How to Obtain a Septic Tank License From the Georgia Department of Health

According to Title 31, section 31-2-7 of the Georgia Health Code, all contractors and companies who install septic tanks must be certified. State law also requires all installers to file a $10,000 cash bond to the judge of the probate court in the county in which they do business. Both companies and individual contractors must be certified, and the contractors are required to pass a qualifying examination.

Visit the website of the Georgia Department of Community Health or the state's Environmental Health Office. Fill out the septic tank contractor company application form and mail it to the address indicated, together with a registration fee ($300 as of January 2011, or $150 depending on whether the year ends in an even or odd number). The certification is valid until February 28 of each even-numbered year.

Fill out the a separate application for each contractor, also available from the offices of the Georgia Department of Community Health or the state's Environmental Health Office. Contractors must take an examination and pay a registration fee ($50 per contractor as of January 2011) to the local or district health department. The certification is valid until February 28 of each even-numbered year.

Take and pass the exams for septic-tank licensing. You must receive 70 points on this exam to be certified. Details of the exams and the examination centers will be mailed to you when the department receives your initial application.

Take eight continuing education units (six if you received your certification in an odd-numbered year) prior to renewing your certification. These must be completed through an approved training company. Details of approved training companies are available through the Environmental Health section of the Georgia Department of Community Health.