SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam – South Carolina Department
of Environmental Services (SCDES) – 2026/2027 Edition – Comprehensive Practice
Questions and Verified Answers
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 EDITION
210 Original Practice Questions • Verified Regulatory Facts • Detailed Rationales
210 80% 61-56 TIERS 1–3
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE CORE REGULATION LICENSING
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This is an original educational practice examination. It is not an official SCDES examination and does not contain recalled,
leaked, or proprietary SCDES questions. “Verified” means that the regulatory facts used here were checked against current
SCDES web materials and Regulation 61-56/61-56.1 available during preparation.
CURRENT SCDES EXAMINATION FRAMEWORK
SCDES states that applicants for septic system installer licensure must pass an examination demonstrating understanding
of Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, with a score of 80% or better. SCDES directs applicants to contact their
local SCDES office to schedule the in-person examination.
The current SCDES installer page describes Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 scopes, including gravity/fill-cap residential work,
additional pump/grease-trap/curtain-drain/elevated/mounded/commercial work, and Standard 610 specialized systems.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 1
, SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
STUDY BLUEPRINT
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensing requirement, fees, validity, examination and retesting
• Tiered Installer Licensure: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 scope and requirements
• Continuing Education: Tier-specific CEU requirements and current approval rules
• Permitting: Permit to Construct, site approval and expiration
• Inspection & Documentation: Pre-cover inspection, self-inspection and final documentation
• System Categories: Gravity, fill-cap, pump, grease trap, mounded, commercial and specialized systems
• Passive Soil-Based Systems: Act No. 37 of 2015 and manufacturer-certified installers
KEY CURRENT FACTS
• SCDES lists 80% or better as the passing score for the installer licensing examination.
• Tier 1: gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems; 8 CEU hours every 2 years.
• Tier 2: Tier 1 plus listed pump, grease trap, curtain drain, elevated infiltration, mounded and commercial systems; 12
CEU hours every 2 years.
• Tier 3: Tier 1 and 2 plus Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems; 18 CEU hours every 2 years; bonded and
insured.
• Beginning March 1, 2026, SCDES states it will only accept CEUs from entities/courses approved through the
Department, subject to its stated transition exception.
• Tier 1 and Tier 2 fees are $100; Tier 3 is $200; licenses are generally valid for one year.
• Self-inspection Final Inspection Forms are to be submitted within two business days after completing the installation,
and drawings should reflect the actual installation.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 2
, SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
210-QUESTION PRACTICE EXAM
Directions: Select the single best answer. For realistic preparation, answer each item before reviewing the verified answer
and rationale.
QUESTION 1 | LICENSING
What score must an applicant achieve to pass the SCDES septic system installer licensing examination?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 90%
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
DETAILED RATIONALE: SCDES states that the installer licensing examination must be passed with a score of 80%
or better.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 2 | LICENSING
A person wants to construct or repair onsite wastewater systems as a business in South Carolina. What is
required before performing that work?
A. A valid SCDES license
B. Only a county business license
C. Only manufacturer certification
D. No authorization
VERIFIED ANSWER: A
DETAILED RATIONALE: SCDES requires persons responsible for construction or repair of onsite wastewater
systems to obtain and maintain the required license, subject to the personal-residence exception.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 3 | LICENSING
What is the licensing fee listed for a Tier 1 installer?
A. $50
B. $100
C. $150
D. $200
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
DETAILED RATIONALE: The current regulation lists a $100 initial and renewal fee for Tier 1.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 4 | LICENSING
What is the licensing fee listed for a Tier 2 installer?
A. $75
B. $100
C. $125
D. $200
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
DETAILED RATIONALE: The current regulation lists a $100 initial and renewal fee for Tier 2.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 5 | LICENSING
What is the licensing fee listed for a Tier 3 installer?
A. $100
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 3
, SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
B. $150
C. $200
D. $250
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
DETAILED RATIONALE: The current regulation lists a $200 initial and renewal fee for Tier 3.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 6 | LICENSING
How long is an installer license generally valid unless suspended or revoked?
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 5 years
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
DETAILED RATIONALE: Regulation 61-56.1 states that a license is valid for one year unless otherwise suspended or
revoked.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 7 | LICENSING
After an applicant fails the licensing examination, when may the applicant generally retake it?
A. After 7 calendar days
B. After 15 calendar days
C. After 30 calendar days
D. After 90 calendar days
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
DETAILED RATIONALE: The regulation permits a retest after 30 calendar days following an unsuccessful first
examination.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 8 | LICENSING
After an applicant fails the examination a second time, what waiting period applies before subsequent
examinations?
A. 15 days
B. 30 days
C. 45 days
D. 60 days
VERIFIED ANSWER: D
DETAILED RATIONALE: The regulation provides a 60-calendar-day waiting period after the second unsuccessful
examination.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 9 | TIERED LICENSURE
Which work is within the Tier 1 installer scope described by SCDES?
A. All gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems
B. All commercial systems
C. All Standard 610 specialized systems
D. All systems requiring pumps
VERIFIED ANSWER: A
DETAILED RATIONALE: SCDES describes Tier 1 installers as able to install gravity-fed and fill-cap residential
systems.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 4
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam – South Carolina Department
of Environmental Services (SCDES) – 2026/2027 Edition – Comprehensive Practice
Questions and Verified Answers
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAM
2026/2027 EDITION
210 Original Practice Questions • Verified Regulatory Facts • Detailed Rationales
210 80% 61-56 TIERS 1–3
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE CORE REGULATION LICENSING
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This is an original educational practice examination. It is not an official SCDES examination and does not contain recalled,
leaked, or proprietary SCDES questions. “Verified” means that the regulatory facts used here were checked against current
SCDES web materials and Regulation 61-56/61-56.1 available during preparation.
CURRENT SCDES EXAMINATION FRAMEWORK
SCDES states that applicants for septic system installer licensure must pass an examination demonstrating understanding
of Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, with a score of 80% or better. SCDES directs applicants to contact their
local SCDES office to schedule the in-person examination.
The current SCDES installer page describes Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 scopes, including gravity/fill-cap residential work,
additional pump/grease-trap/curtain-drain/elevated/mounded/commercial work, and Standard 610 specialized systems.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 1
, SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
STUDY BLUEPRINT
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensing requirement, fees, validity, examination and retesting
• Tiered Installer Licensure: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 scope and requirements
• Continuing Education: Tier-specific CEU requirements and current approval rules
• Permitting: Permit to Construct, site approval and expiration
• Inspection & Documentation: Pre-cover inspection, self-inspection and final documentation
• System Categories: Gravity, fill-cap, pump, grease trap, mounded, commercial and specialized systems
• Passive Soil-Based Systems: Act No. 37 of 2015 and manufacturer-certified installers
KEY CURRENT FACTS
• SCDES lists 80% or better as the passing score for the installer licensing examination.
• Tier 1: gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems; 8 CEU hours every 2 years.
• Tier 2: Tier 1 plus listed pump, grease trap, curtain drain, elevated infiltration, mounded and commercial systems; 12
CEU hours every 2 years.
• Tier 3: Tier 1 and 2 plus Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems; 18 CEU hours every 2 years; bonded and
insured.
• Beginning March 1, 2026, SCDES states it will only accept CEUs from entities/courses approved through the
Department, subject to its stated transition exception.
• Tier 1 and Tier 2 fees are $100; Tier 3 is $200; licenses are generally valid for one year.
• Self-inspection Final Inspection Forms are to be submitted within two business days after completing the installation,
and drawings should reflect the actual installation.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 2
, SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
210-QUESTION PRACTICE EXAM
Directions: Select the single best answer. For realistic preparation, answer each item before reviewing the verified answer
and rationale.
QUESTION 1 | LICENSING
What score must an applicant achieve to pass the SCDES septic system installer licensing examination?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 90%
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
DETAILED RATIONALE: SCDES states that the installer licensing examination must be passed with a score of 80%
or better.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 2 | LICENSING
A person wants to construct or repair onsite wastewater systems as a business in South Carolina. What is
required before performing that work?
A. A valid SCDES license
B. Only a county business license
C. Only manufacturer certification
D. No authorization
VERIFIED ANSWER: A
DETAILED RATIONALE: SCDES requires persons responsible for construction or repair of onsite wastewater
systems to obtain and maintain the required license, subject to the personal-residence exception.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 3 | LICENSING
What is the licensing fee listed for a Tier 1 installer?
A. $50
B. $100
C. $150
D. $200
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
DETAILED RATIONALE: The current regulation lists a $100 initial and renewal fee for Tier 1.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 4 | LICENSING
What is the licensing fee listed for a Tier 2 installer?
A. $75
B. $100
C. $125
D. $200
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
DETAILED RATIONALE: The current regulation lists a $100 initial and renewal fee for Tier 2.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 5 | LICENSING
What is the licensing fee listed for a Tier 3 installer?
A. $100
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 3
, SCDES • SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC INSTALLER • ORIGINAL PRACTICE • 2026/2027
B. $150
C. $200
D. $250
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
DETAILED RATIONALE: The current regulation lists a $200 initial and renewal fee for Tier 3.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 6 | LICENSING
How long is an installer license generally valid unless suspended or revoked?
A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 5 years
VERIFIED ANSWER: B
DETAILED RATIONALE: Regulation 61-56.1 states that a license is valid for one year unless otherwise suspended or
revoked.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 7 | LICENSING
After an applicant fails the licensing examination, when may the applicant generally retake it?
A. After 7 calendar days
B. After 15 calendar days
C. After 30 calendar days
D. After 90 calendar days
VERIFIED ANSWER: C
DETAILED RATIONALE: The regulation permits a retest after 30 calendar days following an unsuccessful first
examination.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 8 | LICENSING
After an applicant fails the examination a second time, what waiting period applies before subsequent
examinations?
A. 15 days
B. 30 days
C. 45 days
D. 60 days
VERIFIED ANSWER: D
DETAILED RATIONALE: The regulation provides a 60-calendar-day waiting period after the second unsuccessful
examination.
DISTRACTOR REVIEW: The other choices do not match the specific SCDES requirement tested by this question.
QUESTION 9 | TIERED LICENSURE
Which work is within the Tier 1 installer scope described by SCDES?
A. All gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems
B. All commercial systems
C. All Standard 610 specialized systems
D. All systems requiring pumps
VERIFIED ANSWER: A
DETAILED RATIONALE: SCDES describes Tier 1 installers as able to install gravity-fed and fill-cap residential
systems.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice | 2026/2027 | Page 4
