South Carolina Septic Tank Installer License Exam |
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
Fast-track your South Carolina environmental certification with this premium study
bundle containing practice questions for the DHEC Septic Tank Installer License Exam.
Features comprehensive multiple-choice questions, verified answers, and detailed
regulations-based rationales covering soil classification, trench dimensions, setbacks,
and system configurations.
Section 1: Regulatory Authority, Licensing & Administration
(Questions 1–40)
1. Which South Carolina agency is responsible for enforcing Regulation 61-56 and
licensing septic tank contractors?
A. South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
B. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Answer: C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
Rationale: As of July 1, 2024, the former SCDHEC was reorganized, and the environmental
permitting and enforcement functions—including Regulation 61-56—were transferred to
the newly established SCDES.
2. According to Regulation 61-56, a construction permit for a septic system is
generally valid for how long from the date of issuance?
A. 1 Year
B. 3 Years
C. 5 Years
D. 10 Years
,Answer: B. 3 Years
Rationale: Permits typically expire after 3 years if construction has not commenced or if no
substantial progress has been made. This ensures site conditions, such as water table
levels, are re-evaluated.
3. A Tier 1 Installer license allows you to perform which of the following tasks?
A. Installation of pressurized sewage systems
B. Installation of all gravity-fed residential onsite wastewater systems
C. Major repairs to existing failing drainfields
D. Soil classification without supervision
Answer: B. Installation of all gravity-fed residential onsite wastewater systems
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level license for new gravity-fed systems. Repairs and
pressurized/commercial systems require higher licensure levels.
4. What is the minimum score required to pass the septic system installer licensing
examination?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 90%
Answer: C. 80%
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, applicants must pass the exam with a minimum score of
80% or better.
5. If you allow your SCDES Installer license to expire, what is the consequence?
,A. You must pay a double fee but can continue working
B. You must retake the licensing exam and reapply
C. You automatically drop to Tier 1 status
D. You only need to mail a late fee
Answer: B. You must retake the licensing exam and reapply
Rationale: An expired license cannot be renewed. Any person with an expired license may
apply for a new license and must meet all applicable requirements for a new license,
including passing the examination.
6. How many continuing education unit (CEU) hours must a Tier 1 Installer
complete every two years?
A. 4 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 18 hours
Answer: B. 8 hours
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, Tier 1 installers must obtain 8 hours of continuing
education units every 2 years to renew their license.
7. How many continuing education unit (CEU) hours must a Tier 2 Installer
complete every two years?
A. 4 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 18 hours
Answer: C. 12 hours
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, Tier 2 installers must obtain 12 hours of continuing
education units every 2 years.
, 8. How many continuing education unit (CEU) hours must a Tier 3 Installer
complete every two years?
A. 8 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 18 hours
D. 24 hours
Answer: C. 18 hours
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, Tier 3 installers must obtain 18 hours of continuing
education units every 2 years.
9. A Tier 2 Installer license allows you to perform which of the following?
A. Installation of gravity-fed systems only
B. Installation of systems that require pumps, grease traps, and mounded systems
C. Installation of Standard 610 specialized systems
D. Soil classification without supervision
Answer: B. Installation of systems that require pumps, grease traps, and mounded
systems
Rationale: Tier 2 installers can install all Tier 1 systems in addition to systems that require
pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated infiltration systems, mounded systems, and
all commercial systems.
10. A Tier 3 Installer license allows you to perform which of the following?
A. Installation of gravity-fed systems only
B. Installation of systems that require pumps and grease traps
C. Installation of Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems
D. Soil classification without supervision
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
Fast-track your South Carolina environmental certification with this premium study
bundle containing practice questions for the DHEC Septic Tank Installer License Exam.
Features comprehensive multiple-choice questions, verified answers, and detailed
regulations-based rationales covering soil classification, trench dimensions, setbacks,
and system configurations.
Section 1: Regulatory Authority, Licensing & Administration
(Questions 1–40)
1. Which South Carolina agency is responsible for enforcing Regulation 61-56 and
licensing septic tank contractors?
A. South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)
B. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Answer: C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
Rationale: As of July 1, 2024, the former SCDHEC was reorganized, and the environmental
permitting and enforcement functions—including Regulation 61-56—were transferred to
the newly established SCDES.
2. According to Regulation 61-56, a construction permit for a septic system is
generally valid for how long from the date of issuance?
A. 1 Year
B. 3 Years
C. 5 Years
D. 10 Years
,Answer: B. 3 Years
Rationale: Permits typically expire after 3 years if construction has not commenced or if no
substantial progress has been made. This ensures site conditions, such as water table
levels, are re-evaluated.
3. A Tier 1 Installer license allows you to perform which of the following tasks?
A. Installation of pressurized sewage systems
B. Installation of all gravity-fed residential onsite wastewater systems
C. Major repairs to existing failing drainfields
D. Soil classification without supervision
Answer: B. Installation of all gravity-fed residential onsite wastewater systems
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level license for new gravity-fed systems. Repairs and
pressurized/commercial systems require higher licensure levels.
4. What is the minimum score required to pass the septic system installer licensing
examination?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 90%
Answer: C. 80%
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, applicants must pass the exam with a minimum score of
80% or better.
5. If you allow your SCDES Installer license to expire, what is the consequence?
,A. You must pay a double fee but can continue working
B. You must retake the licensing exam and reapply
C. You automatically drop to Tier 1 status
D. You only need to mail a late fee
Answer: B. You must retake the licensing exam and reapply
Rationale: An expired license cannot be renewed. Any person with an expired license may
apply for a new license and must meet all applicable requirements for a new license,
including passing the examination.
6. How many continuing education unit (CEU) hours must a Tier 1 Installer
complete every two years?
A. 4 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 18 hours
Answer: B. 8 hours
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, Tier 1 installers must obtain 8 hours of continuing
education units every 2 years to renew their license.
7. How many continuing education unit (CEU) hours must a Tier 2 Installer
complete every two years?
A. 4 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 18 hours
Answer: C. 12 hours
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, Tier 2 installers must obtain 12 hours of continuing
education units every 2 years.
, 8. How many continuing education unit (CEU) hours must a Tier 3 Installer
complete every two years?
A. 8 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 18 hours
D. 24 hours
Answer: C. 18 hours
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, Tier 3 installers must obtain 18 hours of continuing
education units every 2 years.
9. A Tier 2 Installer license allows you to perform which of the following?
A. Installation of gravity-fed systems only
B. Installation of systems that require pumps, grease traps, and mounded systems
C. Installation of Standard 610 specialized systems
D. Soil classification without supervision
Answer: B. Installation of systems that require pumps, grease traps, and mounded
systems
Rationale: Tier 2 installers can install all Tier 1 systems in addition to systems that require
pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated infiltration systems, mounded systems, and
all commercial systems.
10. A Tier 3 Installer license allows you to perform which of the following?
A. Installation of gravity-fed systems only
B. Installation of systems that require pumps and grease traps
C. Installation of Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems
D. Soil classification without supervision
