The four years of experience in the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems of a character satisfactory to the board should include site and soil assessment, hydraulics, topographic delineations, use of specialized treatment processes and devices, microbiology, and construction practices. The following criteria will be used in evaluating an applicant's experience record:

(1) Acceptable work experience shall be broad based and progressive in the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems. Work experience will be considered by the board based upon the verifications provided by the applicant, the level of independent judgments and decisions, and the demonstration of the ability to work within the regulatory structure. This experience must include, but shall not be limited to the following:

(a) Applying state and local health regulations;

(b) Exercising sound judgment when making independent decisions regarding the sciences and technologies of on-site wastewater treatment systems;

(c) Field identification and evaluation of soil types and site conditions;

(d) Conducting research; and

(e) Interacting with clients and the public in conformance with chapter 18.210 RCW.

(2) Of the four years of work experience required, education relevant to on-site wastewater treatment may be considered satisfactory experience up to a maximum of two years; the board will determine if the education credentials are satisfactory to award years of experience based on the following:

(a) Graduation from a baccalaureate or associate degree program which contains course work in the sciences and technologies of engineering and/or on-site wastewater treatment systems, as provided in RCW 18.210.100 may be awarded up to a maximum of two years of experience. Course work relevant to on-site wastewater systems includes soil science, geology, biology, mapping, site development and construction management.

(b) Completed college level course work without a degree will be evaluated by the board in deciding the equivalent years of experience.

(c) Documented seminars, industry training programs, and other educational or training programs specifically related to the science and technologies of on-site wastewater treatment systems will be evaluated by the board in deciding the equivalent years of experience.

Official transcripts and/or other official educational documents must be sent to the board's office for review and approval to count towards experience.

(3) On-site wastewater related teaching may be considered satisfactory experience up to a maximum of one year at the discretion of the board.

(4) Working for a local health jurisdiction as a certificate of competency holder may count towards a portion of the required experience, at the discretion of the board.

(5) All work experience gained must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed designer or professional engineer as per chapter 18.210 RCW or as approved by the board.