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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the State environmental agency. The TCEQ handles different licenses for managing and operating water and wastewater systems, solid waste, sewage systems, and underground storage tanks, among other related issues. Licenses are valid for three years and must be renewed (except for the Provisional Licenses that are valid for two years only and do not permit a renewal).

TCEQ handles ten license categories: Backflow Prevention, Customer Service, Irrigation, Municipal Solid Waste, On-site Sewage Facilities, Underground Storage tank and On-Site Supervisors, Wastewater Collection Operators, Wastewater Operators, Water Operators and Water Treatment.

Backflow Prevention

This Program licenses the different processes for installing, operating, or repairing backflow prevention assemblies on any commercial, domestic, industrial, or irrigation service. Applicants must take the Approved Training.

Current Backflow Prevention Program Licensure Trade:

  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT)

How to Apply for a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) License in Texas?

  1. Take and approve the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester 40-Hour Training
  2. Submit the required online Application Form and fee
  3. Provide certificates of education and work experience:
    • High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma
    • Two years of experience in an approved area, which includes but not limited to:
      • Installation or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial drinking water treatment equipment
      • Operation or maintenance of a public drinking water system
      • Domestic wastewater treatment facility
      • Installation or repair of lawn irrigation systems
      • Service or installation of fire suppression sprinkler systems and lines
      • Performance of duties approved by the Executive Director
      • Activities that requires a Master or Journeyman Plumbing License
      • Health inspections that require a Registered Sanitarian
    • Up to one year of experience could be substituted with one year of College credit (32 semester hours) or 20 hours of approved training
  4. Wait for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality pre-approval
  5. Sign up for an exam at your TCEQ Regional Office or your local Computer-Based Testing Center

Useful Links for Backflow Prevention License Applicants

Customer Service

The customer service category approaches the private water distribution facility intending to provide or deny the water service according to the review of a new installation, a material improvement, correction, or addition, or a connection with cross-connections or other potential contaminant hazards. Plumbing Inspectors and Water Supply Protection Specialists licensed by a Plumbing Licensing Authority in Texas are exempt from this license.

License under the Customer Service Program:

  • Customer Service Inspector (CSI)

How to Apply for a Customer Service Inspector (CSI) License in Texas?

  1. Meet the required education and experience:
    • High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma
    • Two years of experience in the following and related areas:
      • Operating or servicing a public drinking water treatment or distribution system
      • Activities requiring a Master or Journeyman Plumbing License
      • Conduction of building or construction inspections
      • Duties related to this profession, approved by the Executive Director
    • Up to one year of experience could be substituted with one year of College credit (thirty-two semester hours) or twenty hours of Customer Service Inspector (CSI) or Approved Water Training
  2. Send an online Customer Service Inspector (CSI) Application Form
  3. Pay the corresponding fee to the Environmental Quality Department
  4. Expect the pre-approval that is going to be sent to the registered email
  5. Take a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Useful Links for Customer Service License Applicants

Irrigation

This Program is related to licensing individuals who install, maintain, inspect, or design landscape irrigation systems. To get a license in this field, applicants need to take and pass the Approved Training Courses. Keep in mind that some exemptions could apply to these licenses. Keep in mind that the issuance of a Landscape Irrigator License supersedes an Irrigation Technician License.

Trades offered by the Irrigation Program:

  • Irrigation Inspector (II)
  • Irrigation Technician (IT)
  • Landscape Irrigator (LI)

How to Apply for an Irrigation License in Texas?

  1. Complete the Training Course(s) for each type of licensure:
    • Irrigation Inspector (II):
      • Basic Landscape Irrigator Licensing
      • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
      • Water Conservation Course or Water Audit
    • Irrigation Technician (IT):
      • Irrigation Technician Course or Basic Irrigator Licensing
    • Landscape Irrigator (LI):
      • Basic Irrigator Licensing
  2. Irrigation Licenses do not have minimum education or experience requirements
  3. Submit the TCEQ online Application Form
  4. Present a Criminal History Attestation
  5. Pay the established fee
  6. Wait for the approval letter to be mailed to the address on your application
  7. Contact your Testing Center, Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at (800) 723-3811, or your TCEQ Regional Office for exam details
  8. The Landscape Irrigator License exam will not be offered through CBT, but will continue to be administered by the TEEX
  9. Pass the applicable exam with a minimum score of 70 percent for each section

Useful Links for Irrigation Licenses Applicants

Municipal Solid Waste

This license category includes managing and operating municipal solid waste facilities, such as landfills, transfer stations, processing facilities, and recycling and resource recovery operation facilities. Some exemptions could apply to the program licenses.

Municipal Solid Waste Program Trades:

  • Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class A
  • Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class B
  • Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class A Provisional
  • Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Class B Provisional

How to Apply for a Municipal Solid Waste License in Texas?

  1. Confirm the required education and experience background:
    • High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED)
    • Four years of work experience for a Class A License and two years of work experience for a Class B License; the candidate must have performed tasks as an Operator, Foreman, Supervisor, or Manager in an appropriate solid waste facility or other solid waste management experience approved by the Executive Director
    • Without High School Diploma or GED, six years of experience for a Class A License or four years of experience for a Class B License
    • High School Diploma or GED may be substituted by completing an additional twenty hours of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Training
    • Thirty-two College credit hours may substitute one year of experience, up to a maximum of two years; College credits must be in chemistry, biology, engineering, soil science, geosciences, environmental science, or other similar discipline approved by the Executive Director
  2. Submit an online Application Form for Municipal Solid Waste Licenses
  3. Send the corresponding fee to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  4. Schedule a Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Useful Links for Municipal Solid Waste Licenses Applicants

On-Site Sewage Facilities

This Program licenses the processes of installation, managing, operating, repair, and evaluation of On-Site Sewage Facilities, including septic tanks, absorptive drain fields, unlined ET drain fields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe, and pumped effluent drain fields. Applicants must take the Training Courses for each license in the category. Some exemptions could apply.

Licensure options under the On-Site Sewage Facilities Program:

  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Apprentice
  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Designated Representative
  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Installer Class I
  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Installer Class II
  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Maintenance Technician
  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Maintenance Provider
  • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Site Evaluator
    • Not offered through CBT, it is administered by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

How to Apply for an On-Site Sewage Facilities License in Texas?

  1. Most of the On-Site Sewage Facilities Licenses do not have minimum education or experience requirements, except for:
    • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Installer Class II:
      • Applicants with an OSSF Installer I License must have held the license for at least one year and submit a Sworn Statement for OSSF Installer I - II verifying at least three installations or other documentation of work experience approved by the Executive Director
      • Applicants with an Apprentice Registration must have held the registration for at least two years and submit a Sworn Statement for Apprentice to Installer II verifying at least six installations or other documentation of work experience approved by the Executive Director
    • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Maintenance Provider:
      • Have an OSSF Installer II license, Class C or higher Wastewater Treatment Operator License, three years of experience as a Registered Maintenance Technician, or be Registered as a Maintenance Provider (before September 1, 2009)
    • On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Site Evaluator License:
      • Be licensed as a current Installer II, Designated Representative, Texas Professional Engineer, Texas Professional Sanitarian, Certified Professional Soil Scientist, or Texas Professional Geoscientist in the Soil Science Discipline License
  2. Complete the Training Course for each type of license (not applicable for the On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Apprentice)
  3. Present an online Application Form and fee to the TCEQ
  4. Register for an exam at your TCEQ Regional Office or your Local Computer-Based Testing Center, On-Site Sewage Facility System (OSSF) Site Evaluator test will not be offered through CBT, it will continue to be administered by the Texas Engineering Extension Service

Useful Links for On-site Sewage Facilities Licenses Applicants

Underground Storage Tank and On-Site Supervisors

Within reach of this Program, the Contractors and Supervisors will be licensed on the underground storage tank installation, repair, or removal. Some exemptions could apply for the licenses in this category.

Trades of the Underground Storage Tank and On-Site Supervisors Program:

  • Underground Storage Tank Contractor
  • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A
  • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class B
  • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A+B

How to Apply for an Underground Storage Tank and On-Site Supervisor License in Texas?

  1. Be at least 18 years of age or older
  2. Take the Approved Training and Education Courses:
    • Underground Storage Tank Contractor: Not applicable
    • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A: 28 hours in the installation and repair of UST
    • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class B: 12 hours repairing and installing of UST
    • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A+B: 40 hours of UST installation and repair
  3. The Underground Storage Tank and On-Site Supervisor Licenses do not have minimum education requirements
  4. Meet the required work experience:
    • Underground Storage Tank Contractor
      • One year of quality underground storage tank construction, public underground utility work, or engineered construction from at least three clients
    • Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A, B and A+B Licenses
      • Two years installing, repairing, or removing underground storage tanks, utilities, or other engineering construction
  5. Submit the corresponding Application Form:
  6. For the Underground Storage Tank On-Site Supervisor Class A, B and A+B Licenses, the application must include sworn statements from at least four persons who have engaged the applicant or the applicant's employer within the previous 24 months to install, repair, remove, or perform underground utility or engineering construction
  7. Pay the required fee
  8. Sign for an exam at the Austin Regional Office (an examination is not required for an Underground Storage Tank Contractor)
  9. For the Underground Storage Tank Contractor, submit a TCEQ Core Data Form
  10. To upgrade a Class A or Class B License to an A+B License, applicants must submit a new application with the corresponding fee, complete the initial training and pass the applicable exam

Useful Links for Underground Storage Tank and On-site supervisors Licenses Applicants

Wastewater Collection Operators

The Wastewater Collection Operators program allows the licensing of the direct supervision, operation, or maintenance of domestic wastewater collection systems.

Trades that are part of the Wastewater Collection Operators Program:

  • Wastewater Collection System Operator Class I
  • Wastewater Collection System Operator Class II
  • Wastewater Collection System Operator Class III

How to Apply for a Wastewater Collection Operator License in Texas?

  1. Meet the required education and experience:
    • Wastewater Collection System Operator Class I
      • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
    • Wastewater Collection System Operator Class II
      • High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
      • Two years of work experience; at least one half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field for the license that is requested
      • Up to one year of experience may be substituted with College hours or additional TCEQ approved wastewater operator training
        • Thirty-two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of Training for one year of work experience
        • Sixteen semester hours of College or twenty additional hours of approved training for six months of work experience
    • Wastewater Collection System Operator Class III
      • Option Number 1
        • Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, microbiology, bacteriology, or another similar discipline as approved by the TCEQ Executive Director
        • Two and a half years of hands-on experience; at least one half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field of the license
      • Option Number 2
        • High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma
        • Five years of work experience, three of which must be hands-on; at least one half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field of the license
  2. Submit a Wastewater Collection Operator License Application Form
  3. Pay the applicable fee
  4. Wait for the TCEQ pre-approval
  5. Sign for an exam at your Local Computer-Based Testing Center or your Local TCEQ Regional Office

Useful Links for Wastewater Collection Operators Licenses Applicants

Wastewater Operators

This Program includes the licensing for managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities.

Wastewater Operators Program Trades:

  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class A
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class B
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class C
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D

How to Apply for a Wastewater Operator License in Texas?

  1. Satisfy a combination of experience and education requirements:
    • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class A
      • Option 1
        • Master's Degree in engineering, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry, biology, or another similar discipline approved by the Executive Director
        • Four years of hands-on experience; at least one-half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field of the license
      • Option 2
        • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, biology, chemistry, bacteriology, microbiology, or another similar discipline approved by the TCEQ Executive Director
        • Five years of hands-on experience (at least one-half of experience in the license's specific field)
      • Option 3
        • High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED)
        • Eight years of work experience, six of which must be hands-on (at least one-half of it must be obtained in the license's specific field)
        • Thirty-two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of Training may substitute one year of work experience
        • Sixteen semester hours of College or twenty additional hours of Approved Training for six months of work experience
    • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class B
      • First Choice
        • A Bachelor's Degree in microbiology, biology, bacteriology, chemistry, engineering, or another similar discipline approved by the TCEQ Executive Director
        • Two and a half years of hands-on experience (at least one-half of the experience in the license's specific field)
      • Second Choice
        • A High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED)
        • Five years of work experience, three of which must be hands-on; at least one half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific license’s field
        • Thirty-two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of Approved Training may substitute one year of work experience
        • Sixteen semester hours of College or twenty additional hours of Training for six months of work experience
    • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class C
      • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
      • Two years of work experience; at least one half of the work experience must be obtained in the specific field of the requested license
      • Thirty-two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of Training may substitute one year of work experience
      • Sixteen semester hours of College or twenty additional hours of Approved Training for six months of work experience
    • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class D
      • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
  2. Submit an online Wastewater Operator Application Form and license fee to the TCEQ
  3. Once your application is approved:

Useful Links for Wastewater Operators Licenses Applicants

Water Operators

This Program applies to public water system operators who perform process control duties in producing or distributing drinking water. It should be taken into account taht some exemptions could apply for these licenses.

Trade(s) of the Water Operators Program:

  • Water Operator Class A
  • Water Operator Class B (Groundwater, Surface Water, and Water Distribution)
  • Water Operator Class C (Groundwater, Surface Water, and Water Distribution)
  • Water Operator Class D

How to Apply for a Water Operator License in Texas?

  1. Meet the required educational and work experience established by the Commission:
    • Water Operator Class A
      • Option 1
        • A Master's Degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, microbiology, bacteriology, or another similar discipline as approved by the TCEQ Executive Director
        • Four years of hands-on experience in public water system operations
      • Option 2
        • A Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, microbiology, bacteriology, or another similar discipline as approved by the TCEQ Executive Director
        • Five years of hands-on experience in public water system operations
      • Option 3
        • High School or General Equivalency Diploma
        • Eight years of experience in public water system operations, six of which must be hands-on
        • Sixty-four semester hours of College or eighty additional hours of Training Programs may replace two years of work experience
        • Thirty-two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of Approved Training may replace one year of work experience
    • Water Operator Class B (Groundwater, Surface Water, and Water Distribution)
      • 1st Choice
        • A Bachelor's Degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, microbiology, bacteriology, or another similar discipline as approved by the TCEQ Executive Director
        • Thirty months of hands-on experience; at least one half the experience must be obtained in the specific field for the requested license
      • 2nd Choice
        • High School or General Equivalency Diploma
        • Five years of work experience, three of which must be hands-on; at least one half of the experience must be obtained in the specific field of the requested license
        • Sixty-four semester hours of College or eighty additional hours of Valid Training may replace two years of work experience
        • Thirty-two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of Approved Courses may replace one year of work experience
    • Water Operator Class C (Groundwater, Surface Water, and Water Distribution)
      • High School Diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED)
      • Two years of work experience, one of which must be hands-on; at least one half of the experience must be obtained in the specific field for the requested license
      • Thirty-Two semester hours of College or forty additional hours of approved training may replace one year of work experience
      • Sixteen semester hours of College or twenty additional hours of approved training may substitute six months of work experience
    • Water Operator Class D
      • High School diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED)
  2. Contact the Occupational Licensing Area for the Class A License examination (this exam lasts six hours and is offered at the Austin Regional Office or any Water Utilities Association Regional School (Texas) that the TCEQ is attending)
  3. Register for an exam at your Local TCEQ Regional Office or your Local Computer-Based Testing Center for class B, C, and D Licenses
  4. Take and pass the applicable exam

Useful Links for Water Operators Licenses Applicants

Water Treatment

The Water Treatment Program includes the installation, exchange, connection, maintenance, or service of portable equipment in public or private water systems analysis to treat potable water to alter it, purify it, or add or remove a mineral or chemical, or bacterial content. Some exemptions could apply.

Water Treatment Program Licenses:

  • Water Treatment Specialist Class I (WTS)
  • Water Treatment Specialist Class II (WTS)
  • Water Treatment Specialist Class III (WTS)

How to Apply for a Water Treatment License in Texas?

  1. Meet the education and experience requirements:
    • Water Treatment Specialist Class I (WTS)
      • No minimum educational or work experience requirements
    • Water Treatment Specialist Class II (WTS)
      • Option 1
        • Three years of work experience in installation or servicing water treatment appliances
      • Option 2
        • A High School Diploma or GED
        • Two years of work experience assembling or maintaining water treatment equipment
      • Option 3
        • One year of College (thirty-two semester hours)
        • One year of experience servicing and installing water treatment appliances
    • Water Treatment Specialist Class III (WTS)
      • First Choice
        • High School Diploma or GED
        • Three years installing or offering maintenance services for water treatment appliances
      • Second Choice
        • Two years of College (sixty-four semester hours)
        • Two years of experience maintaining or assembling water treatment equipment
      • Third Choice
        • College Degree
        • One year of work experience in installation or servicing water treatment appliances
  2. Complete the Online Application for the Water Treatment License
  3. Submit the fee to the TCEQ
  4. Sign for an exam at your Local TCEQ Regional Office or your Local Computer-Based Testing Center
  5. License exemptions:
    • Licensed Plumbers (Texas Operations Code, Chapter 1301)
    • Employees of industrial facilities where they install or service water treatment equipment
    • Employees of public water systems who install water treatment equipment at their system who hold a Class C License or higher
    • Employees of registered operations companies installing water treatment equipment at the facilities for which the operation company has a contract to operate and who hold a Class C License or higher

Useful Links for Water Treatment Licenses Applicants

Contact Info for the Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Website
Questions or Comments:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Headquarters Physical Address:
12100 Park 35 Circle
Austin, TX 78753
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mon - Fri.
Except during holidays

Contact Info for the Occupational Licensing Section

Phone Number:
(512) 239-6133
Fax Number:
512-239-6272
Email for License Holders:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mailing Address:
TCEQ, MC-178
PO Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087

Details