TENNESSEE SEPTIC SYSTEM INSTALLER LICENSING
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES
1. Which Tennessee statute defines the licensing requirements for septic system
installers?
A) TCA §68-221-401
B) TCA §68-221-411
C) TCA §68-221-425
D) TCA §68-221-430
Answer: A
Rationale: TCA §68-221-401 outlines the qualifications, application procedures,
and renewal rules for obtaining a TDEC Installer License.
2. What is the primary regulatory agency for septic systems in Tennessee?
A) Environmental Protection Agency
B) Department of Health
C) Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC)
D) U.S. Department of Agriculture
Answer: C
Rationale: TDEC sets rules and enforces regulations for septic system installation
and maintenance.
3. How long is a septic system installer permit valid before it must be renewed?
,A) One year
B) Two years
C) Three years
D) Five years
Answer: A
Rationale: Installer permits expire on December 31st each year and must be
renewed annually.
4. What is the fee for a Conventional Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Installer Permit?
A) $100
B) $200
C) $300
D) $400
Answer: B
Rationale: The conventional installer permit fee is $200, while alternative system
permits require an additional $100 per system type.
5. After completing a septic system installation, the installer must notify the
Division of Water Resources (DWR) within how many days?
A) 1 day
B) 3 days
C) 7 days
D) 14 days
Answer: C
,Rationale: Tennessee regulations require the installer to submit a notice of
completion to DWR within 7 days of final installation.
6. Which permit is required when a homeowner wishes to repair an existing septic
system in Tennessee?
A) New construction permit
B) Repair permit
C) Expansion permit
D) No permit is needed for repairs
Answer: B
Rationale: Tennessee requires a specific repair permit for modifications or repairs
to an existing system, distinct from a new construction permit.
7. How long must an installer retain "as-built" drawings and logs for a septic
system in Tennessee?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) 10 years
Answer: C
Rationale: State regulations mandate that all installation records be kept for a
minimum of five years for future reference and inspection.
8. What is a penalty for installing a septic system without a valid TDEC license?
A) $250 fine
B) $500 fine and stop-work order
, C) Mandatory training course only
D) Written warning
Answer: B
Rationale: Unlicensed installation can result in a monetary fine (often $500 or
more) and a stop-work order until compliance is achieved.
9. What must a new installer applicant do before taking the licensing exam?
A) Pay a $500 application fee
B) Contact their local Environmental Field Office
C) Submit a letter of recommendation
D) Complete a 40-hour training course
Answer: B
Rationale: New installer applicants must contact their local Environmental Field
Office to answer questions and discuss testing schedules.
10. If an installer's permit coverage has lapsed, what must they do to become
licensed again?
A) Pay a late fee
B) Submit a written apology
C) Begin as a new applicant
D) Take a refresher course
Answer: C
Rationale: If installer coverage has lapsed, the applicant must begin as a new
applicant.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES
1. Which Tennessee statute defines the licensing requirements for septic system
installers?
A) TCA §68-221-401
B) TCA §68-221-411
C) TCA §68-221-425
D) TCA §68-221-430
Answer: A
Rationale: TCA §68-221-401 outlines the qualifications, application procedures,
and renewal rules for obtaining a TDEC Installer License.
2. What is the primary regulatory agency for septic systems in Tennessee?
A) Environmental Protection Agency
B) Department of Health
C) Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC)
D) U.S. Department of Agriculture
Answer: C
Rationale: TDEC sets rules and enforces regulations for septic system installation
and maintenance.
3. How long is a septic system installer permit valid before it must be renewed?
,A) One year
B) Two years
C) Three years
D) Five years
Answer: A
Rationale: Installer permits expire on December 31st each year and must be
renewed annually.
4. What is the fee for a Conventional Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Installer Permit?
A) $100
B) $200
C) $300
D) $400
Answer: B
Rationale: The conventional installer permit fee is $200, while alternative system
permits require an additional $100 per system type.
5. After completing a septic system installation, the installer must notify the
Division of Water Resources (DWR) within how many days?
A) 1 day
B) 3 days
C) 7 days
D) 14 days
Answer: C
,Rationale: Tennessee regulations require the installer to submit a notice of
completion to DWR within 7 days of final installation.
6. Which permit is required when a homeowner wishes to repair an existing septic
system in Tennessee?
A) New construction permit
B) Repair permit
C) Expansion permit
D) No permit is needed for repairs
Answer: B
Rationale: Tennessee requires a specific repair permit for modifications or repairs
to an existing system, distinct from a new construction permit.
7. How long must an installer retain "as-built" drawings and logs for a septic
system in Tennessee?
A) 1 year
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) 10 years
Answer: C
Rationale: State regulations mandate that all installation records be kept for a
minimum of five years for future reference and inspection.
8. What is a penalty for installing a septic system without a valid TDEC license?
A) $250 fine
B) $500 fine and stop-work order
, C) Mandatory training course only
D) Written warning
Answer: B
Rationale: Unlicensed installation can result in a monetary fine (often $500 or
more) and a stop-work order until compliance is achieved.
9. What must a new installer applicant do before taking the licensing exam?
A) Pay a $500 application fee
B) Contact their local Environmental Field Office
C) Submit a letter of recommendation
D) Complete a 40-hour training course
Answer: B
Rationale: New installer applicants must contact their local Environmental Field
Office to answer questions and discuss testing schedules.
10. If an installer's permit coverage has lapsed, what must they do to become
licensed again?
A) Pay a late fee
B) Submit a written apology
C) Begin as a new applicant
D) Take a refresher course
Answer: C
Rationale: If installer coverage has lapsed, the applicant must begin as a new
applicant.
