GEORGIA ONSITE
WASTEWATER PUMPER
CERTIFICATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
Time Allocation: 2 Hours
Total Questions: 75 Questions
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Minimum Competency: 70% Required to Pass
Core Focus: Septic Systems, Pumping, Safety, GA Regulations, Disposal
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam Page 1
, Exam Overview & Content Outline
EXAM PURPOSE
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam validates competency for septic tank
pumpers per Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1. Covers septic system operation, pumping
procedures, safety, transportation, disposal, and state regulations.
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
• Septic System Components (30%) — Septic tanks, drainfields, distribution boxes, system types
• Pumping Procedures (25%) — Equipment, pumping technique, inspection, backflush, records
• Safety & Health (25%) — Confined space, pathogens, PPE, H2S, methane, traffic safety
• GA Regulations & Disposal (20%) — Chapter 511-3-1, manifests, land application, treatment
facilities
QUESTION FORMAT & SCORING
Each item presents four options. Correct answers are highlighted in green with checkmark (✓).
Every question includes detailed rationale with GA DPH references. Requires 70% to pass.
STUDY STRATEGY
Master septic tank function and components. Know pumping procedures and equipment. Understand
confined space hazards: H2S, methane, low O2. Study GA Chapter 511-3-1 requirements for
certification, vehicles, manifests, disposal. Know land application restrictions. Review safety
procedures and PPE.
CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT
Questions reflect current standards: Georgia DPH Chapter 511-3-1 (On-Site Sewage Management
Systems), EPA 40 CFR Part 503 (Biosolids), OSHA confined space standards, and onsite
wastewater industry best practices.
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam Page 2
, SECTION I: Septic System Components
1. Septic tank primary function:
A. Aerobic treatment
✓ B. Anaerobic digestion and solids settling
C. Disinfection
D. Nutrient removal
Rationale: Septic tank: Primary treatment unit. Functions: Solids settling (sludge), floatables separation
(scum), anaerobic digestion of solids, flow equalization. Removes 50-60% BOD, 70-80% TSS. Not designed
for disinfection or nutrient removal. Effluent flows to drainfield for soil treatment. GA systems require 1000
gal minimum for 3-bedroom.
2. Drainfield (leach field) purpose:
A. Store sludge
✓ B. Soil treatment and disposal of septic tank effluent
C. Pump station
D. Chlorination
Rationale: Drainfield: Soil absorption system. Distributes effluent via perforated pipes in gravel trenches. Soil
provides filtration, biological treatment, and disposal. Biomat forms at soil-gravel interface. Requires
unsaturated soil, proper setbacks from wells, surface water. GA requires 24 inches separation from
seasonal high water table. Failing signs: surfacing, odors, slow drains.
3. Distribution box function:
A. Pump wastewater
✓ B. Evenly distribute effluent to drainfield lines
C. Add chlorine
D. Store solids
Rationale: D-box: Concrete or plastic box between septic tank and drainfield. Levels effluent flow to multiple
drainfield lines. Must be level. Uneven distribution causes premature failure of overloaded lines. Inspection
ports allow checking. GA requires D-box for systems with multiple lines. Adjustable outlets used for equal
distribution.
4. Scum layer in septic tank consists of:
A. Sand and gravel
✓ B. Fats, oils, grease that float
C. Dissolved solids
D. Treated effluent
Rationale: Scum: FOG (fats, oils, grease), floats on top. Sludge: settled solids on bottom. Clear zone: middle
layer, effluent exits. Scum and sludge must be pumped before reaching outlet to prevent drainfield clogging.
Pump when scum + sludge = 1/3 tank volume. GA recommends pumping every 3-5 years.
5. Septic tank baffle purpose:
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam Page 3
WASTEWATER PUMPER
CERTIFICATION EXAM
QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALES
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
Time Allocation: 2 Hours
Total Questions: 75 Questions
Question Format: Multiple Choice
Minimum Competency: 70% Required to Pass
Core Focus: Septic Systems, Pumping, Safety, GA Regulations, Disposal
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam Page 1
, Exam Overview & Content Outline
EXAM PURPOSE
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam validates competency for septic tank
pumpers per Georgia DPH Rules Chapter 511-3-1. Covers septic system operation, pumping
procedures, safety, transportation, disposal, and state regulations.
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
• Septic System Components (30%) — Septic tanks, drainfields, distribution boxes, system types
• Pumping Procedures (25%) — Equipment, pumping technique, inspection, backflush, records
• Safety & Health (25%) — Confined space, pathogens, PPE, H2S, methane, traffic safety
• GA Regulations & Disposal (20%) — Chapter 511-3-1, manifests, land application, treatment
facilities
QUESTION FORMAT & SCORING
Each item presents four options. Correct answers are highlighted in green with checkmark (✓).
Every question includes detailed rationale with GA DPH references. Requires 70% to pass.
STUDY STRATEGY
Master septic tank function and components. Know pumping procedures and equipment. Understand
confined space hazards: H2S, methane, low O2. Study GA Chapter 511-3-1 requirements for
certification, vehicles, manifests, disposal. Know land application restrictions. Review safety
procedures and PPE.
CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT
Questions reflect current standards: Georgia DPH Chapter 511-3-1 (On-Site Sewage Management
Systems), EPA 40 CFR Part 503 (Biosolids), OSHA confined space standards, and onsite
wastewater industry best practices.
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam Page 2
, SECTION I: Septic System Components
1. Septic tank primary function:
A. Aerobic treatment
✓ B. Anaerobic digestion and solids settling
C. Disinfection
D. Nutrient removal
Rationale: Septic tank: Primary treatment unit. Functions: Solids settling (sludge), floatables separation
(scum), anaerobic digestion of solids, flow equalization. Removes 50-60% BOD, 70-80% TSS. Not designed
for disinfection or nutrient removal. Effluent flows to drainfield for soil treatment. GA systems require 1000
gal minimum for 3-bedroom.
2. Drainfield (leach field) purpose:
A. Store sludge
✓ B. Soil treatment and disposal of septic tank effluent
C. Pump station
D. Chlorination
Rationale: Drainfield: Soil absorption system. Distributes effluent via perforated pipes in gravel trenches. Soil
provides filtration, biological treatment, and disposal. Biomat forms at soil-gravel interface. Requires
unsaturated soil, proper setbacks from wells, surface water. GA requires 24 inches separation from
seasonal high water table. Failing signs: surfacing, odors, slow drains.
3. Distribution box function:
A. Pump wastewater
✓ B. Evenly distribute effluent to drainfield lines
C. Add chlorine
D. Store solids
Rationale: D-box: Concrete or plastic box between septic tank and drainfield. Levels effluent flow to multiple
drainfield lines. Must be level. Uneven distribution causes premature failure of overloaded lines. Inspection
ports allow checking. GA requires D-box for systems with multiple lines. Adjustable outlets used for equal
distribution.
4. Scum layer in septic tank consists of:
A. Sand and gravel
✓ B. Fats, oils, grease that float
C. Dissolved solids
D. Treated effluent
Rationale: Scum: FOG (fats, oils, grease), floats on top. Sludge: settled solids on bottom. Clear zone: middle
layer, effluent exits. Scum and sludge must be pumped before reaching outlet to prevent drainfield clogging.
Pump when scum + sludge = 1/3 tank volume. GA recommends pumping every 3-5 years.
5. Septic tank baffle purpose:
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification Exam Page 3
