The Washtenaw County Department of Planning & Environment has established the following minimum requirements for obtaining certification as an inspector of onsite water supply or septic systems under the Washtenaw County Inspection at Time of Property Transfer Regulation:

1. Minimum of a high school education or equivalent.

2. Knowledge of onsite water supply and/or sewage disposal systems as demonstrated by:
    

   1. Personal interview with County officials. Applicants will be evaluated as to specific work experience and knowledge related to construction practices and operational standards of onsite water supply and/or sewage disposal systems.

   2. Passing a brief screening exam that will test applicants on their technical knowledge of onsite sewage disposal and/or water supply. This screening test will help assure compliance with Section 3.6 of the regulation, which states, “Prospective inspectors must demonstrate knowledge of construction practices, operational standards as well as the causes and indicators of OWSDS failures.”

   The following point system will be used to evaluate applicants’ technical knowledge, where a total of 80 points or more is considered satisfactory. Individuals that do not score 80 points may satisfy the requirement by subsequently completing Qualification IV:

   Credentials

   Registered Well Driller (Applies to well insp. only)	80 points
   State Certified Inspector (Applies to well insp. only)	80 points
   Registered Sanitarian; Professional Engineer	60 points

   
    

   Experience:

   Over five years documented experience	50 points
   3-5 years documented experience	40 points
   Less than three years documented experience	0 points

    

   Screening Test:

   90 – 100% correct	50 points
   80 – 89% correct	40 points
   70 – 79% correct	30 points

   
    

3. After demonstrating technical knowledge, candidates must successfully complete a core training course and exam which will include:

   • Requirements of the regulation

   • County procedures to implement the regulation

   • Water supply inspection protocol

   • Sewage system inspection protocol

4. Those applicants who do not receive at least 80 points in the evaluation of technical knowledge may demonstrate that proficiency by subsequent completion of one of the following:
    

   1. Inspector certification in the appropriate field by the National Sanitation Foundation,

   2. A course or certification in onsite water supply or sewage disposal that is accredited by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality,

   3. Technical training, demonstrated by passing an exam administered by Washtenaw County.

Department of Planning & Environment
Development Services Division
Washtenaw County
705 N. Zeeb Rd., P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645
Phone: (734) 222-3800
Fax: (734) 222-3930

page updated 4/7/06