An NSF representative inspects a typical onsite wastewater disposal system. The program includes written and practical exams and mandates continuing education. Accredited inspectors will be listed on the NSF web site and published in the NSF listing book distributed to industry, users and regulators. Applicants who pass the written exam will then take the practical exam. The practical exam involves a hands-on inspection of an onsite wastewater disposal system conducted at an actual installation.
Applicants are responsible for supplying any equipment needed.
Grading by a qualified proctor is based on pre-inspection preparations, general site evaluation, treatment tank evaluation, soil absorption system evaluation, and reporting. For applicants who pass both exams, NSF will issue a contract and an ethics statement, which the applicant must sign and return to NSF before accreditation is granted. The contractual agreement assures NSF that the accredited inspector will abide by the program's policies. It also gives inspectors authorization to represent themselves as NSF-accredited. Inspectors can promote their accreditation through an NSF Mark developed specifically for this program, along with an NSF certificate and official listing.