Certification

Anyone who installs, alters, or removes an underground storage tank, must be certified by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. There are two types of certification. One certification is to install, alter, AND remove underground storage tanks and the other type of certification is to just remove (permanently close) underground storage tanks.
Certification requirements are as follows:

Certification to Install, Alter, and Remove USTs
    (1) Eight-hour MDEQ approved certification closure course.
    (1) Eight-hour MDEQ approved certification installation course.

    Make a score of     75 or greater on the MDEQ both tests (install/alter and closure).
    Provide     proof of financial responsibility if you are installing, altering, or removing tanks that are not owned by you or your employer.*
    Provide a letter from your employer (unless you own your company) on company letterhead stationery stating that you are a full-time employee of the company.

    *You must provide proof of financial responsibility in the form of insurance. Your company or employer's company must have at least $50,000 of contractor's general liability insurance. You must submit to this office a Certificate of Insurance showing that your company has at least $50,000 of contractor's general liability insurance. The certificate must have the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) as the certificate holder AND include a 30-day cancellation notice.
Certification to Remove USTs
    (1) Eight-hour MDEQ approved certification closure course.

    Make a score of 75 or greater on the MDEQ closure test.
    Provide     proof of financial responsibility if you are installing, altering, or removing tanks that are not owned by you or your employer.*
    Provide a letter from your employer (unless you own your company) on company letterhead stationary stating that you are a full-time employee of the company.

    *You must provide proof of financial responsibility in the form of insurance. Your company or employer's company must have at least $50,000 of contractor's general liability insurance. You must submit to this office a Certificate of Insurance showing that your company has at least $50,000 of contractor's general liability insurance. The certificate must have the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) as the certificate holder AND include a 30-day cancellation notice.
Certification Course Providers
  • Hinds Community College (601) 857-3718
    Contact - Terry Baum
  • Petcon, Inc. (601) 939-7311
    Contact - Alex Ralston
Here is a List of Approved Certification Courses and the dates/places that they will be offered. Be sure to register with the Course Provider and to confirm the dates and times with the course provider.

Certification Information


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Show details for Study Packet: Permanent Closure of USTs ExamStudy Packet: Permanent Closure of USTs Exam
Show details for Study Packet: Installation and Alteration of USTs ExamStudy Packet: Installation and Alteration of USTs Exam

Certification Test

    The closure test and the installation/alteration test are administered at the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, 515 East Amite Street, Jackson, MS. The tests are administered weekly. There is NO fee for the taking the test. Contact Jessica Power to schedule a time to be tested.
Certification Fees

    The Department of Environmental Quality currently does not charge fees for certification licensing or testing. However the course providers, private companies, do charge a fee for each course. Contact the course providers for applicable charges.
Certification Reciprocity

    The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality does not have reciprocity with any other state.
Frequently Asked Questions

    Does a MDEQ certified person have to be on site in a supervisory capacity to:

    Q. Test an automatic line leak detector (ALLD)?
    A. No, unless testing requires removal/installation of an ALLD.

    Q. Install a drop tube?
    A. Yes.

    Q. Install automatic line leak detectors?
    A. Yes.

    Q. Install spill and overfill prevention devices?
    A. Yes.

    Q. Perform a precision tank tightness test?
    A. No. However, if you must remove a drop tube which is an overfill prevention device to perform the test, then yes you must be certified by MDEQ.

    Q. Perform a precision line tightness test?
    A. No. However, if you must remove an automatic line leak detector, then yes you must be certified by MDEQ.

    Install/alter/test automatic tank gauging systems?
    A. No.

    Anchor shear valves?
    A. Yes

    Q. Install impressed current/cathodic protection systems?
    A. No, unless bonds are made with thermal-weld type equipment.
    NOTE: The system must be designed by a corrosion expert.

    Q. Line a tank?
    A. Yes.

    Q. Remove/install/repair submersible pumps?
    A. Yes.

    Q. Is there a charge to take the certification test(s)?
    A. No.

    Q. Is there a charge for licensure?
    A. No.

    Q. The license is issued for what period of time?
    A. Two years.

    Q. What must I do to renew my license?
    A. You must complete MDEQ approved continuing course work (an 8-hour closure course for closure certification; and an 8-hour closure course and an 8-hour installation course for certification to install, alter, and remove USTs) during your two year certification period. Before your certification expires, you must submit a certification renewal form to this office along with a copy of applicable course completion certificates and proof of financial responsibility where applicable.

    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. See Directions.

    Q. If I have a question about certification to work on USTs in Mississippi, whom should I contact?
    A. Contact Jessica Power.