Page 1 of 128
Virginia Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
License Exam Actual EXAM Questions and Correct
Answers with EXPLANATIONS LATEST THIS YEAR
Virginia Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer License Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Virginia Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer license is issued by the Board for Waterworks
and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP) under the
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) . This license authorizes
individuals to construct, install, and repair both conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems .
Exam Details:
• Fee: $80 (for Alternative or Conventional Installer)
• Application Fee: $100 (initial application)
• Administered by: PSI Exams
• Frequency: Daily (available year-round)
• Locations: Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Salisbury MD, Stafford,
Johnson City TN
• Application Deadline: No deadline; applications reviewed continuously
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old
Experience Pathways for Master Alternative Installer :
Education
Pathway Exam Required Experience Required
Required
2 years full-time installing alternative
1 Yes No
systems
20 hours approved
2 Yes 18 months full-time
training
20 hours approved
3 Yes 3 years full-time
training
Yes (if not already 18 months full-time (must hold interim
4 No
licensed) or conventional license)
License Renewal: $80 . Local jurisdictions (e.g., Fauquier County) may also require an annual local
license and $50,000 bond .
Question 1
Which soil property is most important in determining the suitability of a site for an onsite sewage
system?
A) Color
B) Texture
C) Porosity and permeability
D) Odor
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Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Porosity and permeability determine how quickly water moves through soil, which is
critical for wastewater treatment and dispersal .
Question 2
What is the minimum separation distance between a conventional drainfield and a private well?
A) 50 feet
B) 100 feet
C) 150 feet
D) 200 feet
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: A minimum 100-foot separation is required to protect drinking water from
potential contamination .*
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Question 3
What is the primary purpose of a septic tank's baffle?
A) To aerate wastewater
B) To prevent solids from entering the drainfield
C) To remove nitrogen
D) To filter pathogens
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Baffles prevent scum and solids from leaving the tank and clogging the drainfield .
Question 4
Which type of soil is least suitable for a conventional onsite sewage system?
A) Sandy soil
B) Loamy soil
C) Clay soil
D) Gravelly soil
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Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Clay soil has very slow permeability, preventing adequate wastewater infiltration
and treatment .
Question 5
In Virginia, an alternative onsite sewage system installer must be licensed by which authority?
A) Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
B) Virginia Department of Health
C) Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
D) Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Correct Answer: D
Summary Rationale: DPOR oversees professional licensing for onsite sewage system installers in Virginia .
Question 6
Which component of a septic system is primarily responsible for settling solids?
Virginia Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer
License Exam Actual EXAM Questions and Correct
Answers with EXPLANATIONS LATEST THIS YEAR
Virginia Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer License Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Virginia Alternative Onsite Sewage System Installer license is issued by the Board for Waterworks
and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (WWWOOSSP) under the
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) . This license authorizes
individuals to construct, install, and repair both conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems .
Exam Details:
• Fee: $80 (for Alternative or Conventional Installer)
• Application Fee: $100 (initial application)
• Administered by: PSI Exams
• Frequency: Daily (available year-round)
• Locations: Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Salisbury MD, Stafford,
Johnson City TN
• Application Deadline: No deadline; applications reviewed continuously
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old
Experience Pathways for Master Alternative Installer :
Education
Pathway Exam Required Experience Required
Required
2 years full-time installing alternative
1 Yes No
systems
20 hours approved
2 Yes 18 months full-time
training
20 hours approved
3 Yes 3 years full-time
training
Yes (if not already 18 months full-time (must hold interim
4 No
licensed) or conventional license)
License Renewal: $80 . Local jurisdictions (e.g., Fauquier County) may also require an annual local
license and $50,000 bond .
Question 1
Which soil property is most important in determining the suitability of a site for an onsite sewage
system?
A) Color
B) Texture
C) Porosity and permeability
D) Odor
, Page 2 of 128
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Porosity and permeability determine how quickly water moves through soil, which is
critical for wastewater treatment and dispersal .
Question 2
What is the minimum separation distance between a conventional drainfield and a private well?
A) 50 feet
B) 100 feet
C) 150 feet
D) 200 feet
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: A minimum 100-foot separation is required to protect drinking water from
potential contamination .*
, Page 3 of 128
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of a septic tank's baffle?
A) To aerate wastewater
B) To prevent solids from entering the drainfield
C) To remove nitrogen
D) To filter pathogens
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Baffles prevent scum and solids from leaving the tank and clogging the drainfield .
Question 4
Which type of soil is least suitable for a conventional onsite sewage system?
A) Sandy soil
B) Loamy soil
C) Clay soil
D) Gravelly soil
, Page 4 of 128
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Clay soil has very slow permeability, preventing adequate wastewater infiltration
and treatment .
Question 5
In Virginia, an alternative onsite sewage system installer must be licensed by which authority?
A) Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
B) Virginia Department of Health
C) Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
D) Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Correct Answer: D
Summary Rationale: DPOR oversees professional licensing for onsite sewage system installers in Virginia .
Question 6
Which component of a septic system is primarily responsible for settling solids?
