Effective October 1, 2026, ASTTBC is updating the application requirements for individuals applying for registration as a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP), Planner (PL), through the practical experience and competency assessment pathway.

The changes are intended to maintain competency-based assessment standards while providing greater flexibility for applicants who may not have practical experience with every required system type.

What’s changing?

Applicants will now be required to submit three (3) project files that collectively demonstrate competency in:

  • one pressurized sand mound system;
  • one pressurized non-sand mound system; and
  • one non-pressurized system.

At least one of the three project files must be actual/practical onsite wastewater system that has been installed. All work on actual systems must be completed under supervision of Authorized Persons.  Actual systems must have been designed by the applicant and include all steps from site survey and soil sampling to construction review and commissioning of the system.

Applicants who cannot provide actual/practical examples for all three required system types may use ASTTBC case studies to satisfy the remaining project file requirements.

Case studies

Case studies will form part of the application assessment process and will only be administered once the applicant’s practical project submission has been reviewed and determined to have demonstrated the required competencies.

Applicants will have two weeks to complete and submit any assigned case studies.

These changes apply to applications received on or after October 1, 2026.

Questions about the updated application requirements can be directed to registrations@asttbc.org.