SC Environmental Compliance Inspector
Certification Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
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SC ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR EXAM (QUESTIONS 1–75)
SECTION 1: SOUTH CAROLINA LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
1. The South Carolina Environmental Certification Board derives its statutory
authority from which sections of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws?
• A. Sections 40-1-70, 40-23-60, 40-23-70, and 40-23-305
• B. Sections 48-1-100 and 48-1-110
• C. Sections 40-23-230 and 40-23-240
• D. Sections 61-43 and 61-82
Answer: A. Sections 40-1-70, 40-23-60, 40-23-70, and 40-23-305
Rationale: The South Carolina Environmental Certification Board operates under
authority granted by multiple code sections, including Sections 40-1-70, 40-23-60,
40-23-70, and 40-23-305 of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws. These sections
establish the board's powers and duties.
2. How long is an application for initial certification valid with the South Carolina
Environmental Certification Board before it expires?
• A. 6 months
, • B. 12 months
• C. 18 months
• D. 24 months
Answer: B. 12 months
Rationale: An application for initial certification that is not completed by the
applicant within twelve (12) months of receipt by the board shall expire, requiring
a new application and fee.
3. What is the minimum experience requirement for a "D" physical/chemical
wastewater treatment plant operator license in South Carolina?
• A. Six months of actual operating experience
• B. One year of actual operating experience
• C. Two years of actual operating experience
• D. Three years of actual operating experience
Answer: B. One year of actual operating experience
Rationale: South Carolina regulations require that a "D" level operator have
completed at least one (1) year of actual operating experience at a
physical/chemical wastewater facility, hold a valid "Trainee" License, have a high
school diploma or equivalent, and pass the board-approved examination.
4. According to South Carolina law, what is the definition of "direct
responsibility" for a Professional Engineer?
• A. Occasional consultation by phone
• B. A clear-cut personal connection marked by firsthand knowledge and
direct control
• C. A written agreement signed annually
• D. Delegation of all responsibility to the technician
, Answer: B. A clear-cut personal connection marked by firsthand knowledge and
direct control
Rationale: South Carolina Code of Laws Section 40-22-20(9) defines direct
responsibility as a clear-cut personal connection to the project or employee
supervised, marked by firsthand knowledge and direct control and assumption of
professional responsibility for the work.
5. The South Carolina Pollution Control Act (PCA) establishes which agency as
the state's environmental authority?
• A. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
• B. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• C. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• D. South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Answer: A. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Rationale: The SC Pollution Control Act establishes the Department of
Environmental Services as the state agency responsible for environmental matters,
empowering it to hold hearings, promulgate regulations, require permits, conduct
monitoring, and take enforcement actions.
6. Under Section 48-1-100 of the SC Pollution Control Act, what is required
before sewage or other waste may be discharged?
• A. A written notice to the local government
• B. A permit from the Department of Environmental Services
• C. A public hearing
• D. An environmental impact statement
Answer: B. A permit from the Department of Environmental Services
Rationale: Section 48-1-100 of the PCA requires a permit from the Department
before sewage or other waste may be discharged to the environment of the State.
Certification Exam Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
SC ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTOR EXAM (QUESTIONS 1–75)
SECTION 1: SOUTH CAROLINA LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
1. The South Carolina Environmental Certification Board derives its statutory
authority from which sections of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws?
• A. Sections 40-1-70, 40-23-60, 40-23-70, and 40-23-305
• B. Sections 48-1-100 and 48-1-110
• C. Sections 40-23-230 and 40-23-240
• D. Sections 61-43 and 61-82
Answer: A. Sections 40-1-70, 40-23-60, 40-23-70, and 40-23-305
Rationale: The South Carolina Environmental Certification Board operates under
authority granted by multiple code sections, including Sections 40-1-70, 40-23-60,
40-23-70, and 40-23-305 of the 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws. These sections
establish the board's powers and duties.
2. How long is an application for initial certification valid with the South Carolina
Environmental Certification Board before it expires?
• A. 6 months
, • B. 12 months
• C. 18 months
• D. 24 months
Answer: B. 12 months
Rationale: An application for initial certification that is not completed by the
applicant within twelve (12) months of receipt by the board shall expire, requiring
a new application and fee.
3. What is the minimum experience requirement for a "D" physical/chemical
wastewater treatment plant operator license in South Carolina?
• A. Six months of actual operating experience
• B. One year of actual operating experience
• C. Two years of actual operating experience
• D. Three years of actual operating experience
Answer: B. One year of actual operating experience
Rationale: South Carolina regulations require that a "D" level operator have
completed at least one (1) year of actual operating experience at a
physical/chemical wastewater facility, hold a valid "Trainee" License, have a high
school diploma or equivalent, and pass the board-approved examination.
4. According to South Carolina law, what is the definition of "direct
responsibility" for a Professional Engineer?
• A. Occasional consultation by phone
• B. A clear-cut personal connection marked by firsthand knowledge and
direct control
• C. A written agreement signed annually
• D. Delegation of all responsibility to the technician
, Answer: B. A clear-cut personal connection marked by firsthand knowledge and
direct control
Rationale: South Carolina Code of Laws Section 40-22-20(9) defines direct
responsibility as a clear-cut personal connection to the project or employee
supervised, marked by firsthand knowledge and direct control and assumption of
professional responsibility for the work.
5. The South Carolina Pollution Control Act (PCA) establishes which agency as
the state's environmental authority?
• A. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
• B. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• C. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
• D. South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Answer: A. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
Rationale: The SC Pollution Control Act establishes the Department of
Environmental Services as the state agency responsible for environmental matters,
empowering it to hold hearings, promulgate regulations, require permits, conduct
monitoring, and take enforcement actions.
6. Under Section 48-1-100 of the SC Pollution Control Act, what is required
before sewage or other waste may be discharged?
• A. A written notice to the local government
• B. A permit from the Department of Environmental Services
• C. A public hearing
• D. An environmental impact statement
Answer: B. A permit from the Department of Environmental Services
Rationale: Section 48-1-100 of the PCA requires a permit from the Department
before sewage or other waste may be discharged to the environment of the State.
