Missed the NCOWCICB Renewal Deadline? Here’s Exactly What to Do Next
Missing your NCOWCICB renewal deadline can be stressful — but what happens next depends on how long your certification has been expired. The North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board (NCOWCICB) has very specific rules for renewal, expired certifications, and re-certification, and knowing which category you fall into will save you time, frustration, and unnecessary coursework.
If your NCOWCICB Installer, Inspector or Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluation certification expired, what you need to do depends entirely on how long it has been expired. Use this quick guide to understand your next steps and how to get back into active status.
1. Expired Less Than 90 Days (On or Before March 31)
Good news — you can still renew. No re-certification required.
Just submit:
- Renewal Invoice and Renewal Fee (including Late Fee)
- Course Certificate showing that you completed the required Continuing Education hours for renewal
Once processed, your certification becomes active again.
2. Expired 91 Days to 24 Months
At this point, a standard renewal is no longer possible.
You must apply for Re-Certification, but you do NOT need to retake the intro classes but you will need to take the exam.
You will submit:
- Re-certification application
- Attendance certificates showing you have completed all of the continuing education hours required for the time your certification was expired
- Exam application
- Re-certification fee
- Copy of your Social Security card
3. Expired More Than 24 Months
If your certification has been expired for over two years, you must start over and complete the introductory classes again for your expired certification and you will be required to take the exam. If you were previously licensed as a Grade IV Installer, you will need to apply for certification as a Grade Level II Installer.
4. After You’re Re-Certified
Once the Board activates your certification:
- Complete your CE hours for the current renewal year
- Renew annually by November 15
- Maintain your CE to stay active going forward
Need Help or Not Sure Which Category You’re In?
The NC Certification Board can confirm your exact status:
📧 csstephens@ncowcicb.info
📞 336-202-3126
How Many Continuing Education Hours Are required for Renewal Each Year?
Septic Installer Level II: 3 Hours
Septic Installer Level IV: 6 Hours
Septic Installer and Inspector: 6 Hours
Septic Inspector Only: 6 Hours
Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator: 12 Hours
Private Compliance Inspector: 12 Hours
If you have more than one NCOWCICB certification, you must meet the larger of the CE hour requirements. Example: If one requires 3 hours and another requires 6 hours, you only need 6 hours total.
