Conventional Actual Exam – Virginia DEQ / DPOR Board
for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators –
2026/2027 Academic Year – Verified Questions and
Answers for Licensed Septic Installers and Co
SECTION 1: LICENSING & REGULATIONS
Question 1
Which Virginia regulation specifically governs the licensing of onsite sewage
system professionals?
A) 12VAC5-610
B) 18VAC160-40
C) 9VAC30-20
D) 21VAC10-5
Answer: B) 18VAC160-40
Rationale: 18VAC160-40 is the Virginia Administrative Code that outlines licensing
standards, renewal, and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements for
onsite sewage system professionals .
Question 2
How many Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours must a Master
Conventional installer complete every two years to maintain licensure?
A) 4 hours
B) 6 hours
,C) 8 hours
D) 10 hours
Answer: D) 10 hours
Rationale: Virginia requires 10 CPE hours biennially for Master Conventional
installers. This ensures licensees stay current with industry standards, regulations,
and best practices .
Question 3
Who is responsible for supervising a journeyman onsite sewage system installer?
A) A licensed professional engineer
B) A licensed master onsite sewage system installer
C) An onsite soil evaluator
D) The local health department official
Answer: B) A licensed master onsite sewage system installer
Rationale: A journeyman installer must work under the direct supervision of a
licensed master installer with the appropriate class of license. The master installer
is immediately available and fully responsible for the provision of onsite sewage
system services .
Question 4
What is the maximum number of CPE contact hours a master installer may receive
for management and supervision training?
A) 2 hours
B) 3 hours
C) 4 hours
D) 5 hours
Answer: C) 4 hours
,Rationale: Master licensees may receive a maximum of four contact hours of CPE
credit for training in management and supervision principles .
Question 5
Safety subjects cannot count for more than what fraction of total required CPE
hours?
A) One-eighth
B) One-fourth
C) One-third
D) One-half
Answer: B) One-fourth
Rationale: For all licensees, safety subjects cannot exceed one-fourth of the total
required CPE hours. This ensures licensees receive well-rounded continuing
education .
Question 6
Which qualification pathway for a master conventional installer requires the MOST
years of full-time experience?
A) Licensed SDS contractor + 20 hours training + 1 year experience
B) Licensed SDS contractor + No training + 2 years experience
C) Interim/journeyman license + 20 hours training + 2 years experience
D) Interim/journeyman license + No training + 3 years experience
Answer: D) Interim/journeyman license + No training + 3 years experience
Rationale: Pathway 4 requires three years of full-time experience with no
additional training requirement. This is the most experience-heavy pathway listed .
Question 7
, How long must a master installer maintain evidence of CPE completion?
A) One year
B) Two years
C) Three years
D) Five years
Answer: B) Two years
Rationale: Licensees must maintain evidence of CPE completion for at least two
years following the end of the license renewal cycle .
Question 8
Which of the following CPE topics is specifically allowed for onsite sewage system
installers?
A) Advanced calculus
B) Operating and maintaining equipment
C) Veterinary medicine
D) Tax preparation
Answer: B) Operating and maintaining equipment
Rationale: "Operating and maintaining equipment" is specifically listed as an
acceptable CPE topic. Other approved topics include sewage system installation,
security and safety procedures, general science and mathematical principles,
administrative knowledge/procedures, and laws and regulations .
Question 9
Which Virginia Board regulates onsite sewage system professionals?
A) Virginia Department of Health
B) Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage
System Professionals