A New Pathway to becoming a Level IV Septic Installer in North Carolina
North Carolina has updated the requirements for moving from Level II to Level IV Installer certification. Learn what changed, what’s now required, and how advanced training and exam prep can help you move up with confidence.
A New State-Defined Pathway to Level IV
The NCOWCICB has updated the requirements for moving from Level II to Level IV Installer certification.
Under the new rules:
- A Level IV exam is now required
- General continuing education is no longer sufficient
- Installers must complete an advanced curriculum specifically designed for Level IV system types
This shift reflects the growing complexity of onsite wastewater systems being installed across the state.
Step 1: One Year of Experience as a Level II Installer
To be eligible for Level IV, you must now demonstrate:
- At least two years of experience as a licensed Level II Installer
Step 2: Complete a Required 6-Hour Advanced Level IV Curriculum
One of the most significant changes is what type of training is now required.
Instead of allowing any 6-hour CE course, the certification board now requires completion of an advanced curriculum designed specifically to prepare installers for Level IV work and the Level IV exam.
What the Advanced Curriculum Focuses On
This training is built around Level IV system types, including:
- Advanced treatment systems
- Low-pressure distribution systems
- Drip dispersal systems
- Common failure points and inspection issues
- What regulators expect from Level IV installers
This ensures that installers are not just earning hours, but gaining the knowledge needed to install, troubleshoot, and pass the exam.
Step 3: Pass the Level IV Installer Exam
After completing the experience and advanced training requirements, installers must pass the Level IV Installer Exam, administered by the state certification board.
The exam focuses on:
- Advanced system components and operation
- Proper installation methods
- Regulatory compliance
- Avoiding costly installation mistakes
Preparation matters. This is not an exam you want to walk into cold.
How Onsite Wastewater Professionals Prepares You
At Onsite Wastewater Professionals, our training was built specifically to align with these new state requirements.
We Offer:
- State-aligned 6-hour Advanced Level IV classes, offered multiple times each year. This course must be attended in-person.
- Classes will be offered multiple times a year and are already scheduled for 2026 in Carthage NC, Greensboro NC, and Kitty Hawk NC.
- An online Level IV study guide including video-based lessons focused on advanced system types
- A practice test designed to help you prepare based on real exam topics
Our goal is simple: help installers move to Level IV the right way, with confidence in the field and for the exam.
Why This Change Matters
These updates signal a clear shift in North Carolina’s onsite wastewater industry:
- More advanced treatment technologies
- Higher expectations for installer competency
- Greater accountability for system performance
Level IV installers will be the professionals positioned to take on complex, high-value projects as the industry continues to evolve.
Ready to Move Up?
If you’re a Level II Installer with at least one year of experience, now is the time to prepare for Level IV. Get the education, preparation, and support designed for the new North Carolina requirements.
