Official-source review: August 24, 2026
Tennessee septic installer license: Tennessee requires an installer permit for conventional subsurface sewage disposal systems. Applicants must pass the examination with at least 70 percent and complete a satisfactory supervised installation; alternative technologies require additional approval by type.
What the Tennessee septic installer license covers
Tennessee requires an installer permit for conventional subsurface sewage disposal systems. Applicants must pass the examination with at least 70 percent and complete a satisfactory supervised installation; alternative technologies require additional approval by type.
- Construction and installation of permitted subsurface sewage disposal systems within the installer classification.
- Work only within the classification issued.
- Obtain every local permit and inspection.
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Tennessee septic installer license requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | Conventional subsurface sewage disposal system installer permit, with additional approval for alternative system types |
| Experience | Complete at least one satisfactory installation under supervision as required by the program. |
| Exam | Pass the installer examination with a score of at least 70 percent. |
| Fees | Conventional installer permit: $200. Alternative-system authorization: an additional $100 per type. |
| Insurance or bond | Maintain the business, workers-compensation and contract-county coverage requirements that apply. |
| Renewal | Installer permits expire December 31 and must be renewed annually. |
Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.
How to complete the Tennessee septic installer license process
- Classify the work, project value and destination jurisdiction.
- Complete the required training and experience.
- Obtain approval and pass each required examination.
- Submit the application, supporting records and current fee.
- Complete insurance, business and local permit requirements.
- Renew on time and retain compliance records.
Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.
Important Tennessee rules and boundaries
- Alternative system types require separate approval.
- A statewide permit can be supplemented by contract-county requirements.
- Each site needs its own construction authorization.
- Installer authority does not replace design or professional credentials.
Tennessee may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.
Tennessee septic installer license cost and renewal
Budget separately for applications, examinations, training, insurance, business filings and local permits.
Renew each individual, company and specialty credential separately and confirm current fees before filing.
Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.
Tennessee septic installer license checklist
- Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
- Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
- Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
- Use the current official form and fee schedule.
- Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
- File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
- Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
- Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this credential statewide?
The principal credential is statewide, but local licensing, permits and inspections may still apply.
Is an exam required?
Pass the installer examination with a score of at least 70 percent.
When does it renew?
Installer permits expire December 31 and must be renewed annually.
Are local permits separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Jurisdiction
- state license, certification or registration plus local permits, depending on scope and project value
- Licensing authority
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Resources
- Fees
- Conventional installer permit: $200. Alternative-system authorization: an additional $100 per type.
- Experience
- Complete at least one satisfactory installation under supervision as required by the program.
- Exams
- Pass the installer examination with a score of at least 70 percent.
- Insurance or bond
- Maintain the business, workers-compensation and contract-county coverage requirements that apply.
- Continuing education
- Complete program instruction and training required for each conventional or alternative system type.
- Renewal period
- Installer permits expire December 31 and must be renewed annually.
Official sources
Official sources last checked August 23, 2026.
Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.