On behalf of MassDEP, NEIWPCC offers Title 5 System Inspector and Soil Evaluator certification classes and exams.
System Inspector (SI) Certification Class
Title 5 System Inspectors ensure your septic system is running efficiently and verify your system has been properly maintained. Title 5 inspections are required each time ownership is transferred.
The fall 2023 class is now OPEN.
Course Details & Registration
The next SI certification course is scheduled for virtual classes on November 3 and 6, with the exam on either November 16 or 17 at the NEIWPCC headquarters in Lowell, MA.
Please note that a System Inspector Application/Eligibility form (in the registration packet) with proof of eligibility must also be submitted with any certification class registration form.
NEIWPCC offers this course at least twice a year.
Course Eligibility
You are considered eligible for the SI certification course if you have at least one of these qualifications:
- Mass. Registered Professional Engineer (civil, sanitary or environmental)*
- Mass. Certified Health Officer*
- Mass. Registered Sanitarian*
- Board of Health Member or Agent with at least one year’s experience
- Engineer in Training (civil, sanitary or environmental engineering)
- Professional Home Inspector
- Licensed Septage Hauler
- Septic System Installer
- Septic System Inspector Apprentice with at least one year of experience in inspection or design
If you don’t fit any of the eligibility criteria, you are not able to take the class per Massachusetts State Environmental Code (310 CMR 15.300). Your paperwork will be returned to you.
Class Signup
To be put on the notification list for the next available Title 5 class please email title5@neiwpcc.org.
Makeup Exam
To be put on the notification list for the next makeup exam please email title5@neiwpcc.org.
Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineers, Certified Health Officers, and Registered Sanitarians are not required to take the course and examination in order to become certified MA Title 5 System Inspectors, but must submit the pre-approval application form along with eligibility proof and application fee.
Soil Evaluator (SE) Certification Class
Title 5 Soil Evaluators help ensure that a homeowner selects a septic system best suited to the soil conditions at the property.
The fall 2023 class is CLOSED.
Course Details & Registration
This multi-week course includes three classroom sessions, three field sessions, a written exam and a field exam. NEIWPCC offers this program in the spring and the fall.
Course Eligibility
You are considered eligible for the SE certification course if you have at least one of these qualifications:
- Mass. Registered Sanitarian
- Mass. Registered Professional Engineer (civil, sanitary or environmental)
- Engineer in Training (civil, sanitary or environmental engineering)
- Mass. Registered Land Surveyor
- Mass. Certified Health Officer
- Board of Health Member or Agent
- MassDEP Employees involved in Title 5
- Advanced Degree in Soil or Geological Sciences
- Completed specific Soil Sciences courses in College (list on eligibility form)
If you don’t fit any of the eligibility criteria, you are not able to take the classes per Massachusetts State Environmental Code (310 CMR 15.300).
Makeup Exams
A SE Makeup Written Exam is scheduled for Sept 21, 2023, and a SE Makeup Field Exam is set for October 21, 2023. The registration form can be found here.
Class Signup
To be put on the notification list for the next available Title 5 class please email title5@neiwpcc.org.
NOTE: NEIWPCC reserves the right to postpone or reschedule any course due to insufficient registration or inclement weather conditions.
For additional information on Title 5 and septic systems, refer to the MassDEP website.