Licensed UST Professionals

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UST Licensing and Certification Program

The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Licensing and Certification Programs can be found in Chapter 567--134.18(455B) of the Iowa Administrative Code (see below). These rules require UST professionals to be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and ensures compliance with the technical requirements for UST systems.

UST-licensed professionals include installers, installation inspectors, compliance inspectors, cathodic protection inspectors, removers, testers (product lines, tanks and vapor recovery systems) and liners. Individuals who work with cathodic protection systems must be certified by NACE or STI and maintain that certification as well as maintain licensing requirements with the DNR. UST Professionals must be certified by the DNR’s UST Section in order to install new underground storage tank systems or to install technical upgrade existing regulated UST systems in Iowa.

1 - How Do I Become Licensed?

Submit to the UST Section an accurate and complete application and all the requested supplemental information. DNR reviews the application. If the applicant meets all of the qualifications for the requested category or categories, a letter is sent to the individual stating that he or she is eligible to take the Iowa Underground Storage Tank Installer/Inspector Certification Examination. If the applicant does not meet the qualifications, the application is denied and the applicant is notified of the denial. Applicants who received an eligibility notice must take the Iowa Storage Tank Installer / Inspector Certification Examination. The installer exam is scheduled through R&A Risk Professionals in Urbandale, IA by calling 515-334-3001. They will then send you a study guide and provide a schedule of exam dates. The applicant must achieve the minimum passing score for the exam which is 75 percent. Upon successfully passing the examination, the UST Section will issue a license to the applicant. A person cannot perform tank handling or inspection activities without being licensed. Applicants who passed the installer exam must first receive training before conducting installations, unless specified otherwise under rule. Training and testing is also required for installation inspectors, compliance inspectors and removers. View the UST Professional Bulletin Board webpage for information on upcoming courses.

One application form covers installers, installation inspectors, compliance inspectors, testers, cathodic protection testers, liners, and removers.  The same form covers license renewals.  Complete the application and submit it along with the licensing fee, updated information, and other requested materials to the address on the form. 


Any questions can be emailed to USTLicensing@dnr.iowa.gov.

2 - Renewal

UST and GWP professional license renewals operate on a biannual basis, with UST professional license renewals being due in even numbered years and Groundwater professionals due in odd numbered years.

UST professional licenses are up for renewal at the end of 2022. Renewal applications for both company and individual licenses are due by December 1, 2022 with a non-refundable $200 fee each. Renewal applications postmarked after December 1 and before December 31 will be accepted with an additional non-refundable $50 late fee per application. No renewal applications postmarked after January 1, 2023 will be accepted. For a list of what is all required in the renewal application, please view our UST professional licensing requirements.

There are 2 options for submitting a renewal application:

Invoices for payment will be sent out to the email address on the application with instructions on how to make the payment. Payments can be made via check, debit card and credit card.

Contact USTLicensing@dnr.iowa.gov with questions.

3 - Reciprocity

When a person is licensed in another state and applies for UST professional licensing in Iowa, qualifications specific to Iowa must be met. Installer, installation inspector, compliance inspector and remover require successful completion of the Iowa courses and exams. Requirements may be waived by the department depending on the course of instruction and examination, experience, knowledge of Iowa UST technical standards, professional standing, and licensing requirements of the states in which the applicant is licensed. It may still be necessary to successfully complete the Iowa exam in order to be licensed. Applicants who apply for the above licensing in Iowa must document current OSHA 40 hour HAZWOPER training. Cathodic protection testers, tank and line tightness testers, and liners who are licensed in other states and who meet the licensing requirements of 567-134, may apply for reciprocity in Iowa by completing the Iowa UST Professional application form and submitting it along with requested supporting documentation to the DNR UST Section. You will receive a letter from the department indicating the status of your licensing. If the applicant meets the requirements, the UST section will request the licensing fee of $200. 

4 - Licensed UST Professionals Lists

5 - Applications and Guides

6 - Other Resources