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South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor
Exam 2025/2026 – Latest Updated
Questions with Verified Correct Answers
Question 1
What is the primary authority for regulating septic systems in South Carolina?
A. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
B. South Carolina Department of Commerce
C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
D. South Carolina Department of Health
Correct Answer: C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
Rationale: SCDES, formerly part of DHEC, oversees septic system regulations, including
permitting, inspections, and compliance, as outlined in Regulation 61-56. Other agencies listed
do not have authority over septic systems.
Question 2
Which South Carolina regulation governs septic tank installation and maintenance?
A. South Carolina Building Code
B. South Carolina Plumbing Code
C. South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
D. South Carolina Environmental Protection Code
Correct Answer: C. South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
Rationale: The South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code, specifically Regulation 61-56,
provides detailed requirements for septic tank installation and maintenance to ensure
environmental and public health safety.
Question 3
What is the minimum score required to pass the South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor licensure
exam?
A. 70%
B. 75%
, 2
C. 80%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: C. 80%
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a minimum score of 80% to pass the licensure exam
for septic system installers and pumpers/haulers, ensuring competency in regulatory knowledge.
Question 4
What is the minimum setback distance between a septic tank and a water well in South Carolina?
A. 25 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 75 feet
D. 100 feet
Correct Answer: B. 50 feet
Rationale: South Carolina regulations mandate a minimum 50-foot setback from a water
well to prevent contamination, as specified in the South Carolina Environmental Health Code.
Question 5
Who is responsible for maintaining a septic system in South Carolina?
A. The local government
B. The property owner
C. The septic tank contractor
D. The SCDES inspector
Correct Answer: B. The property owner
Rationale: The property owner is responsible for regular maintenance, including inspections
and repairs, to ensure the septic system functions properly and complies with SCDES
regulations.
Question 6
What must a contractor do if non-compliant conditions are found during septic system
installation?
A. Proceed with installation and notify SCDES later
B. Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
, 3
C. Ignore the issue if it does not affect system function
D. Make corrections without informing SCDES
Correct Answer: B. Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
Rationale: Contractors must halt installation and notify SCDES immediately upon
discovering non-compliant conditions to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-56 and prevent
environmental harm.
Question 7
What is the minimum separation distance between a septic tank and a property line in South
Carolina?
A. 10 feet
B. 15 feet
C. 20 feet
D. 25 feet
Correct Answer: C. 20 feet
Rationale: South Carolina regulations require a 20-foot separation between a septic tank and
a property line to ensure space for maintenance and prevent encroachment.
Question 8
Which document outlines the minimum design and construction standards for septic systems in
South Carolina?
A. South Carolina Septic System Guidelines
B. South Carolina Environmental Health Code
C. South Carolina Building Standards Handbook
D. South Carolina Plumbing Standards
Correct Answer: B. South Carolina Environmental Health Code
Rationale: The South Carolina Environmental Health Code specifies minimum design and
construction standards for septic systems to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
Question 9
What is the minimum liquid capacity for a septic tank in counties with a city over 70,000
population?
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor
Exam 2025/2026 – Latest Updated
Questions with Verified Correct Answers
Question 1
What is the primary authority for regulating septic systems in South Carolina?
A. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
B. South Carolina Department of Commerce
C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
D. South Carolina Department of Health
Correct Answer: C. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
Rationale: SCDES, formerly part of DHEC, oversees septic system regulations, including
permitting, inspections, and compliance, as outlined in Regulation 61-56. Other agencies listed
do not have authority over septic systems.
Question 2
Which South Carolina regulation governs septic tank installation and maintenance?
A. South Carolina Building Code
B. South Carolina Plumbing Code
C. South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
D. South Carolina Environmental Protection Code
Correct Answer: C. South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
Rationale: The South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code, specifically Regulation 61-56,
provides detailed requirements for septic tank installation and maintenance to ensure
environmental and public health safety.
Question 3
What is the minimum score required to pass the South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor licensure
exam?
A. 70%
B. 75%
, 2
C. 80%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: C. 80%
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a minimum score of 80% to pass the licensure exam
for septic system installers and pumpers/haulers, ensuring competency in regulatory knowledge.
Question 4
What is the minimum setback distance between a septic tank and a water well in South Carolina?
A. 25 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 75 feet
D. 100 feet
Correct Answer: B. 50 feet
Rationale: South Carolina regulations mandate a minimum 50-foot setback from a water
well to prevent contamination, as specified in the South Carolina Environmental Health Code.
Question 5
Who is responsible for maintaining a septic system in South Carolina?
A. The local government
B. The property owner
C. The septic tank contractor
D. The SCDES inspector
Correct Answer: B. The property owner
Rationale: The property owner is responsible for regular maintenance, including inspections
and repairs, to ensure the septic system functions properly and complies with SCDES
regulations.
Question 6
What must a contractor do if non-compliant conditions are found during septic system
installation?
A. Proceed with installation and notify SCDES later
B. Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
, 3
C. Ignore the issue if it does not affect system function
D. Make corrections without informing SCDES
Correct Answer: B. Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
Rationale: Contractors must halt installation and notify SCDES immediately upon
discovering non-compliant conditions to ensure compliance with Regulation 61-56 and prevent
environmental harm.
Question 7
What is the minimum separation distance between a septic tank and a property line in South
Carolina?
A. 10 feet
B. 15 feet
C. 20 feet
D. 25 feet
Correct Answer: C. 20 feet
Rationale: South Carolina regulations require a 20-foot separation between a septic tank and
a property line to ensure space for maintenance and prevent encroachment.
Question 8
Which document outlines the minimum design and construction standards for septic systems in
South Carolina?
A. South Carolina Septic System Guidelines
B. South Carolina Environmental Health Code
C. South Carolina Building Standards Handbook
D. South Carolina Plumbing Standards
Correct Answer: B. South Carolina Environmental Health Code
Rationale: The South Carolina Environmental Health Code specifies minimum design and
construction standards for septic systems to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
Question 9
What is the minimum liquid capacity for a septic tank in counties with a city over 70,000
population?
