TCEQ OSSF INSTALLER I EXAM PREP
2026-2027 130 Practice Questions with
Verified Answers & Detailed Explanations
EXAM INFORMATION
Licensing Authority: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
License Type: On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Installer I
Reference Materials: TCEQ Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 285; OSSF
Installer I Training Course Materials
Exam Format: Computer-Based Testing (CBT) – multiple choice
Number of Questions: 130 Practice Questions
Answer Format: Correct answer indicated with detailed rationale
Exam Year: 2026/2027 Updated Standards
ABOUT THE OSSF INSTALLER I LICENSE
An Installer I license authorizes the holder to install conventional (standard) OSSF systems only,
including:
- Septic tanks
- Absorptive drainfields
- Unlined ET drainfields
- Leaching chambers
- Gravel-less pipe
- Pumped effluent drainfields
Installers must hold a valid TCEQ license to construct, install, alter, or repair an OSSF for
compensation. Any work on an OSSF must be performed by a licensed installer or directly by
the homeowner when it is their single-family residence. If someone is paid for any part of the
process, that person must be licensed by the state.
,SECTION 1: REGULATORY AGENCY & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (Questions 1–25)
QUESTION 1
Which state agency is responsible for regulating On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) in Texas?
A) Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
B) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
C) Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
D) Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
Answer: B) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Explanation: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state agency
responsible for regulating OSSF systems in Texas. TCEQ establishes the rules and standards
for OSSF installation, operation, and maintenance under Title 30, Texas Administrative Code,
Chapter 285.
QUESTION 2
An Installer I license authorizes the holder to install which type of OSSF systems?
A) All types of OSSF systems including aerobic and advanced treatment units
B) Conventional (standard) systems only
C) Only septic tanks without drainfields
D) Only commercial OSSF systems
Answer: B) Conventional (standard) systems only
Explanation: An Installer I license authorizes the installation of conventional (standard) OSSF
systems only, including septic tanks, absorptive drainfields, unlined ET drainfields, leaching
chambers, gravel-less pipe, and pumped effluent drainfields. Installer II licenses are required for
more complex systems including aerobic systems.
QUESTION 3
Can an Installer I install aerobic treatment units?
A) Yes, with additional training
B) No, Installer I can only install conventional systems
,C) Yes, if supervised by an Installer II
D) Yes, for residential properties only
Answer: B) No, Installer I can only install conventional systems
Explanation: Installer I license holders are limited to conventional (standard) systems only and
cannot install aerobic treatment units. Aerobic systems require an Installer II license or higher.
QUESTION 4
A person legally constructing OSSF systems as a business is called a(n) ____________ and
must be licensed by ____________.
A) Site Evaluator; TCEQ
B) Installer; TCEQ
C) Maintenance Provider; DSHS
D) Designated Representative; EPA
Answer: B) Installer; TCEQ
Explanation: A person legally constructing OSSF systems as a business is an Installer and must
be licensed by TCEQ. All individuals who are paid for any part of the OSSF installation process
must be licensed by the state.
QUESTION 5
What is the minimum training requirement before applying for an Installer I license with TCEQ?
A) No training is required
B) Completion of the Installer I Basic Training Course
C) 1 year of on-the-job experience only
D) Completion of a college degree in environmental science
Answer: B) Completion of the Installer I Basic Training Course
Explanation: Applicants must complete the Installer I Basic Training Course prior to applying
with TCEQ. This course provides the fundamentals of proper installation, design, and operation
of residential and commercial Installer I level OSSF systems.
QUESTION 6
, What is required for an Installer I to install pumped effluent drainfields?
A) A separate endorsement from TCEQ
B) Installer I is authorized to install pumped effluent drainfields
C) Installer II license is required
D) A special permit from the local county
Answer: B) Installer I is authorized to install pumped effluent drainfields
Explanation: Installer I license holders are authorized to install pumped effluent drainfields as
part of conventional OSSF systems.
QUESTION 7
An OSSF installer's license can be revoked for:
A) Constructing an OSSF that is not in compliance with Chapter 285
B) Charging fair market rates for installation
C) Working with a valid license
D) Following all TCEQ regulations
Answer: A) Constructing an OSSF that is not in compliance with this chapter
Explanation: An OSSF installer's license can be revoked for constructing, or otherwise
facilitating the construction of, an OSSF that is not in compliance with Chapter 285. Compliance
with regulations is mandatory for license retention.
QUESTION 8
The Installer I exam is available through which testing format?
A) Paper-based testing only
B) Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
C) Oral examination only
D) Practical field examination only
Answer: B) Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
Explanation: The Installer I exam is available through Computer-Based Testing (CBT). CBT
offers the convenience of numerous exam sites and flexible scheduling.
2026-2027 130 Practice Questions with
Verified Answers & Detailed Explanations
EXAM INFORMATION
Licensing Authority: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
License Type: On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Installer I
Reference Materials: TCEQ Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 285; OSSF
Installer I Training Course Materials
Exam Format: Computer-Based Testing (CBT) – multiple choice
Number of Questions: 130 Practice Questions
Answer Format: Correct answer indicated with detailed rationale
Exam Year: 2026/2027 Updated Standards
ABOUT THE OSSF INSTALLER I LICENSE
An Installer I license authorizes the holder to install conventional (standard) OSSF systems only,
including:
- Septic tanks
- Absorptive drainfields
- Unlined ET drainfields
- Leaching chambers
- Gravel-less pipe
- Pumped effluent drainfields
Installers must hold a valid TCEQ license to construct, install, alter, or repair an OSSF for
compensation. Any work on an OSSF must be performed by a licensed installer or directly by
the homeowner when it is their single-family residence. If someone is paid for any part of the
process, that person must be licensed by the state.
,SECTION 1: REGULATORY AGENCY & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (Questions 1–25)
QUESTION 1
Which state agency is responsible for regulating On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) in Texas?
A) Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
B) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
C) Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
D) Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
Answer: B) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Explanation: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state agency
responsible for regulating OSSF systems in Texas. TCEQ establishes the rules and standards
for OSSF installation, operation, and maintenance under Title 30, Texas Administrative Code,
Chapter 285.
QUESTION 2
An Installer I license authorizes the holder to install which type of OSSF systems?
A) All types of OSSF systems including aerobic and advanced treatment units
B) Conventional (standard) systems only
C) Only septic tanks without drainfields
D) Only commercial OSSF systems
Answer: B) Conventional (standard) systems only
Explanation: An Installer I license authorizes the installation of conventional (standard) OSSF
systems only, including septic tanks, absorptive drainfields, unlined ET drainfields, leaching
chambers, gravel-less pipe, and pumped effluent drainfields. Installer II licenses are required for
more complex systems including aerobic systems.
QUESTION 3
Can an Installer I install aerobic treatment units?
A) Yes, with additional training
B) No, Installer I can only install conventional systems
,C) Yes, if supervised by an Installer II
D) Yes, for residential properties only
Answer: B) No, Installer I can only install conventional systems
Explanation: Installer I license holders are limited to conventional (standard) systems only and
cannot install aerobic treatment units. Aerobic systems require an Installer II license or higher.
QUESTION 4
A person legally constructing OSSF systems as a business is called a(n) ____________ and
must be licensed by ____________.
A) Site Evaluator; TCEQ
B) Installer; TCEQ
C) Maintenance Provider; DSHS
D) Designated Representative; EPA
Answer: B) Installer; TCEQ
Explanation: A person legally constructing OSSF systems as a business is an Installer and must
be licensed by TCEQ. All individuals who are paid for any part of the OSSF installation process
must be licensed by the state.
QUESTION 5
What is the minimum training requirement before applying for an Installer I license with TCEQ?
A) No training is required
B) Completion of the Installer I Basic Training Course
C) 1 year of on-the-job experience only
D) Completion of a college degree in environmental science
Answer: B) Completion of the Installer I Basic Training Course
Explanation: Applicants must complete the Installer I Basic Training Course prior to applying
with TCEQ. This course provides the fundamentals of proper installation, design, and operation
of residential and commercial Installer I level OSSF systems.
QUESTION 6
, What is required for an Installer I to install pumped effluent drainfields?
A) A separate endorsement from TCEQ
B) Installer I is authorized to install pumped effluent drainfields
C) Installer II license is required
D) A special permit from the local county
Answer: B) Installer I is authorized to install pumped effluent drainfields
Explanation: Installer I license holders are authorized to install pumped effluent drainfields as
part of conventional OSSF systems.
QUESTION 7
An OSSF installer's license can be revoked for:
A) Constructing an OSSF that is not in compliance with Chapter 285
B) Charging fair market rates for installation
C) Working with a valid license
D) Following all TCEQ regulations
Answer: A) Constructing an OSSF that is not in compliance with this chapter
Explanation: An OSSF installer's license can be revoked for constructing, or otherwise
facilitating the construction of, an OSSF that is not in compliance with Chapter 285. Compliance
with regulations is mandatory for license retention.
QUESTION 8
The Installer I exam is available through which testing format?
A) Paper-based testing only
B) Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
C) Oral examination only
D) Practical field examination only
Answer: B) Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
Explanation: The Installer I exam is available through Computer-Based Testing (CBT). CBT
offers the convenience of numerous exam sites and flexible scheduling.
