MassDEP UST Third-Party Inspector Certification

Next steps for MassDEP UST Third-Party Inspector Certification

1. Important Note

   Certification of UST Third-Party Inspectors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
   There are no third-party inspector renewal deadlines until December 2021. If MassDEP receives applications for renewals or new TPI applications in the meantime, the agency will process them as usual. Questions? Email: thomas.denormandie@mass.gov Learn more about other professional certification and licensure deadlines that have been extended due to the public health emergency.

2. 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.

   Qualified individuals are certified for five years and need to apply for renewal at least 90 days before their current certifications expire. 

3. 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.

4. Take & Pass the MassDEP Exam

   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 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 the MassDEP regulations.

   Open PDF file, 588.54 KB, for 310 CMR 80.00: Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems (PDF 588.54 KB)

   REGISTER or LOGIN: UST Third-Party Inspector Exam 

5. Document & Submit Your Credentials

   Complete the form below and email it as an attachment, along with your test scores and other required documentation to: dep.ust@state.ma.us

   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 DOC file, 71.5 KB, for Form UST/TPIN: New Third-Party Inspector Certification (DOC 71.5 KB)

   Open PDF file, 136.47 KB, for Form UST/TPIN: New Third-Party Inspector Certification (PDF 136.47 KB)

6. 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 MassDEP-sponsored annual training.
   • 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 five years.

   Open PDF file, 588.54 KB, for 310 CMR 80.00: Underground Storage Tank (UST) Systems (PDF 588.54 KB)