Pumpers
Septic tank pumpers are certified by Snohomish Health District (SHD). They must pass an exam at our office and show proof
of insurance.Pumpers based outside of the county must be certified by SHD prior to conducting business here.
To download a printable list of pumpers certified to work in the county,
click here.
Individuals proposing to install an on-site sewage system in Snohomish County must first be certified by the Snohomish Health District (SHD). Installers who possess a certification from a county other than Snohomish must also be certified by SHD prior to conducting business here.
Certification required installers to undergo an examination process. This process consists of two parts, the written exam and the field review.
The written exam is comprised of a combination of true and false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and essay questions. The exam is worth 100 points with a total of 70 points needed to pass. The exam may be taken any time during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. No appointment is needed. The length of time needed to complete the exam is approximately 2 hours.
A list of resources is available to assist candidates in preparing for the exam. Candidates are strongly encouraged to review this material prior to sitting for the exam. No resource materials, cell phones or other electronic devices are allowed during the exam except for a small calculator.
The field review follows the successful completion of the written exam. The field review consists of a site meeting with a Water and Wastewater sanitarian to discuss the results of the exam and also to review an installed on-site system ready for final inspection. This allows for a more hands-on discussion of installation principles and practices and is also an opportunity for the sanitarian to answer any questions the candidate may have.
After successful completion of the field review, a certificate application for installer and appropriate fee must be submitted along with a copy of a valid Dept. of Labor & Industries State Contractor’s License prior to issuance of the operating certificate.
Certificates are valid for the calendar year in which they are applied for and are renewed annually.
To download the Installer Exam Packet, click here.
To download a printable list of installers certified to work in the county, click here.
