SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
South Carolina Septic Tank Installer License Exam, South Carolina
Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Academic Year 2026-
2027 Complete Exam with Answers and Rationales
Candidate name:
Date: __________________
______________________________
Suggested target: 80% (48/60) Suggested time: 90 minutes
Instructions: Choose the single best answer for each question.
Answers and rationales are included immediately after each item for
study and review. For a self-test, cover the answer/rationale lines
while answering.
Introduction
This 60-question exam covers South Carolina septic tank installer
licensing, including licensing tiers, continuing education, permits and
inspections, soil and site evaluation, septic tanks and drainfields,
pumps and specialty systems, safety, documentation, and
environmental protection. Each question includes the correct answer
and a rationale, with additional study references to SCDES materials
and Regulation 61-56.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
Coverage: licensing tiers and renewal; permits and inspections;
soil/site evaluation; tanks and drainfields; pumps and specialty
systems; safety; documentation; environmental protection.
Exam Questions and Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of a conventional onsite wastewater
system?
A. To store household drinking water
B. To collect, treat, and disperse domestic wastewater safely
C. To send stormwater directly into groundwater
D. To replace all plumbing traps
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A conventional onsite wastewater system receives domestic
wastewater, allows primary treatment in the septic tank, and
disperses effluent into suitable soil for further treatment. It must
protect public health and water quality.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
2. In South Carolina, which regulation is the principal study reference
for onsite wastewater systems?
A. Regulation 61-12
B. Regulation 61-56
C. Regulation 61-85
D. Regulation 61-99
Correct answer: B
Rationale: South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
(SCDES) identifies Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, as
the governing regulation and the basis for the installer examination.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
3. What minimum score does SCDES state is required to pass the
installer examination?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 75%
D. 80%
Correct answer: D
Rationale: SCDES states applicants must score at least 80% on the
examination. Confirm current scheduling and application instructions
with the local SCDES office.
4. What should an installer do before beginning construction of a
permitted system?
A. Start excavation and ask for approval later
B. Verify the permit, approved design, site conditions, and system
requirements
C. Move the drainfield to the easiest area
D. Use any tank available from a supplier
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Work must follow the Department-issued Permit to
Construct and its approved design. Confirm the permit and site layout
before disturbing the site; do not make unauthorized design changes.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
South Carolina Septic Tank Installer License Exam, South Carolina
Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), Academic Year 2026-
2027 Complete Exam with Answers and Rationales
Candidate name:
Date: __________________
______________________________
Suggested target: 80% (48/60) Suggested time: 90 minutes
Instructions: Choose the single best answer for each question.
Answers and rationales are included immediately after each item for
study and review. For a self-test, cover the answer/rationale lines
while answering.
Introduction
This 60-question exam covers South Carolina septic tank installer
licensing, including licensing tiers, continuing education, permits and
inspections, soil and site evaluation, septic tanks and drainfields,
pumps and specialty systems, safety, documentation, and
environmental protection. Each question includes the correct answer
and a rationale, with additional study references to SCDES materials
and Regulation 61-56.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
Coverage: licensing tiers and renewal; permits and inspections;
soil/site evaluation; tanks and drainfields; pumps and specialty
systems; safety; documentation; environmental protection.
Exam Questions and Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of a conventional onsite wastewater
system?
A. To store household drinking water
B. To collect, treat, and disperse domestic wastewater safely
C. To send stormwater directly into groundwater
D. To replace all plumbing traps
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A conventional onsite wastewater system receives domestic
wastewater, allows primary treatment in the septic tank, and
disperses effluent into suitable soil for further treatment. It must
protect public health and water quality.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
2. In South Carolina, which regulation is the principal study reference
for onsite wastewater systems?
A. Regulation 61-12
B. Regulation 61-56
C. Regulation 61-85
D. Regulation 61-99
Correct answer: B
Rationale: South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
(SCDES) identifies Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, as
the governing regulation and the basis for the installer examination.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LICENSE EXAM • PRACTICE WORKBOOK
3. What minimum score does SCDES state is required to pass the
installer examination?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 75%
D. 80%
Correct answer: D
Rationale: SCDES states applicants must score at least 80% on the
examination. Confirm current scheduling and application instructions
with the local SCDES office.
4. What should an installer do before beginning construction of a
permitted system?
A. Start excavation and ask for approval later
B. Verify the permit, approved design, site conditions, and system
requirements
C. Move the drainfield to the easiest area
D. Use any tank available from a supplier
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Work must follow the Department-issued Permit to
Construct and its approved design. Confirm the permit and site layout
before disturbing the site; do not make unauthorized design changes.
Unofficial practice material • Verify requirements with current SCDES guidance
