MassDEP UST Third-Party Inspector Certification & Renewal

Next steps

1. What to Know

   The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Underground Storage Tank (UST) Third-Party Inspector (TPI) Certification Program ensures that those responsible for inspecting UST systems have the necessary qualifications and experience.

2. Meet Minimum Eligibility Criteria

   To qualify for MassDEP certification as a UST Third-Party Inspector, you must document that you:

   • Have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of UST installation and/or operation and maintenance. (you may substitute a bachelor's or associate's degree in science or engineering for two (2) years of experience); and
   • Either (1) assisted a registered/certified third-party inspector perform at least ten inspections within the past three years, or (2) hold a third-party inspector certification from another state and have performed a minimum of ten third-party inspections in that state within the past three years.

3. Take & Pass the MassDEP Exam

   Note: This step needs to be taken for initial certification only. If you are renewing an existing certification, you may skip to Step 4.

   Visit this web site and follow the prompts to register, pay the exam fee of $75, and take your exam.

   • If you are a new user, you will need to create an account first.
   • Exams are available online 24 hours a day and are "open book," but must be completed in one sitting and within the allotted running time.
   • Computer support is available at all times.
   • Your results will be displayed immediately after you answer the last question or run out of time. 
   • MassDEP will receive your results from the exam vendor. 
   • This exam is based on MassDEP regulations at 310 CMR 80.00.

   Open PDF file, 654.24 KB,  310 CMR 80.00: Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems (English, PDF 654.24 KB)

   REGISTER or LOGIN: UST Third-Party Inspector Exam 

4. Document & Submit Your Credentials

   Complete the form below and email it as an attachment, along with your test scores (for initial certification) and other required documentation to: dep.ust@mass.gov

   You may fill out and save the Microsoft Word form on your computer. The PDF version has to be printed out and completed by hand.

   Open DOCX file, 44.42 KB,  Form UST/TPI: Third-Party Inspector Certification or Renewal (English, DOCX 44.42 KB)

   Open PDF file, 111.38 KB,  Form UST/TPI: Third-Party Inspector Certification or Renewal (English, PDF 111.38 KB)

5. Maintain Your Certification

   Once MassDEP issues you a TPI Certification:

   • Your certification belongs to you, not to your employer.
   • You will be required to attend annual training per 310 80.49(4)(d)(1).
   • You must perform inspections according to the provisions of 310 CMR 80.48(10) and 310 CMR 80.49.
   • You must renew your certification every three years.

   Open PDF file, 654.24 KB,  310 CMR 80.00: Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems (English, PDF 654.24 KB)

6. Renew Your Certification

   • 90 days before your certification is due to expire Complete the Renewal section of the TPI Application (Word form or PDF form).
   • Attach the necessary documentation for your 3 annual trainings and 6 TPIR submittals.
   • Renewal Applications can be submitted every 3 years provided you have the required documentation.
   • Submit the Renewal Package to: dep.ust@mass.gov