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Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification
Exam Questions and Correct Answers with
EXPLANATIONS LATEST THIS YEAR
Summarized Exam Coverage — Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification
The Georgia Pumper Certification exam tests knowledge for individuals and companies engaged in septic
tank and grease trap pumping. Candidates must be 18+, employed by a certified company, and
score 70% or higher on the exam. Key topics include: Section I (Removal and Disposal) of the DPH
Manual — handling septage, proper pumping procedures, equipment (vacuum trucks), disposal
methods (authorized treatment plants), safety protocols (confined space, H₂S, vehicle operations),
recordkeeping (manifest system), decanting requirements, prohibited waste disposal, grease trap
pumping, maintenance of pump trucks, and regulations specific to GA Rule 511-3-1.16. Certification is
valid for 2 years and requires continuing education for renewal .
1. A Georgia septic tank pumper must hold who’s certification according to Rule 511-3-1-.16?
A) Georgia DNR certification
B) Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) certification
C) Local County Health Department certification only
D) EPA Region IV certification
Answer: B
*Rationale: Rule 511-3-1-.16 explicitly requires certification by the Georgia Department of Public Health
(DPH) for individuals performing sewage pumper services .*
2. How often must a Georgia pumper certification be renewed?
A) Annually
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B) Every two years
C) Every three years
D) Every five years
Answer: B
*Rationale: According to Rule 511-3-1-.16(c), certification shall be renewed every two years and is
conditioned on meeting continuing education requirements .*
3. A pumper’s certification has been expired for more than two years. What is required to regain
certification?
A) Pay a late fee only
B) Reapply and retake the exam
C) Submit a letter of explanation
D) Take a continuing education course only
Answer: B
Rationale: The DPH guidance states: if expired more than 2 years ago, you must reapply and retest.
Expired less than 2 years allows renewal .
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4. A pumper with certification in Florida is moving to Georgia. They want to work immediately. What
must they do?
A) Begin working; Florida certification is recognized
B) Apply for reciprocity without exam
C) Obtain Georgia DPH certification
D) Work under a Georgia company for 6 months before testing
Answer: C
Rationale: If you are certified in another state, you must also get certified in Georgia if you want to work
in Georgia .
5. The pumping exam primarily tests knowledge from which section of the DPH Manual for On-Site
Sewage Management Systems?
A) Section A – Rules and Regulations
B) Section D – Pretreatment
C) Section F – Dispersal
D) Section I – Removal and Disposal
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Answer: D
Rationale: Guidance specifies: Septic Tank Pumpers, focus on Section I – Removal and Disposal .
6. A pumper company in Georgia must also have what local authorization before operating?
A) EPA Waste Transporter permit
B) County Septage Removal Permit
C) City business license only
D) No additional permit needed
Answer: B
Rationale: Pumper companies must also have a current County Septage Removal Permit in addition to
state certification .
7. The cost for the Georgia pumper certification exam is:
A) $25
B) $50
C) $100
D) $150
Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification
Exam Questions and Correct Answers with
EXPLANATIONS LATEST THIS YEAR
Summarized Exam Coverage — Georgia Onsite Wastewater Pumper Certification
The Georgia Pumper Certification exam tests knowledge for individuals and companies engaged in septic
tank and grease trap pumping. Candidates must be 18+, employed by a certified company, and
score 70% or higher on the exam. Key topics include: Section I (Removal and Disposal) of the DPH
Manual — handling septage, proper pumping procedures, equipment (vacuum trucks), disposal
methods (authorized treatment plants), safety protocols (confined space, H₂S, vehicle operations),
recordkeeping (manifest system), decanting requirements, prohibited waste disposal, grease trap
pumping, maintenance of pump trucks, and regulations specific to GA Rule 511-3-1.16. Certification is
valid for 2 years and requires continuing education for renewal .
1. A Georgia septic tank pumper must hold who’s certification according to Rule 511-3-1-.16?
A) Georgia DNR certification
B) Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) certification
C) Local County Health Department certification only
D) EPA Region IV certification
Answer: B
*Rationale: Rule 511-3-1-.16 explicitly requires certification by the Georgia Department of Public Health
(DPH) for individuals performing sewage pumper services .*
2. How often must a Georgia pumper certification be renewed?
A) Annually
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B) Every two years
C) Every three years
D) Every five years
Answer: B
*Rationale: According to Rule 511-3-1-.16(c), certification shall be renewed every two years and is
conditioned on meeting continuing education requirements .*
3. A pumper’s certification has been expired for more than two years. What is required to regain
certification?
A) Pay a late fee only
B) Reapply and retake the exam
C) Submit a letter of explanation
D) Take a continuing education course only
Answer: B
Rationale: The DPH guidance states: if expired more than 2 years ago, you must reapply and retest.
Expired less than 2 years allows renewal .
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4. A pumper with certification in Florida is moving to Georgia. They want to work immediately. What
must they do?
A) Begin working; Florida certification is recognized
B) Apply for reciprocity without exam
C) Obtain Georgia DPH certification
D) Work under a Georgia company for 6 months before testing
Answer: C
Rationale: If you are certified in another state, you must also get certified in Georgia if you want to work
in Georgia .
5. The pumping exam primarily tests knowledge from which section of the DPH Manual for On-Site
Sewage Management Systems?
A) Section A – Rules and Regulations
B) Section D – Pretreatment
C) Section F – Dispersal
D) Section I – Removal and Disposal
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Answer: D
Rationale: Guidance specifies: Septic Tank Pumpers, focus on Section I – Removal and Disposal .
6. A pumper company in Georgia must also have what local authorization before operating?
A) EPA Waste Transporter permit
B) County Septage Removal Permit
C) City business license only
D) No additional permit needed
Answer: B
Rationale: Pumper companies must also have a current County Septage Removal Permit in addition to
state certification .
7. The cost for the Georgia pumper certification exam is:
A) $25
B) $50
C) $100
D) $150
