Licensed On Site Sewage Pumpers

Only licensed On Site Sewage pumpers that have a license in Whatcom County may pump sewage in Whatcom County.

A study guide can be printed from the Pumper Study Guide Links to the right. 

You must score 70% or higher to pass the test. The OSS Supervisor will correct the test and notify you of your score. Tests may only be administered once per day, per person.

Upon passing, the owner of the company must complete the application for license and pay an initial licensing fee. Verification of bonding (minimum $2,000) must also be provided.

The Pumper test is valid for 90 days.  After receiving a passing score, you have 90 days to complete the licensing/application requirements.  Any attempt to become licensed after 90 days will require a new test be paid for and passed.

The pumper’s license will expire on December 31. Fees are not prorated. An invoice for renewal is generated at the end of each year.

Call (360)778-6000 for questions regarding test and licensing fees.

A licensed pumper is required to provide three continuing education units (CEUs) in three years in his field. This verification must be provided no later than December 31st of each third year of being licensed. A person may take as many hours as they wish and it can be applied to future years, not to exceed three years.

Come January 31st, if you fail to pay your renewal fee or provide a copy of your bond (if expired), or following the third year of being licensed, you fail to provide verification of CEUs for the owner, your license will not be renewed and will have expired effective December 31st.

If you want to be licensed once again, all testing, application and fees must be completed again to be reinstated.

A pumper whose license has been revoked shall be ineligible to reapply for a license until 60 calendar days shall have passed from the date of this license revocation.