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Register for an Occupational Licensing Exam

How to apply for a license, pay an application fee, obtain a TCEQ approval, and register to take an exam.

Pre-Approval is Required Before Exam Registration

The TCEQ must pre-approve your license application before you can register for an exam. If approved, you will receive an approval letter (see sample approval letter) in the mail which you must bring with you to your exam. If you don't have a copy or lose your approval letter, you can print a copy of your application status showing "Approved" from searching your name or license number. Approval of an electronic application takes approximately 3-4 weeks if all supporting documentation is provided and there are no deficiencies.

Conditional Approval

A conditional approval is an option if you:

  • are only missing the required core training;
  • have no deficiencies; and
  • intend to take the exam immediately following the required training at a location where the TCEQ, or a TCEQ-designated agent, is proctoring the exams.

When you apply, you must indicate that you intend to apply for a conditional approval and provide proof of the last course registration confirmation and the location, city, and date of the exam you are approved to take.

Note that if you are conditionally approved, you may not register for a licensing exam at a TCEQ Regional Office until you have completed your core training and have contacted the Occupational Licensing Section to request a regular Approval. Once you have an Approved application, you can return to LEXR and register to take an exam in a TCEQ Regional Office.

Conditional Approvals are not accepted at CBT locations.

Scheduling to Take an Exam

Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

If you would like to schedule a computer-based test, please visit the Computer-Based Testing webpage. CBT exams at TCEQ approved test centers provide immediate exam scores, exam analysis feedback and immediate retesting. CBT is available state-wide.

Some Benefits of CBT are:

  • Convenience (offered statewide)!
  • Offered 5-7 days a week, depending on location!
  • Immediate exam score!
  • Immediate exam analysis feedback!
  • Faster receipt of licenses!
  • Immediate retesting available!

Available Exams at CBT locations

  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) - written portion
  • Customer Service Inspector (CSI)
  • Irrigation Inspector
  • Irrigation Technician (English only)
  • Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank (LPST)
  • Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) A&B
  • On-Site Sewage Systems (OSSFs) - Installer I & II
  • On-Site Sewage Systems (OSSFs) - Maintenance Provider
  • On-Site Sewage Systems (OSSFs) - Designated Representative
  • Underground Storage Tank (UST) On-Site Supervisor - A & B
  • Wastewater Operators A, B, C, and D
  • Wastewater Collection Operator I, II, & III
  • Water Operators A, B, C, and D
  • Water Treatment Specialist (WTS) - I, II & III

The Landscape Irrigator Exams and many of the On-Site Sewage Facility Exams are administered by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). Review the TEEX webpage for the availability and locations of these specific exams.

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Exam Day Policy

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your exam time (unless otherwise specified by the Region).

The Following items are NOT allowed in the exam room:

  • hats/jackets (if items such as coats are necessary due to weather, they must be placed with the proctor);
  • sunglasses;
  • electronic equipment (cell phones, smart watches, pagers, two-way radios, all devices with a camera, etc.);
  • food or drinks (except for 8-hour exams); and
  • study guides/notes (with the exception of MSW A & B).

The Following items ARE allowed in the exam room:

  • non-programmable calculators;
  • number 2 pencils;
  • government photo issued ID;
  • confirmation of exam registration
  • failure/approval letters/approved application printout; and
  • only for MSW A and MSW B - study guides/notes.

Applicants shall be turned away before the examination begins if:

  • they do not have a government issued photo ID;
  • they are not on the exam pre-registration list; or
  • they refuse to leave prohibited items in their vehicle.

With the exception of "A" exams, there are NO lunch or restroom breaks allowed.

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Retaking an Exam

If an approved applicant fails the exam, they may retake the test a maximum of three times within one year of the application approval date. Retesting is possible as soon as an approved applicant receives a notice of failing the exam in the mail or by CBT, provided the testing center can accommodate the retest. After the fourth unsuccessful test in the one-year period, the applicant will need to submit a new application and fee.

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Special Accommodations for a Disability

If you have a disability and need special accommodations when you take a licensing exam, please fill out the special accommodations request form before you register for the exam. If preferred, you can email the form to us at the email below or mail it to the address on the form. Please include supporting documentation showing medical proof of the disability. Contact us in advance so we can make sure that we have the accommodations you need in place on the day of your exam. Contact TCEQ at 512-239-6133 or licenses@tceq.texas.gov.

Note: Do not register for your exam until you have been approved for your special accommodation request.

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