Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of jobs requires a MDEQ certified Installation Contractor?
A. Any installation, repair, or replacement that involves disconnecting piping, excavation, or drilling requires a contractor with MDEQ Installer Certification, such as:
- installing a replacement spill bucket
- installing a tank or section of piping or piping termination (flex connector)
- replacing shear valves
- lining a tank
- installing or removing a submersible pump (when piping is disconnected)
- installing anodes (when drilling or excavation is required)
Q. What kind of jobs requires a MDEQ certified Technician Contractor?
A. Any test of a UST system component or repair or replacement that does not involve the disconnecting piping, excavation or drilling, such as:
- testing spill buckets
- testing automatic line leak detectors (ALLDs)
- performing a precision tank or line tightness test
- testing automatic tank gauging (ATG) systems
- installation of anodes to piping terminations located in secondary containment sumps
- installing or removing a submersible pump (when piping is not disconnected)
- replacing a shear valve top (where piping is not disconnected below the shear valve)
- installing or removing overfill devices
- installing or removing automatic line leak detectors
Q. What kind of jobs requires a MDEQ certified Permanent Closure Contractor?
A. Anytime a tank or pipe is to be permanently closed in Mississippi.
Q. What kind of jobs do not require a MDEQ certified contractor?
A.
- monthly monitoring of a UST system for a release of product
- to be a compliance manager or store clerk
- to change filters under a dispenser
Q. Do I have to be licensed as a Technician if I am a licensed Installer in Mississippi?
A. No, all individuals licensed as an Installation Contractor are considered to meet the requirements of a Technician license. It is not required for an Installer to acquire or maintain both certifications.
Q. Do I have to be licensed in Mississippi to test cathodic protection?
A. Yes, all individuals testing cathodic protection in Mississippi must be licensed by MDEQ. Installation Contractors licensed prior to August 23, 2018, are deferred from this requirement until August 23, 2020.
Q. Do I have to show proof of experience to be licensed as a certified contractor by MDEQ?
A. Yes, MDEQ requires proof of experience in the form of W-2, letter of employer, or equivalent approved method. MDEQ requires the following amount of experience:
- for certification to install USTs: two years’ experience under a licensed Installation Contractor
- for certification to remove USTs: two years’ experience under a licensed Permanent Closure Contractor
- for certification to test USTs: one year of experience under a licensed Installation contractor OR licensed Technician
- for certification to test cathodic protection: six months’ experience under a licensed Installation Contractor, Licensed Technician, OR Licensed Cathodic Protection Tester
Q. Do I have to acquire and maintain all applicable manufacturer certifications?
A. Yes. If you install the manufacturer’s equipment or use the manufacturer’s equipment to test UST system components, you are required to acquire and maintain those certifications for as long as you install or use the manufacturer’s equipment. Proof of current certifications is required when applying for certification and every two years thereafter when applying for renewal of licensure.
Q. Do I have to provide the certificate of financial responsibility if I only work on tanks owned by me or my employer?
A. No, however, if an applicant for certification is an employee of a company (not the owner), the employer must submit a letter stating that the applicant is an employee of the company.
Q. Is there a charge to take the certification test(s)?
A. No.
Q. Do I have to attend the education course work prior to taking the MDEQ examination for initial certification?
A. No. You may take the exams prior to completion of course work.
Q. If I don’t achieve a passing score on the certification test, how long do I have to wait before I can retake the test?
A. If you fail an MDEQ certification exam you must wait 30 days to retake the exam. If you fail the test three times you will have to wait one year before you can retake the exam.
Q. Is there a charge for licensure?
A. No.
Q. How long does a certification license last?
A. Two years.
Q. What must I do to renew my license?
A. During your two-year certification period, you must complete the following MDEQ-approved courses:
- for certification to install USTs: one eight-hour installation course
- for certification to remove USTs: one eight-hour closure course
- for certification to test USTs: one eight-hour technician course
- for certification to test cathodic protection: approved cathodic protection course (requirement deferred until August 23, 2020, for installers licensed prior to August 23, 2018)
Before your certification expires, you must submit a certification renewal form to this office along with a copy of applicable course completion certificates, proof of financial responsibility where applicable, and copies of all applicable manufacturer certifications.
Q. Does Mississippi have UST certification reciprocity with any other states?
A. No.
Q. Where do I go to take the certification test(s)?
A. At the MDEQ office located at 515 East Amite Street Jackson, MS 39201.
Q. If I have a question about certification to work on USTs in Mississippi, whom should I contact?
A. Contact MDEQ.
