Texas On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Maintenance
Provider Licensing Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
Question 1
A homeowner reports sewage surfacing in the yard near the disposal area of a
conventional septic system. As a licensed OSSF Maintenance Provider, what is
your FIRST required action?
A. Immediately replace the drainfield
B. Inspect the septic tank for solids accumulation and outlet obstruction
C. Apply chemical additives to break down sludge
D. Recommend abandoning the system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Surfacing effluent most commonly results from hydraulic failure or solids
carryover. TAC 285 requires maintenance providers to evaluate tank condition
and flow path first before recommending major repairs or replacement. Chemical
additives are not approved corrective actions.
Question 2
During a routine inspection of an aerobic treatment unit (ATU), the chlorine tablet
tube is empty. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Document and leave it empty until the next visit
B. Add liquid bleach directly to the pump tank
,C. Replace tablets with NSF-approved chlorine tablets
D. Disable the system until the homeowner refills it
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Disinfection is mandatory for ATUs. Only NSF-approved chlorine tablets are
allowed. Liquid bleach is prohibited due to dosing inconsistency and potential
system damage.
Question 3
Which component failure in an ATU presents the GREATEST immediate public
health risk?
A. Aerator malfunction
B. High-water alarm failure
C. Clarifier baffle damage
D. Disinfection unit failure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Failure of the disinfection unit allows pathogen-laden effluent to be discharged
to the surface, creating a direct exposure risk, which is prioritized under TAC
enforcement standards.
Question 4
A maintenance provider observes thick scum and sludge layers exceeding
allowable limits in a septic tank. What is the correct recommendation?
A. Increase water usage to flush solids
B. Add biological enzymes
C. Schedule tank pumping by a licensed pumper
D. Install a second tank immediately
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale:
Excessive solids require mechanical removal. Additives are not substitutes for
pumping and are not recognized corrective actions under Texas regulations.
Question 5
Which record must be maintained and made available to the permitting authority
upon request?
A. Homeowner’s utility bills
B. Manufacturer’s warranty only
C. Maintenance contract and service reports
D. Soil evaluation report
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Maintenance Providers are required to maintain detailed service records,
including inspection findings, deficiencies, and corrective actions, per TAC 285
Subchapter G.
Question 6
A spray distribution system is operating, but grass is unusually green and soggy in
one area. What does this MOST likely indicate?
A. Proper nutrient uptake
B. Over-chlorination
C. Hydraulic overloading or poor distribution
D. Normal seasonal variation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Localized saturation and excessive vegetation growth indicate uneven application
or hydraulic overload, which can lead to surfacing effluent and system failure.
, Question 7
How often must an aerobic system with surface spray be inspected under a
standard maintenance contract?
A. Annually
B. Every 6 months
C. Every 4 months
D. Monthly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Texas requires quarterly (every 4 months) inspections for aerobic systems with
spray irrigation to ensure proper treatment and disinfection.
Question 8
Which condition requires immediate notification to the permitting authority?
A. Slight chlorine odor near spray heads
B. Aerator noise increase
C. Untreated wastewater surfacing
D. Minor sludge accumulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Surfacing untreated sewage is a reportable public health hazard and must be
addressed and reported promptly per TAC enforcement provisions.
Question 9
A homeowner requests that you disable the high-water alarm because it “goes off
too often.” What is the correct response?
A. Disable it temporarily
B. Replace it with a visual alarm only
Provider Licensing Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
Question 1
A homeowner reports sewage surfacing in the yard near the disposal area of a
conventional septic system. As a licensed OSSF Maintenance Provider, what is
your FIRST required action?
A. Immediately replace the drainfield
B. Inspect the septic tank for solids accumulation and outlet obstruction
C. Apply chemical additives to break down sludge
D. Recommend abandoning the system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Surfacing effluent most commonly results from hydraulic failure or solids
carryover. TAC 285 requires maintenance providers to evaluate tank condition
and flow path first before recommending major repairs or replacement. Chemical
additives are not approved corrective actions.
Question 2
During a routine inspection of an aerobic treatment unit (ATU), the chlorine tablet
tube is empty. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Document and leave it empty until the next visit
B. Add liquid bleach directly to the pump tank
,C. Replace tablets with NSF-approved chlorine tablets
D. Disable the system until the homeowner refills it
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Disinfection is mandatory for ATUs. Only NSF-approved chlorine tablets are
allowed. Liquid bleach is prohibited due to dosing inconsistency and potential
system damage.
Question 3
Which component failure in an ATU presents the GREATEST immediate public
health risk?
A. Aerator malfunction
B. High-water alarm failure
C. Clarifier baffle damage
D. Disinfection unit failure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Failure of the disinfection unit allows pathogen-laden effluent to be discharged
to the surface, creating a direct exposure risk, which is prioritized under TAC
enforcement standards.
Question 4
A maintenance provider observes thick scum and sludge layers exceeding
allowable limits in a septic tank. What is the correct recommendation?
A. Increase water usage to flush solids
B. Add biological enzymes
C. Schedule tank pumping by a licensed pumper
D. Install a second tank immediately
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale:
Excessive solids require mechanical removal. Additives are not substitutes for
pumping and are not recognized corrective actions under Texas regulations.
Question 5
Which record must be maintained and made available to the permitting authority
upon request?
A. Homeowner’s utility bills
B. Manufacturer’s warranty only
C. Maintenance contract and service reports
D. Soil evaluation report
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Maintenance Providers are required to maintain detailed service records,
including inspection findings, deficiencies, and corrective actions, per TAC 285
Subchapter G.
Question 6
A spray distribution system is operating, but grass is unusually green and soggy in
one area. What does this MOST likely indicate?
A. Proper nutrient uptake
B. Over-chlorination
C. Hydraulic overloading or poor distribution
D. Normal seasonal variation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Localized saturation and excessive vegetation growth indicate uneven application
or hydraulic overload, which can lead to surfacing effluent and system failure.
, Question 7
How often must an aerobic system with surface spray be inspected under a
standard maintenance contract?
A. Annually
B. Every 6 months
C. Every 4 months
D. Monthly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Texas requires quarterly (every 4 months) inspections for aerobic systems with
spray irrigation to ensure proper treatment and disinfection.
Question 8
Which condition requires immediate notification to the permitting authority?
A. Slight chlorine odor near spray heads
B. Aerator noise increase
C. Untreated wastewater surfacing
D. Minor sludge accumulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Surfacing untreated sewage is a reportable public health hazard and must be
addressed and reported promptly per TAC enforcement provisions.
Question 9
A homeowner requests that you disable the high-water alarm because it “goes off
too often.” What is the correct response?
A. Disable it temporarily
B. Replace it with a visual alarm only
