OSSF Installer I License Practice Exam
Questions and Answers with Rationales
Latest Versions
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of an on-site sewage facility (OSSF)?
A. To store household garbage
B. To collect, treat, and dispose of wastewater on the property
C. To provide drinking water to a residence
D. To eliminate the need for wastewater treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
An OSSF is designed to receive wastewater generated on a property, provide
appropriate treatment, and dispose of the treated effluent in a manner that protects
public health and the environment. The system may include components such as
septic tanks, treatment units, pumps, and disposal fields.
Question 2
Which Texas agency administers the statewide OSSF licensing program?
A. Texas Department of Transportation
B. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
C. Texas Department of Insurance
D. Texas Water Development Board
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the
OSSF program and licenses OSSF professionals. The primary rules governing
OSSFs are found in 30 TAC Chapter 285, while occupational licensing
requirements are addressed in 30 TAC Chapter 30, Subchapter G. (TCEQ)
,Question 3
Which license is specifically authorized to install standard OSSF systems?
A. Installer I
B. Site Evaluator
C. Designated Representative
D. Maintenance Provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
An Installer I is authorized to install standard OSSF systems. TCEQ identifies
systems within the Installer I scope including septic tanks, absorptive drainfields,
unlined evapotranspiration (ET) drainfields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe,
and pumped effluent drainfields. Installer II has broader authority and may install
all types of OSSF systems. (TCEQ)
Question 4
Which rule chapter contains the primary Texas OSSF construction and permitting
requirements?
A. 16 TAC Chapter 3
B. 25 TAC Chapter 1
C. 30 TAC Chapter 285
D. 40 TAC Chapter 100
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
30 TAC Chapter 285 contains the principal Texas rules governing OSSFs. An
Installer I should be familiar with these requirements because installation must
comply with the approved plan and applicable state or authorized-agent
requirements. (TCEQ)
,Question 5
Before constructing, altering, repairing, extending, or operating an OSSF, what is
generally required?
A. Only verbal permission from the homeowner
B. A permit and approved plan
C. Only a plumbing inspection
D. No documentation if the system is residential
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
TCEQ states that a permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter,
repair, extend, or operate an OSSF, subject to applicable exemptions and local
requirements. An installer should verify that the proposed work corresponds to the
authorized design before beginning construction. (TCEQ)
Question 6
Who generally determines whether a proposed site is suitable for a particular
OSSF?
A. The equipment supplier
B. The homeowner
C. A licensed Site Evaluator or authorized professional as permitted by Texas
requirements
D. The septic tank manufacturer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Site evaluation is a specialized function. TCEQ identifies the Site Evaluator as the
professional responsible for conducting preconstruction site evaluations to
determine site suitability and identify features that could interfere with the proper
operation of an OSSF or potentially be contaminated. (TCEQ)
, Question 7
What is the primary function of a septic tank?
A. Completely disinfect wastewater
B. Separate solids and provide preliminary treatment of wastewater
C. Pump wastewater directly into groundwater
D. Increase the flow rate of wastewater
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A septic tank provides primary treatment by allowing heavier solids to settle as
sludge while lighter materials such as fats, oils, and grease float and form scum.
Anaerobic biological activity also contributes to decomposition. The clarified
liquid leaving the tank then proceeds to the disposal or subsequent treatment
component.
Question 8
Why should an installer prevent vehicles and heavy equipment from unnecessarily
traveling over a drainfield?
A. It increases the tank's hydraulic capacity
B. It can compact the soil and damage the disposal system
C. It increases soil permeability
D. It improves wastewater treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Heavy equipment can compact soil, reducing its ability to accept and transmit
effluent. Compaction can also damage distribution components and alter the
intended hydraulic performance of the disposal field. Construction traffic should
therefore be carefully controlled.
Question 9
Questions and Answers with Rationales
Latest Versions
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of an on-site sewage facility (OSSF)?
A. To store household garbage
B. To collect, treat, and dispose of wastewater on the property
C. To provide drinking water to a residence
D. To eliminate the need for wastewater treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
An OSSF is designed to receive wastewater generated on a property, provide
appropriate treatment, and dispose of the treated effluent in a manner that protects
public health and the environment. The system may include components such as
septic tanks, treatment units, pumps, and disposal fields.
Question 2
Which Texas agency administers the statewide OSSF licensing program?
A. Texas Department of Transportation
B. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
C. Texas Department of Insurance
D. Texas Water Development Board
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the
OSSF program and licenses OSSF professionals. The primary rules governing
OSSFs are found in 30 TAC Chapter 285, while occupational licensing
requirements are addressed in 30 TAC Chapter 30, Subchapter G. (TCEQ)
,Question 3
Which license is specifically authorized to install standard OSSF systems?
A. Installer I
B. Site Evaluator
C. Designated Representative
D. Maintenance Provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
An Installer I is authorized to install standard OSSF systems. TCEQ identifies
systems within the Installer I scope including septic tanks, absorptive drainfields,
unlined evapotranspiration (ET) drainfields, leaching chambers, gravel-less pipe,
and pumped effluent drainfields. Installer II has broader authority and may install
all types of OSSF systems. (TCEQ)
Question 4
Which rule chapter contains the primary Texas OSSF construction and permitting
requirements?
A. 16 TAC Chapter 3
B. 25 TAC Chapter 1
C. 30 TAC Chapter 285
D. 40 TAC Chapter 100
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
30 TAC Chapter 285 contains the principal Texas rules governing OSSFs. An
Installer I should be familiar with these requirements because installation must
comply with the approved plan and applicable state or authorized-agent
requirements. (TCEQ)
,Question 5
Before constructing, altering, repairing, extending, or operating an OSSF, what is
generally required?
A. Only verbal permission from the homeowner
B. A permit and approved plan
C. Only a plumbing inspection
D. No documentation if the system is residential
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
TCEQ states that a permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter,
repair, extend, or operate an OSSF, subject to applicable exemptions and local
requirements. An installer should verify that the proposed work corresponds to the
authorized design before beginning construction. (TCEQ)
Question 6
Who generally determines whether a proposed site is suitable for a particular
OSSF?
A. The equipment supplier
B. The homeowner
C. A licensed Site Evaluator or authorized professional as permitted by Texas
requirements
D. The septic tank manufacturer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Site evaluation is a specialized function. TCEQ identifies the Site Evaluator as the
professional responsible for conducting preconstruction site evaluations to
determine site suitability and identify features that could interfere with the proper
operation of an OSSF or potentially be contaminated. (TCEQ)
, Question 7
What is the primary function of a septic tank?
A. Completely disinfect wastewater
B. Separate solids and provide preliminary treatment of wastewater
C. Pump wastewater directly into groundwater
D. Increase the flow rate of wastewater
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A septic tank provides primary treatment by allowing heavier solids to settle as
sludge while lighter materials such as fats, oils, and grease float and form scum.
Anaerobic biological activity also contributes to decomposition. The clarified
liquid leaving the tank then proceeds to the disposal or subsequent treatment
component.
Question 8
Why should an installer prevent vehicles and heavy equipment from unnecessarily
traveling over a drainfield?
A. It increases the tank's hydraulic capacity
B. It can compact the soil and damage the disposal system
C. It increases soil permeability
D. It improves wastewater treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Heavy equipment can compact soil, reducing its ability to accept and transmit
effluent. Compaction can also damage distribution components and alter the
intended hydraulic performance of the disposal field. Construction traffic should
therefore be carefully controlled.
Question 9
