South Carolina Septic Tank Installer License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
Section 1: Licensing, Regulations & Permitting
1. Which specific state regulation governs the design, installation, and maintenance of
septic tanks in South Carolina?
A. R.61-51 (Standards for Swimming Pools)
B. R.61-56 (Onsite Wastewater Systems)
C. R.61-67 (Solid Waste Management)
D. R.61-25 (Retail Food Establishments)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the exclusive authority for onsite wastewater treatment
and disposal systems in South Carolina. It specifies the minimum standards for
construction, design, and installation.
2. As of July 1, 2024, which state agency is primarily 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)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The former SCDHEC was reorganized, and the environmental permitting and
enforcement functions (including R.61-56) were transferred to the newly established
SCDES.
3. What is the minimum passing score required for the South Carolina septic tank
contractor licensing exam?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Candidates must achieve a score of 80% or better to pass the licensing exam
for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 installer license.
,4. 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.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level license for new gravity-fed residential systems.
Repairs (Tier 2) and pressurized/commercial systems (Tier 3) require higher licensure
levels.
5. According to R.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
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Permits typically expire after 3 years if construction has not commenced or if
no substantial progress has been made. This ensures that site conditions (like water
table levels) are re-evaluated.
6. 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.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unlike simple renewal, if the license lapses, SCDES treats you as a new
applicant, requiring you to pass the examination again to ensure competency is current.
7. Who is legally responsible for obtaining the construction permit before installing a septic
system in South Carolina?
A. The property owner
B. The general contractor building the house
C. The licensed septic tank installer
D. The real estate agent
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A licensed installer must pull the permit. The regulation explicitly requires the
licensed professional to ensure the permit is issued or applied for before starting work.
,8. How often must a Tier 1 Installer renew their license with SCDES?
A. Annually
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 3 years
D. Every 5 years
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to the SCDES licensing portal, licenses for installers and haulers
must be renewed annually and are subject to late fees if not paid on time.
9. A customer asks you to quote a repair on a failing septic system. You have a valid Tier 1
license. What should be your response regarding the repair?
A. You will perform the repair as a Tier 1 installer.
B. You cannot perform the repair, as it is outside the scope of a Tier 1 license.
C. You can perform the repair if you hire a Tier 2 installer to supervise.
D. Only the homeowner can repair their own system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to the Tiered Licensing System, a Tier 1 installer can install new
gravity-fed systems but is not authorized to conduct repairs on existing systems.
10. What is the minimum number of continuing education hours required for Tier 1 installer
renewal every two years?
A. 0 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 16 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Installers are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education every two
years to maintain their license and stay updated on regulation changes.
11. A homeowner calls you to install a new septic system for their single-family residence.
The approved plan shows a conventional gravity system. As a Tier 1 installer, are you
authorized to perform this installation?
A. No, Tier 1 installers can only perform repairs.
B. Yes, Tier 1 installers can install all gravity-fed residential systems.
C. No, this requires a Tier 2 license.
D. Yes, but only if the system is a fill cap residential system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: South Carolina Regulation 61-56 states that a Tier 1 Installer is authorized to
install all gravity-fed residential systems. Since a conventional system uses gravity, it is
within your scope of work.
, 12. A property owner is building a new home and needs a septic system. The land has a high
water table, and the approved plan requires a fill cap residential system. As a licensed
Tier 1 Installer, can you proceed with this installation?
A. No, a Tier 1 installer is only authorized for conventional gravity systems.
B. Yes, fill cap residential systems are included in the Tier 1 scope of work.
C. No, any system requiring fill requires a Tier 3 license.
D. Yes, but you must also have a separate pumper/hauler license.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Tiered Licensing System explicitly states that a Tier 1 installer can install
all gravity-fed and fill cap residential systems. This includes systems in fill caps, which are
within your scope of work.
13. You are hired to install a system, but the homeowner asks you to place the tank 5 feet
closer to the well than the code allows to save trees. You should:
A. Do it, as the homeowner is responsible for the permit.
B. Charge an extra fee for the "exception."
C. Refuse and explain that SCDES regulations mandate specific setbacks.
D. Install it but hide the tank behind landscaping.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Setback distances (e.g., tank to well) are non-negotiable health and safety
regulations designed to prevent groundwater contamination. Violations result in permit
revocation and fines.
14. If a permit expires, what is the status of the contractor's work?
A. The contractor has a 30-day grace period to finish
B. The contractor must stop work and reapply for a new permit
C. The homeowner can authorize the continuation of work
D. The permit is automatically renewed upon payment of a late fee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Permits are valid for a specific duration (often 12 months). Once expired, a
new permit application and site evaluation are required before any further installation.
15. A septic contractor in SC must hold a license issued by which entity?
A. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
B. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
C. Local County Building Code Department
D. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SC Department of Environmental Services (formerly DHEC) is the sole
issuing authority for septic tank contractor licenses in South Carolina.
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
Section 1: Licensing, Regulations & Permitting
1. Which specific state regulation governs the design, installation, and maintenance of
septic tanks in South Carolina?
A. R.61-51 (Standards for Swimming Pools)
B. R.61-56 (Onsite Wastewater Systems)
C. R.61-67 (Solid Waste Management)
D. R.61-25 (Retail Food Establishments)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the exclusive authority for onsite wastewater treatment
and disposal systems in South Carolina. It specifies the minimum standards for
construction, design, and installation.
2. As of July 1, 2024, which state agency is primarily 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)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The former SCDHEC was reorganized, and the environmental permitting and
enforcement functions (including R.61-56) were transferred to the newly established
SCDES.
3. What is the minimum passing score required for the South Carolina septic tank
contractor licensing exam?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Candidates must achieve a score of 80% or better to pass the licensing exam
for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 installer license.
,4. 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.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level license for new gravity-fed residential systems.
Repairs (Tier 2) and pressurized/commercial systems (Tier 3) require higher licensure
levels.
5. According to R.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
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Permits typically expire after 3 years if construction has not commenced or if
no substantial progress has been made. This ensures that site conditions (like water
table levels) are re-evaluated.
6. 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.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Unlike simple renewal, if the license lapses, SCDES treats you as a new
applicant, requiring you to pass the examination again to ensure competency is current.
7. Who is legally responsible for obtaining the construction permit before installing a septic
system in South Carolina?
A. The property owner
B. The general contractor building the house
C. The licensed septic tank installer
D. The real estate agent
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A licensed installer must pull the permit. The regulation explicitly requires the
licensed professional to ensure the permit is issued or applied for before starting work.
,8. How often must a Tier 1 Installer renew their license with SCDES?
A. Annually
B. Every 2 years
C. Every 3 years
D. Every 5 years
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to the SCDES licensing portal, licenses for installers and haulers
must be renewed annually and are subject to late fees if not paid on time.
9. A customer asks you to quote a repair on a failing septic system. You have a valid Tier 1
license. What should be your response regarding the repair?
A. You will perform the repair as a Tier 1 installer.
B. You cannot perform the repair, as it is outside the scope of a Tier 1 license.
C. You can perform the repair if you hire a Tier 2 installer to supervise.
D. Only the homeowner can repair their own system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to the Tiered Licensing System, a Tier 1 installer can install new
gravity-fed systems but is not authorized to conduct repairs on existing systems.
10. What is the minimum number of continuing education hours required for Tier 1 installer
renewal every two years?
A. 0 hours
B. 4 hours
C. 8 hours
D. 16 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Installers are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education every two
years to maintain their license and stay updated on regulation changes.
11. A homeowner calls you to install a new septic system for their single-family residence.
The approved plan shows a conventional gravity system. As a Tier 1 installer, are you
authorized to perform this installation?
A. No, Tier 1 installers can only perform repairs.
B. Yes, Tier 1 installers can install all gravity-fed residential systems.
C. No, this requires a Tier 2 license.
D. Yes, but only if the system is a fill cap residential system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: South Carolina Regulation 61-56 states that a Tier 1 Installer is authorized to
install all gravity-fed residential systems. Since a conventional system uses gravity, it is
within your scope of work.
, 12. A property owner is building a new home and needs a septic system. The land has a high
water table, and the approved plan requires a fill cap residential system. As a licensed
Tier 1 Installer, can you proceed with this installation?
A. No, a Tier 1 installer is only authorized for conventional gravity systems.
B. Yes, fill cap residential systems are included in the Tier 1 scope of work.
C. No, any system requiring fill requires a Tier 3 license.
D. Yes, but you must also have a separate pumper/hauler license.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Tiered Licensing System explicitly states that a Tier 1 installer can install
all gravity-fed and fill cap residential systems. This includes systems in fill caps, which are
within your scope of work.
13. You are hired to install a system, but the homeowner asks you to place the tank 5 feet
closer to the well than the code allows to save trees. You should:
A. Do it, as the homeowner is responsible for the permit.
B. Charge an extra fee for the "exception."
C. Refuse and explain that SCDES regulations mandate specific setbacks.
D. Install it but hide the tank behind landscaping.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Setback distances (e.g., tank to well) are non-negotiable health and safety
regulations designed to prevent groundwater contamination. Violations result in permit
revocation and fines.
14. If a permit expires, what is the status of the contractor's work?
A. The contractor has a 30-day grace period to finish
B. The contractor must stop work and reapply for a new permit
C. The homeowner can authorize the continuation of work
D. The permit is automatically renewed upon payment of a late fee
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Permits are valid for a specific duration (often 12 months). Once expired, a
new permit application and site evaluation are required before any further installation.
15. A septic contractor in SC must hold a license issued by which entity?
A. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
B. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
C. Local County Building Code Department
D. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SC Department of Environmental Services (formerly DHEC) is the sole
issuing authority for septic tank contractor licenses in South Carolina.
