TEXAS ONSITE SEWAGE FACILITY (OSSF)
MAINTENANCE PROVIDER LICENSING
EXAMINATION 420 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & LICENSING (Questions 1–50)
1. Which Texas Administrative Code (TAC) chapter contains the primary
regulations for Onsite Sewage Facility Systems (OSSFs) in Texas?
A) Chapter 220
B) Chapter 285
C) Chapter 302
D) Chapter 310
Correct Answer: B – TAC Chapter 285 specifically governs the design,
installation, operation, and maintenance of OSSF systems in Texas.
Rationale: Chapter 285 is the primary regulatory framework for OSSFs in
Texas, covering all aspects from permitting to maintenance requirements.
,2. What is the primary responsibility of a licensed OSSF Maintenance
Provider?
A) Install new septic systems
B) Ensure that aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and other required systems
operate properly and meet TCEQ standards
C) Issue permits for new systems
D) Design wastewater treatment plants
Correct Answer: B – Texas law requires maintenance providers to protect
public health by verifying that systems function as designed.
Rationale: Maintenance providers are responsible for inspecting, maintaining,
and documenting system performance, not installing or permitting.
3. Under Texas law, a Maintenance Provider must be licensed to perform
which of the following tasks?
A) Install new OSSF components
B) Conduct routine inspections and maintenance
C) Issue permits for new systems
D) Conduct legal investigations of violations
Correct Answer: B – Maintenance Providers are authorized to perform routine
inspections, testing, and maintenance.
,Rationale: Installation and permitting are separate licensure categories;
maintenance providers focus on system upkeep and compliance monitoring.
4. Which state agency is the primary regulator of On-Site Sewage Facilities in
Texas?
A) Texas Department of Health
B) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
C) Texas Water Development Board
D) Texas Department of Agriculture
Correct Answer: B – TCEQ has authority over OSSF licensing and regulation in
Texas.
Rationale: TCEQ adopted the current OSSF Rules and has regulatory authority
over all OSSF activities in Texas.
5. How often must a maintenance provider inspect an aerobic treatment unit
unless otherwise specified?
A) At least once every six months
B) At least once every four months
C) At least once per year
D) At least once per month
, Correct Answer: B – TCEQ rules require a minimum of three inspections per
year (every four months).
Rationale: This frequency ensures consistent monitoring of system
performance and early detection of failures.
6. Which systems in Texas require a maintenance contract?
A) Conventional septic tanks only
B) Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
C) All OSSF systems
D) Only systems serving commercial properties
Correct Answer: B – Under 30 TAC §285.7(d), ATUs must be covered by a
maintenance contract.
Rationale: ATUs rely on mechanical and biological processes that require
routine inspection and servicing to prevent health risks.
7. Which of the following is NOT a required element of an OSSF maintenance
contract in Texas?
A) Frequency of site visits
B) Owner's personal financial statements
C) Reporting timelines for test results
MAINTENANCE PROVIDER LICENSING
EXAMINATION 420 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & LICENSING (Questions 1–50)
1. Which Texas Administrative Code (TAC) chapter contains the primary
regulations for Onsite Sewage Facility Systems (OSSFs) in Texas?
A) Chapter 220
B) Chapter 285
C) Chapter 302
D) Chapter 310
Correct Answer: B – TAC Chapter 285 specifically governs the design,
installation, operation, and maintenance of OSSF systems in Texas.
Rationale: Chapter 285 is the primary regulatory framework for OSSFs in
Texas, covering all aspects from permitting to maintenance requirements.
,2. What is the primary responsibility of a licensed OSSF Maintenance
Provider?
A) Install new septic systems
B) Ensure that aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and other required systems
operate properly and meet TCEQ standards
C) Issue permits for new systems
D) Design wastewater treatment plants
Correct Answer: B – Texas law requires maintenance providers to protect
public health by verifying that systems function as designed.
Rationale: Maintenance providers are responsible for inspecting, maintaining,
and documenting system performance, not installing or permitting.
3. Under Texas law, a Maintenance Provider must be licensed to perform
which of the following tasks?
A) Install new OSSF components
B) Conduct routine inspections and maintenance
C) Issue permits for new systems
D) Conduct legal investigations of violations
Correct Answer: B – Maintenance Providers are authorized to perform routine
inspections, testing, and maintenance.
,Rationale: Installation and permitting are separate licensure categories;
maintenance providers focus on system upkeep and compliance monitoring.
4. Which state agency is the primary regulator of On-Site Sewage Facilities in
Texas?
A) Texas Department of Health
B) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
C) Texas Water Development Board
D) Texas Department of Agriculture
Correct Answer: B – TCEQ has authority over OSSF licensing and regulation in
Texas.
Rationale: TCEQ adopted the current OSSF Rules and has regulatory authority
over all OSSF activities in Texas.
5. How often must a maintenance provider inspect an aerobic treatment unit
unless otherwise specified?
A) At least once every six months
B) At least once every four months
C) At least once per year
D) At least once per month
, Correct Answer: B – TCEQ rules require a minimum of three inspections per
year (every four months).
Rationale: This frequency ensures consistent monitoring of system
performance and early detection of failures.
6. Which systems in Texas require a maintenance contract?
A) Conventional septic tanks only
B) Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
C) All OSSF systems
D) Only systems serving commercial properties
Correct Answer: B – Under 30 TAC §285.7(d), ATUs must be covered by a
maintenance contract.
Rationale: ATUs rely on mechanical and biological processes that require
routine inspection and servicing to prevent health risks.
7. Which of the following is NOT a required element of an OSSF maintenance
contract in Texas?
A) Frequency of site visits
B) Owner's personal financial statements
C) Reporting timelines for test results
