-lot systems (and a PE alone for structures not exempt from the Texas Engineering Practice Act) (Comal County), and a PE license (or PE/sanitarian/soil-scientist credential) is one qualifying path to the Site Evaluator license (TCEQ).

Reviewed August 2026. Links go to the sources this answer was checked against.