Does Your State Have the Right Tools to License Underground Utility Contractors?

Contractors who install water mains, sanitary sewer collection systems, and storm drainage infrastructure perform some of the most critical work in the built environment. Correct installation of water and sewer pipelines can improve job efficiency, reduce potential pipeline problems, help ensure maximum system longevity and performance, as well as protect public health and safety.

We’d like to ask a question to NASCLA’s member agencies: Does your state have a dedicated license classification for this work — and if so, what reference materials support your exam content?

A Trusted Technical Resource

The PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) — a non-profit organization representing North American PVC pipe manufacturers — publishes the Contractor’s Guide for Installation of Gasketed PVC Water and Sewer Pipe. The collaborative result of thousands of hours of research and review, the Contractor's Guide provides preferred methods of installation based on field experience, published reports, and other industry sources. It is the most concise and authoritative resource available for the installation of gasketed-joint PVC water and sewer pipes and fittings.

A Starting Point for Exam Development

Many states — like Florida, which licenses Underground Utility and Excavation Contractors through its Department of Business and Professional Regulation — have established classifications for this work. Others may be developing or revisiting them.

When a state agency adopts a technical reference as the basis for an exam, they give contractors a clear path forward for the work that they do and give testing providers (like PSI or Prov) defensible, industry-grounded content for their exam questions. The Contractor’s Guide is designed to serve exactly these purposes.

Questions for Your Agency

• Do your state license contractors who install water distribution, sanitary sewer, or storm collection systems operate under a dedicated classification?

• Are your current exam references up to date with modern installation methods and standards?

• If you’re building or refining this classification, would an established industry resource support your exam development?

PVCPA’s goal is simple: ensure contractors installing gasketed PVC piping systems are tested against the best available guidance. If your agency has a dedicated license classification for underground utility contractors or is working to revise or develop one and would like to learn more about the Contractor’s Guide, we’d welcome the conversation.

About PVCPA: The PVC Pipe Association is a non-profit trade association representing North American PVC pipe manufacturers for water, sewer, and irrigation applications. The Association publishes technical publications, sponsors research, and recommends standards on PVC piping systems which are recognized throughout the world. Learn more at www.pvcpipe.org