Section 90A-77 - [Effective 1/1/2025] Certification requirements(a) Certification. - The Board shall issue a certificate to an applicant who satisfies all of the following conditions: (1) Is at least 18 years of age.(2) Submits a properly completed application with all required supporting documents for the certification being applied for to the Board.(3) For grade level II contractor certification, applicant shall satisfy the following conditions: a. Complete the basic on-site wastewater education approved by the Board for any level.b. Complete any additional class hours required for grade level II.(3a) For grade level IV contractor certification, applicant shall satisfy the following conditions: a. Hold current and satisfactory certification of grade level II for a minimum of two years prior to application for grade level IV.b. Complete any additional class hours required for grade level IV.(3b) For inspector certification, applicant shall satisfy the following conditions:a. Complete the point-of-sale inspector education approved by the Board.b. Complete any additional class hours required for point-of-sale inspector certification.c. Hold current and satisfactory certification of grade level IV contractor, or Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator or subsurface operator certification for a minimum of two years.d. In lieu of the experience requirements in this subdivision, an applicant may instead complete the approved education requirements for the grade IV contractor certification as required by the Board.(3c) For Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator, applicant shall complete the Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator education approved by the Board.(3d) For Private Compliance Inspector, applicant shall satisfy the following conditions: a. Complete the Private Compliance Inspector education approved by the Board.b. Complete any additional class hours required by the Board for compliance inspector certification.c. Have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a certified contractor, Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator, subsurface operator, or a registered environmental health specialist with experience in on-site wastewater matters.d. Not be employed by a local health department.(4) Repealed by Session Laws 2010-31, s. 13.2(l), effective July 1, 2010.(5) Completes any additional training program designed by the Board specific to the grade level for which the applicant is applying.(6) Pays the applicable fees set by the Board for the particular application.(7) Passes a written or oral examination that tests the applicant's proficiency in all of the following areas:a. Principles of public and environmental health associated with on-site wastewater systems.b. Principles of construction and safety.c. Technical and practical knowledge of on-site wastewater systems.d. Laws and rules related to the installation, construction, repair, point-of-sale inspection, evaluation, or private compliance inspection of on-site wastewater systems.(b) Location of Examinations. - The Board shall provide a minimum of three examinations each year; one each in the eastern, central, and western regions of the State.(b1) Any applicant for an exam shall submit the complete package to the Board no later than 15 business days prior to the exam date to be considered eligible for the exam.(c) Approval of Certification Programs. - The Board may issue a certificate to an applicant who has completed an approved training or continuing education program.(d) No Degree Required. - An applicant shall not be required to hold or obtain an educational diploma or degree to obtain a certificate. An applicant that meets all the conditions for certification except for passage of the Board examination may take the examination on three successive occasions without having to file for a new application, pay an additional application fee, or repeat any applicable training program. If the applicant fails to pass the Board examination on three successive occasions, the applicant must reapply to the Board, pay an additional application fee, and repeat the training program.(e) Certificate. - The certification shall show the full name of the certificate holder. The certificate shall provide a unique identification number and shall be signed by the Chair. Issuance of the certificate by the Board shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a certified contractor at the grade level specified on the certificate, inspector, Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator, or Private Compliance Inspector while the certificate remains in effect.(f) Replacement Certificate. - A new certificate to replace one lost, destroyed, or mutilated shall be issued subject to rules adopted by the Board and with the payment of a fee set by the Board. The fee for a duplicate or replacement certificate shall not exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00).Amended by 2024 N.C. Sess. Laws 49,s. 4.4-a, eff. 1/1/2025.Amended by 2010 N.C. Sess. Laws 31, s. 13.2.(l), eff. 7/1/2010.Added by 2006 N.C. Sess. Laws 82, s. 1, eff. 7/10/2006.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.