BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Syllabus 2024 – Ontario Building Code Study Guide
Preparing for the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam 2024 in Ontario? Understanding the official examination syllabus is one of the most important steps toward successful preparation.
Many candidates assume the exam focuses only on septic tanks and leaching beds. However, the examination covers much more, including sewage system design, soil conditions, daily sewage flow calculations, setbacks, installation requirements, maintenance, and applicable administrative provisions.
The examination is based on selected requirements of the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC), with Division B, Part 8 – Sewage Systems forming a major component of the syllabus.
Whether you are a designer, building inspector, or septic system installer preparing for the examination, this guide will help you understand what to study, how to organize your preparation, and which technical concepts deserve particular attention.
BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam 2024 – Quick Overview
Before reviewing the syllabus, it is helpful to understand the examination format.
Exam Detail | Information |
Examination | On-Site Sewage Systems |
Building Code edition | 2024 Ontario Building Code |
Number of questions | 70 multiple-choice questions |
Examination duration | 3 hours |
Passing score | 70% (49 correct answers) |
Examination format | Open-book |
Main technical focus | Division B, Part 8 – Sewage Systems |
Examination administrator | Humber Polytechnic |
Each question offers four possible answers, and candidates must select the best answer.
Because the examination is open-book, success depends not only on technical knowledge but also on your ability to locate, interpret, and apply the correct Ontario Building Code provisions efficiently.
Official BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Syllabus 2024
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing publishes the official syllabus identifying which Building Code requirements may be covered in the examination.
The syllabus includes requirements from:
Division A – Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements
Division B – Acceptable Solutions, including Part 8 – Sewage Systems
Division C – Administrative Provisions
Supplementary Standards, including provisions related to sewage treatment and soil conditions
Important: The official syllabus identifies specific Sections, Articles, Sentences, and exclusions. Candidates should follow these references carefully rather than assuming that every Building Code provision is part of the examination.
Complete Official On-Site Sewage Systems Syllabus
The exam covers the following sections of the Building Code.
Division A – Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements, as follows:
Part 1 – Compliance and General:
except 1.3.3.1A. Application of Part 2
except 1.3.3.4. Building Size Determination
except 1.3.3.5. Designated Structures
Part 2 – Objectives
Part 3 – Functional Statements
Division B – Acceptable Solutions, as follows:
Part 1 – General, only:
1.1. General, only:
1.1.1. Application
1.3. Referenced Documents and Organizations
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility, only:
3.1. General, only:
3.1.17.1. Occupant Load Determination
3.1.19. Drainage and Grades
3.7. Health Requirements, only:
3.7.4.1. Plumbing and Drainage Systems
3.7.4.5. Plumbing Facilities for Dwelling Units
3.9. Portable Classrooms, only:
3.9.3.8. Washroom Facilities
3.10. Self-Service Storage Buildings, only:
3.10.2.7. Sanitary Facilities
3.11. Public Pools, only:
3.11.9.1.(1) Dressing Rooms and Sanitary Facilities
3.11.9.1.(2) Dressing Rooms and Sanitary Facilities
3.11.9.1.(3) Dressing Rooms and Sanitary Facilities
3.14. Tents and Air-Supported Structures, only:
3.14.1.8. Sanitary Facilities
3.18. Additional Requirements for Existing Buildings
Part 4 – Structural Design, only:
4.2. Foundations, only:
4.2.5.1. Design of Excavations
4.2.5.2. Excavation Construction
4.2.5.5. Control of Water Around Excavations
4.2.5.7. Protection and Maintenance at Excavations
4.2.5.8. Backfilling
Part 7 – Plumbing, only:
7.1. General, only:
7.1.1B.2.(1) Floor Drains
7.1.1B.2.(2) Floor Drains
7.1.2.1. Sanitary Drainage Systems
7.1.2.3. Water Distribution Systems
7.1.2.5. Private Sewers and Private Water Supply
7.2. Materials and Equipment, only:
7.2.1.1. Exposure of Materials
7.2.5.9. Plastic Pipe, Fittings and Solvent Cement Used Underground
7.3. Piping, only:
7.3.5.1. Protection of Piping
7.3.5.3. Protection Against Freezing
7.3.5.6. Spatial Separation
7.4. Drainage Systems, only:
7.4.3.5. Macerating Toilet System
7.4.4.1. Sewage Treatment
7.4.4.3. Interceptors
7.4.5.3. Connection of Subsoil Drainage Pipe to a Sanitary Drainage System
7.4.6.3.(1) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(2) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(3) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(4) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(5) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(6) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(7) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.6.3.(8) Sumps or Tanks
7.4.7.1.(1) Cleanouts for Drainage Systems
7.4.7.1.(5) Cleanouts for Drainage Systems
7.4.7.1.(6) Cleanouts for Drainage Systems
7.4.7.2.(1) Size and Spacing of Cleanouts
7.4.7.2.(5) Size and Spacing of Cleanouts
7.4.7.4.(1) Location of Cleanouts
7.4.7.4.(4) Location of Cleanouts
7.4.8.1. Minimum Slope
Table 7.4.9.3., Minimum Permitted Size of Fixture Outlet Pipe and Hydraulic Loads for Fixtures
7.4.10.2. Hydraulic Loads for Fixtures
Part 8 – Sewage Systems
Part 9 – Housing and Small Buildings, only:
9.1. General, only:
9.1.1.1. Application
9.12. Excavation, only:
9.12.1. General:
except 9.12.1.1.(2) Removal of Topsoil and Organic Matter
9.14. Drainage, only:
9.14.1.1. Application
9.14.6.1. Surface Drainage
9.14.6.2. Drainage away from Wells or Septic Disposal Beds
9.41. Additional Requirements for Change of Use
Part 11 – Renovation, only:
11.5. Compliance Alternatives, including Compliance Alternatives listed in Tables
Tables 11.5.1.1.-A., 11.5.1.1.-B., 11.5.1.1.-C, 11.5.1.1.-D/E and 11.5.1.1.-F which cross-reference requirements in the remainder of the “Sewage Systems” syllabus.
Division C – Administrative Provisions, as follows:
Part 1 – General, only:
1.1. Application
1.2. Design and General Review, only:
1.2.2.1.(2) General Review by Architect or Professional Engineer
1.2.2.1.(3) General Review by Architect or Professional Engineer
1.3. Permits and Inspections, only:
1.3.1.1. Requirement for Permits
1.3.1.3. Period Within Which a Permit is Issued or Refused
1.3.1.4.(1) Permits Under Section 10 of the Act
1.3.2. Site Documents
1.3.3. Occupancy of Buildings
1.3.5. Notices and Inspections
1.3.6. As Constructed Plans
1.7. Enforcement of the Provisions of the Act and this Code Related to Sewage Systems
1.10. Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Programs
Part 2 – Alternative Solutions, Disputes, Rulings and Interpretations, only:
2.1. Alternative Solutions
2.4. Rulings and Interpretations
Supplementary Standards
The following Supplementary Standards may be covered in the exam:
Supplementary Standard SA-1 – Objectives and Functional Statements Attributed to the Acceptable Solutions
Supplementary Standard SB-5 – Approved Sewage Treatment Units
Supplementary Standard SB-6 – Percolation Time and Soil Descriptions
Official source: Ontario Government – On-Site Sewage Systems Syllabus (2024)
What Should You Study for the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam?
Although the complete syllabus includes several Code divisions, the following topics provide a practical starting point for organizing your preparation.
1. Division B, Part 8 – Sewage Systems
Part 8 is the central technical component of the examination.
It addresses the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of on-site sewage systems.
Candidates should become comfortable with the requirements relating to:
Classification of sewage systems
Daily design sanitary sewage flows
Site evaluation and soil conditions
Location and clearance requirements
Sewage treatment and holding tanks
Leaching beds and effluent distribution
Construction and installation requirements
Operation and maintenance
Understanding how these requirements work together is particularly important.
For example, a proposed septic system cannot be evaluated based only on its tank size. The design must also account for sewage flow, soil characteristics, available land, applicable clearances, and the selected disposal system.
Study tip: When reviewing Part 8, try to understand the purpose of each requirement rather than memorizing numbers without context.
2. Understanding the Five Classes of Sewage Systems
A useful starting point is understanding how Ontario classifies sewage systems.
Under Division B, Article 8.1.2.1., sewage systems are divided into five classes.
System Class | Description |
Class 1 | Chemical toilets, incinerating toilets, portable toilets, privies and similar systems |
Class 2 | Greywater systems |
Class 3 | Cesspools |
Class 4 | Leaching bed systems |
Class 5 | Holding tank systems for sewage collected and hauled away |
These classifications matter because the applicable design and construction requirements depend on the type of system.
For example, a Class 2 greywater system is not governed by exactly the same design requirements as a Class 4 leaching bed system.
Code Reference: Division B, Article 8.1.2.1. – Classification of Systems.
3. Daily Design Sewage Flow Calculations
One of the most useful skills to develop is determining the applicable daily design sewage flow.
The required design flow can depend on several factors, including the building's occupancy, use, and characteristics.
Candidates should understand how to:
Identify the appropriate design-flow table
Distinguish residential from other occupancies
Recognize when more than one establishment must be considered
Determine which design-flow requirements apply to a given scenario
Select the correct values and units for a calculation
Practical example:
A property contains a residential building and another establishment that will be served by the same sewage system.
Instead of assuming that the residential flow alone determines the design capacity, the designer must assess the applicable requirements for each establishment.
Article 8.2.1.3. addresses sewage system design flows, including the treatment of buildings containing more than one establishment.
Exam strategy: Read the complete scenario before selecting a table. A question may provide multiple building uses, and the correct design approach can depend on all of them.
4. Soil Conditions and Percolation Time
Soil conditions play an important role in on-site sewage system design.
The suitability of a particular design depends partly on the characteristics of the soil and how wastewater moves through it.
One important concept is percolation time, commonly represented by the letter T.
Candidates should become familiar with:
The meaning of percolation time
How soil descriptions relate to design considerations
The role of soil conditions in selecting a sewage system
How applicable Code tables use percolation time
How soil conditions can affect leaching bed design
Why does this matter?
Two properties may have identical houses and similar estimated sewage flows, but different soil conditions can lead to different sewage system design requirements.
This is why sewage system design should not be based on the building size alone.
Study tip: Review the relevant Part 8 provisions alongside Supplementary Standard SB-6 – Percolation Time and Soil Descriptions.
5. Septic Tanks, Leaching Beds and Setback Requirements
A sewage system must be designed with consideration for the site where it will be installed.
Depending on the system and applicable Code requirements, design considerations may include proximity to:
Property boundaries
Buildings and foundations
Wells and water sources
Watercourses and other environmental features
Other sewage system components
Students should understand how to identify the correct separation requirements for the specific component being considered.
For example, a septic tank and a leaching bed may be subject to different clearance requirements.
Do not assume that one setback distance applies to an entire sewage system.
Relevant Code References: Division B, Section 8.2 – Design Standards, and Section 8.7 – Leaching Beds.
6. Plumbing and Drainage Requirements – Part 7
The official On-Site Sewage Systems syllabus also includes selected provisions from Division B, Part 7 – Plumbing.
These requirements are important because sewage systems receive wastewater through drainage and piping systems.
Study the listed provisions relating to:
Sanitary drainage systems
Protection of piping
Underground pipe materials
Drainage pipe slopes
Cleanouts and access for maintenance
Hydraulic loads from plumbing fixtures
Practical scenario:
A drainage pipe connects a building to an on-site sewage system.
The designer must evaluate the relevant plumbing provisions rather than relying only on the sewage system design requirements under Part 8.
This is a good example of why understanding the relationship between different Building Code sections matters.
7. Renovations, Permits and Inspections
The examination syllabus is not limited to new sewage system installations.
It also includes selected requirements related to existing buildings, renovations, permits, inspections, and administrative procedures.
Relevant material includes:
Division B, Part 11 – Renovation, specifically the listed compliance alternatives
Division C, Part 1 – Administrative Provisions
Applicable permit and inspection requirements
Sewage system maintenance inspection programs
Candidates should understand where to locate the applicable requirements when a scenario involves an existing system, building alteration, or approval process.
Practical Example: Class 2 Greywater System Calculation
Understanding how to apply the Building Code to a calculation is more useful than simply memorizing a formula.
Consider the following example.
Scenario:
A proposed Class 2 greywater system will receive wastewater from fixtures with a combined hydraulic load of four fixture units.
The building has a pressurized water supply.
Under Article 8.4.1.2., the daily design flow for this type of system is calculated using 200 L per fixture unit where pressurized water is available.
Step 1 – Identify the hydraulic load
Total fixture units = 4
Step 2 – Apply the applicable design flow
Daily design greywater flow = 4 × 200 L
Step 3 – Calculate the result
Daily design flow = 800 L/day
Step 4 – Check the applicable system limitation
Article 8.4.2.2. specifies a maximum daily design greywater flow of 1,000 L/day for a Class 2 system.
The calculated 800 L/day does not exceed that particular limit.
However, satisfying the flow limitation alone does not establish that the complete system complies. Other applicable site, soil, clearance, and construction requirements must also be checked.
What should students learn from this example?
A good Building Code calculation involves identifying the correct system class, selecting the applicable provision, calculating the result, and confirming all relevant limitations.
Code References: Division B, Articles 8.4.1.2. and 8.4.2.2.
How to Prepare for the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam
A structured preparation plan can help candidates avoid spending too much time on unrelated material.
Week 1 – Understand the Syllabus and Building Code Structure
Begin by reviewing the official examination syllabus and identifying the listed Code requirements.
Focus on:
Division A requirements
Part 8 structure
Sewage system classifications
General application and design provisions
Your objective during the first week is to understand where information is located.
Week 2 – Focus on Part 8 Technical Requirements
Review the principal design and construction requirements.
Concentrate on sewage flows, soil conditions, tanks, leaching beds, clearances, and installation requirements.
Work through practical examples and identify the applicable references for each problem.
Week 3 – Cover Related Code Requirements
Study the selected requirements from Parts 3, 4, 7, 9 and 11, along with the applicable administrative provisions in Division C.
Review the supplementary standards identified in the official syllabus.
Pay particular attention to questions requiring you to move between different Parts of the Code.
Week 4 – Practise and Review
Use this week to reinforce your understanding.
Practise:
Locating Code provisions quickly
Interpreting technical scenarios
Solving design calculations
Using applicable tables
Managing time during practice examinations
Review every incorrect answer and return to the corresponding Code requirement.
This four-week schedule is a suggested starting point. Candidates who are new to septic system design or the Ontario Building Code may need additional preparation time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During BCIN Sewage Systems Exam Preparation
Mistake 1 – Studying only Part 8
Part 8 is the main technical focus, but the official syllabus includes additional provisions from other Building Code Parts and Divisions.
Mistake 2 – Memorizing setbacks without understanding the system
Different sewage system components may have different clearance requirements. Always identify the relevant component and applicable Code provision.
Mistake 3 – Ignoring the supplementary standards
The syllabus identifies additional standards that may be relevant to examination questions. Review their current applicability alongside the Code.
Mistake 4 – Using the wrong design-flow requirements
A calculation can be incorrect even when the arithmetic is perfect. Selecting the right occupancy, system type, and applicable table is essential.
Mistake 5 – Spending too long searching during the exam
With 70 questions and 180 minutes available, candidates have approximately 2 minutes and 34 seconds per question on average.
Practising Code navigation before the exam can make a significant difference to time management.
How to Organize Your Ontario Building Code for the BCIN Sewage Systems Exam
The BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems examination is open-book, but knowing where to find information can be just as important as understanding the technical requirements.
If you are using the printed Ontario Building Code Compendium, consider organizing the relevant sections with clearly labelled tabs.
Tab | Building Code Reference | Main Focus |
1 | Division B, Part 8 | Sewage systems |
2 | Division B, Part 7 | Plumbing and drainage |
3 | Division B, Part 9 | Applicable excavation and drainage provisions |
4 | Division B, Part 11 | Renovation compliance alternatives |
5 | Division C, Parts 1 and 2 | Applicable administrative provisions |
6 | Supplementary Standard SB-6 | Percolation time and soil descriptions |
Study strategy: Practise locating provisions through the table of contents and section headings before relying on keyword searching.
Candidates using hard-copy materials should review Humber Polytechnic's permitted-materials rules regarding tabs, highlighting and annotations.
Candidates using a digital Code should confirm which electronic materials are permitted for their examination. Do not assume that your own PDF or other digital files may be used during the exam.
How to Register for the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam in Ontario
Once you are ready to write the examination, you can register through Humber Polytechnic, which administers Ontario Building Code examinations.
Step 1 – Obtain your BCIN
You need an individual Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) before registering for an examination.
Step 2 – Choose your examination
Visit Humber Polytechnic's Ontario Building Code Examination website and select the On-Site Sewage Systems examination.
Step 3 – Select your examination date
Choose an available examination session and location or an eligible online examination option. Humber requires registration at least 14 calendar days before the examination.
Step 4 – Complete your registration
Pay the examination fee and retain your official registration receipt. Review Humber's identification and examination-day requirements.
Important: Since March 30, 2026, Ontario Building Code examinations have been based on the 2024 Building Code. Prepare using the official 2024 syllabus rather than an outdated 2012 examination guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam
1. Is the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems exam difficult?
The difficulty depends on your experience with the Ontario Building Code and on-site sewage system design.
Candidates familiar with septic system installations may already understand many practical concepts, but they still need to locate and apply the applicable Code requirements.
Candidates without prior experience may need more time to understand system classifications, soil conditions, design flows, and technical calculations.
2. Is the On-Site Sewage Systems BCIN exam open-book?
Yes. Ontario Building Code examinations are open-book.
However, open-book does not mean every answer will be immediately obvious.
Candidates must identify the correct provisions, interpret the requirements, and complete the examination within the permitted time.
Practise with the same Code format you intend to use during the actual examination.
3. What is the passing score for the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems exam?
The examination consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, and the passing requirement is 70%.
This means candidates must answer at least 49 questions correctly.
The examination duration is three hours.
4. Do I need to pass a Legal/Process exam to become an on-site sewage system installer?
Ontario distinguishes between qualification requirements for different building practitioners.
For an on-site sewage system installer or sewage supervisor, Ontario identifies the On-Site Sewage Systems technical examination as the required examination, without a separate Legal/Process examination requirement for that role.
Other qualification and registration requirements still apply.
Designers and building officials may be subject to different examination and registration requirements.
For details, visit Ontario – Become a Registered Building Practitioner.
5. Does the On-Site Sewage Systems exam include calculations?
Candidates should prepare to apply the calculation-related requirements contained in the official syllabus.
Useful practice areas include daily design sewage flows, hydraulic loads, and applicable sewage system sizing and design provisions.
The important skill is identifying the correct requirement and applying it to the conditions described in the question.
6. Is the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems exam the same as the House exam?
No.
Both examinations relate to the Ontario Building Code, but they have different syllabi and technical focuses.
The House examination concentrates on the applicable building requirements for houses, while the On-Site Sewage Systems examination focuses on sewage systems and selected related requirements.
Candidates should follow the official syllabus for the specific examination they intend to write.
7. Can I prepare for the BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems exam without taking a course?
Yes. Candidates can prepare independently using the official examination syllabus and applicable Ontario Building Code materials.
A practical preparation method is to review the syllabus, study each relevant Code provision, solve example problems, and test your ability to locate information efficiently.
Structured training and practice questions may be helpful, particularly for candidates unfamiliar with the Code or technical design calculations.
8. Where can I find the official BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems syllabus?
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing publishes the official syllabus on its website.
You can review it here:
Always use the current official syllabus when planning your preparation.
Final Thoughts – How to Prepare Successfully
The BCIN On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Syllabus 2024 provides a clear framework for understanding which Ontario Building Code provisions candidates need to study.
Rather than trying to memorize the entire Code, concentrate on the requirements included in the syllabus and develop the ability to apply them to realistic scenarios.
Focus on understanding sewage system classifications, design flow calculations, soil conditions, leaching beds, drainage provisions, and applicable permit and inspection requirements.
Most importantly, practise finding the correct information in the Code.
At Stonewood BCIN Academy, we believe that effective BCIN exam preparation should help students understand the Code, improve problem-solving skills, and become confident navigating technical requirements.
If you are preparing for other Ontario Building Code examinations, explore our available practice exams and study resources.
Official Sources:
This article is an independent educational guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Ontario government or Humber Polytechnic. The official syllabus and applicable Building Code provisions should be consulted for authoritative requirements.
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