Information for Professionals
All professionals are issued an ID card from the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) upon registration/licensure and a new ID card every three (3) years thereafter upon renewal. Professionals should keep this ID card with them and provide as verification of current registration/licensure.
When will I receive a renewal notice?
Professionals are sent an upcoming renewal reminder letter via regular mail approximately 6 months prior to renewal. A renewal letter and application is mailed approximately 60 days prior to expiration. Professionals must return the signed application, CEU certificates, and renewal fee.
What if I didn’t receive my renewal notice?
If you have not received your renewal letter and application within 30 days of expiration contact the program via email at OWTScourses@health.mo.gov
Can I renew online?
Renewal fees may be paid online and supporting documents can be submitted via email. The renewal form and copies of CEU certificates must be submitted via email after your payment is made. Submit to: OWTScourses@health.mo.gov using the subject line “Renewal”
When will my renewal be processed?
Please allow 30 days for your renewal to be processed. Once your renewal is processed you will be mailed a new ID card. If it has been more than 30 days since you submitted via email or since your check cleared (if submitting via regular mail); contact the program at OWTScourses@health.mo.gov.
Where can I find CEU Information?
Visit our CEU Information page at https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/onsite/ceu-tracking.php
To be state registered, installers must complete the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Basic Registered Installers training course. Basic registered installers training covers the application process, soils, and the design and installation of conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Where soils are suitable for a conventional sewage tank/soil absorption system, or a lagoon, Registered Basic OWTS Installers can assist property owners with designing a standard onsite system, obtaining a permit, and constructing a system that will properly treat wastewater.
An individual must be registered with DHSS as an advanced OWTS installer to install advanced systems as listed by DHSS. To be registered as an advanced OWTS installer, an individual must complete the Advanced OWTS Installer Course. Successful completion of the basic OWTS installer course is a prerequisite. Where a conventional system or lagoon is not appropriate, an engineered design may be needed. A Registered Advanced OWTS Installer can assist property owners with obtaining a construction permit and constructing an advanced system.
Registered OWTS Installers must obtain approved continuing education for registration renewal every three years. Effective May 30, 2009, the DHSS rule requiring registration renewal and continuing education units (CEUs) changed. Successful completion of at least 20 DHSS-approved CEUs, will be required for their first three year registration renewal, including 8 CEUs meeting basic installer select department criteria. After completing one renewal, basic installers will need at least 8.0 DHSS-approved CEUs to renew again and advanced installers will need 12.0 DHSS-approved CEUs including 8 CEUs meeting advanced installer select department criteria. Continuing education helps improve standards of practice and increases professionalism in the onsite industry.
DHSS Registered Installer Lists include individuals in up to five counties where they have indicated they are available for work. Except for a homeowner, no person may install or construct an onsite wastewater treatment system without registration. Lists of probationary registered installers, suspended/revoked installers and expired professional registrations are also provided.
Onsite Soil Evaluators (OSE)
To be registered, an individual must have 15 college credit hours in soil science coursework (10 hours for Professional Engineers and Geologists), including three hours in soil morphology and interpretations. Refer to 19CSR 20-3.080 for the regulations regarding requirements for OSE. An applicant will be responsible for obtaining sufficient field experience to successfully complete a written and field test.
Soil evaluators conduct thorough evaluations of the site and soil for use in the design of onsite systems. DHSS Onsite Soil Evaluators Lists include individuals in counties where they have indicated they are available for work. Contact the local onsite sewage authority to confirm that an individual has met local requirements, if any. No person may perform site/soil evaluations for onsite system design without registration.
Effective May 30, 2009, the DHSS rule requiring registration renewal and continuing education units (CEUs) changed for Onsite Soil Evaluators. Successful completion of at least 20 DHSS-approved CEUs, including 8 CEUs meeting soil evaluation select department criteria will be required for their first three year registration renewal. After completing one renewal, onsite soil evaluators will need 12.0 DHSS-approved CEUs, including 8 CEUs meeting soil evaluator select department criteria to renew again. Continuing education helps improve standards of practice and increases professionalism in the onsite industry. Unless the renewal process is completed, the professional's registration expires at the end of the registration period. No person may conduct a soil morphology test for onsite system design without registration.
Licensed Onsite System Inspectors/Evaluators (property transfer related)
To be licensed to inspect or evaluate onsite systems for real estate transactions, an individual must successfully complete the Licensed Inspector/Evaluator course. Successful completion of the Registered Installers course is required before taking the inspector/evaluator course.
Effective May 30, 2009, the DHSS rule requiring registration renewal and continuing education units (CEUs) changed for Licensed Onsite System Inspectors/Evaluators Successful completion of at least 20 DHSS-approved CEUs, including 8 CEUs meeting inspector/evaluator select department criteria, will be required for their first three year registration renewal. After completing one renewal, licensed Inspectors/evaluators will need 12.0 DHSS-approved CEUs including 8 CEUs meeting inspector/evaluator
select department criteria to renew again. Continuing education helps improve standards of practice and increases professionalism in the onsite industry.
Unless the renewal process is completed, the professional's license expires at the end of the registration period. In some counties there may be local requirements in addition to state licensing for onsite system inspectors. DHSS Licensed Onsite System Inspectors/Evaluators Lists include individuals in counties where they have indicated they are available for work. Confirm with local authorities that a Licensed Inspector/Evaluator can check onsite systems in a particular county.
Inspector/evaluator training and license renewal qualifies a person to check the condition of an onsite wastewater system at the time of a property sale. No person may inspect or evaluate onsite systems related to the sale of real estate without a license. For a county list or a complete list of Licensed Inspectors, or Licensed Evaluators, contact the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program.
Additional Information
Comparing inspections and evaluations
Navigation tool for using the Web Soil Survey