NAWT Training Courses

The NAWT Inspection Standards Certification Course is a two-day, in-depth training program designed for professionals who inspect onsite wastewater treatment systems. This course provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct thorough, standardized inspections based on the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) national standards.

Participants will learn to perform inspections for key applications, including transfer of title, operations and maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Emphasis is placed on using standardized procedures to evaluate each system component, interpret findings, and arrive at defensible conclusions about the condition and functionality of the system. Through guided instruction and hands-on exercises, attendees will gain the ability to identify deficiencies, document inspections accurately, and communicate results effectively.

The training concludes with a comprehensive exam, and those who pass will earn NAWT certification—an industry-recognized credential that affirms a technician’s ability to conduct consistent, code-compliant, and reliable inspections.

This course is ideal for inspectors, pumpers, installers, and regulatory officials seeking to ensure their work meets the highest national standards.

The NAWT Installer I Training Course provides a foundational understanding of the essential principles involved in the installation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). This nationally recognized program is designed for those entering the industry or seeking to reinforce their skills with up-to-date practices based on current standards and regulations.

Participants will explore the basic components and installation practices of simple OWTS, emphasizing professionalism, safety, and compliance with design intent and local codes. The course underscores the importance of understanding system design and site-specific regulations, preparing installers to confidently construct or alter systems in accordance with approved plans.

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to OWTS system types and components
• Core installation principles and procedures
• Review of current treatment and distribution technologies
• Emphasis on regulatory and safety standards
• Understanding site plans and permits
• Establishing benchmarks for high-quality installations

Note: This course does not include training on machine operations (e.g., excavation equipment).

The course concludes with a comprehensive exam. Upon successful completion, participants receive a training certification, demonstrating their preparedness to perform OWTS installations and alterations professionally and in compliance with industry standards.

The NAWT Installer II Training Course is an advanced-level program designed for professionals looking to expand their expertise in the installation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). Building on the foundational knowledge from Installer I, this course emphasizes advanced concepts and principles essential for successfully managing complex installations.

Key topics include mound systems, pressure-dosed and timed dosing systems, advanced treatment units (ATUs), drip dispersal technologies, and strategies for addressing complex site conditions such as high groundwater, limited soil depth, and restrictive layers. Participants will also learn about system performance optimization, regulatory compliance, and advanced troubleshooting techniques.

At the conclusion of the course, participants must complete a comprehensive exam. Successful candidates will earn the NAWT Installer II Training Certification, demonstrating their proficiency in advanced OWTS installation practices.

Prerequisite: Completion of the NAWT Installer I Training Course, which introduces the basic principles and concepts of OWTS installation.

O&M I – Introduction to OWTS Operations and Maintenance

This foundational course introduces participants to the operations and maintenance sector of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) industry. Designed for professionals entering the field, O&M I provides the essential knowledge and hands-on skills required to service and maintain basic gravity and simple dosing systems. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what an OWTS is, how it functions, and why proper operation and maintenance are critical to its performance and environmental impact. The course concludes with a brief introduction to advanced systems to prepare attendees for the next level of training.

A comprehensive exam is administered at the end of the course. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a NAWT O&M I training certification.

O&M II – Advanced OWTS Operations and Maintenance

Building on the principles covered in O&M I, this course explores advanced treatment technologies used in OWTS. It is tailored for professionals who are responsible for servicing and maintaining more complex systems. O&M II provides in-depth discussions on the function of these advanced technologies, best practices for ongoing maintenance, and the critical role of the O&M professional in ensuring system longevity and regulatory compliance. Special attention is given to legacy systems that are no longer supported by manufacturers, equipping practitioners with the knowledge to maintain these systems effectively and safely.

This course also includes a comprehensive exam. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a NAWT O&M II training certification.

This course was developed with a grant from the USEPA and Penn State and Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA). PSMA, a long-time member and ally of NAWT, gifted this training course to the NAWT Training Program to allow for a national expansion of the course and certification program.

The course is designed specifically for those who own or operate vacuum trucks within the industry. The Vac Truck Training Course is a great resource for current owners of OWTS pumping services, as a way to provide training and information to their employees who may just be getting started in the industry. The course provides participants with a solid base of information regarding working with and operating a vacuum truck, along with performing their daily tasks. This one-day training course can also provide a good refresher and overview for even the most experienced operators.

The topics that are included in this course are:

• Materials to pump and to avoid
• Government regulations
• Truck equipment and components
• Drive and control mechanisms
• Basic and advanced pump out skills and procedures
• Loading and unloading
• Safety and emergency response plans
• Customer interaction and education
• Reasons to manage the materials
• Basic science of vacuum and pressurization
• Pumps
• Basic pump truck operations
• Manifests and reporting

This course is presented with the use of videos and hands-on exercises with a pump truck.  

NAWT works closely with our training partners to bring our courses to multiple locations across the country. Our courses are designed to be delivered via a live class and/or a video meeting platform. To inquire about bringing or attending a NAWT Training Course contact the NAWT Executive Director at 800-236-6298 or info@NAWT.org / P.O. Box 6685 Broomfield, CO 80021.

The NAWT OWTS Design Principles Training Course provides a comprehensive introduction to universal design concepts, with a specific focus on the fundamental principles that guide the design of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). This course is ideal for participants seeking to understand the core elements of design, from balance and proportion to unity and hierarchy, as applied to OWTS design, while avoiding an in-depth dive into regulatory compliance.

Throughout the course, participants will explore key OWTS principles that can be applied to any OWTS designs, equipping them with the skills needed to approach design challenges with a solid foundation in universal design concepts. The course also covers essential OWTS design principles, considering how these systems integrate into broader environmental and infrastructure strategies.

The course includes:

• In-depth exploration of universal design principles such as balance, contrast, rhythm, and alignment, specifically in the context of OWTS.
• Hands-on examples and case studies to help illustrate design concepts in real-world OWTS design scenarios.
• A comprehensive exam to assess knowledge and understanding of the material.
• NAWT OWTS Design Principles Certification upon successful completion of the course and exam, validating your expertise in universal design principles as they relate to OWTS.

Whether you’re an aspiring designer, an industry professional, or someone looking to deepen your understanding of OWTS, this course will help you gain a solid grasp of the universal principles that form the backbone of every successful OWTS design.