South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor
Actual Exam 2025 | Includes Questions,
Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales | Full
DHEC License Prep Guide
Complete South Carolina (SC) Septic Installer License Test Preparation – Covers DHEC
Regulation 61-56, Site Evaluation, Design, Installation, Maintenance, and Safety Requirements –
Updated for 2025
Overview
The South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam (2025 Edition) provides a
comprehensive, exam-style preparation resource for individuals seeking their General or
Master Septic Installer License through the South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control (DHEC).
Exam Breakdown
Section Topic Area Question Key Focus Areas
Range
Section Site Evaluation & Soil Science Q1–50 Soil texture, percolation,
1 groundwater limits
Section Design & System Sizing Q51–100 Tank sizing, absorption field
2 calculations
Section Installation & Components Q101–120 Materials, layout, testing,
3 inspection
Section Operation & Maintenance Q121–150 Servicing, troubleshooting,
4 repairs
Section Laws, Safety & Environmental
5 Compliance
,1. Which agency regulates onsite wastewater systems in South Carolina?
A. Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
B. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
D. Department of Natural Resources
Rationale The SC DHEC oversees permitting, inspection, and maintenance of all
septic systems statewide.
2. A septic contractor in South Carolina must hold which type of license to install
systems?
A. Home Inspector License
B. Residential Builder License
C. Septic Tank Contractor License issued by DHEC
D. Mechanical Contractor License
Rationale DHEC issues septic installer licenses specific to onsite wastewater
work.
3. Which of the following requires a new DHEC septic permit?
A. Replacing a broken riser
B. Cleaning an existing tank
C. Relocating a tank or drainfield
D. Pumping the tank
Rationale Any relocation or major modification requires a new construction
permit.
4. How long is a septic system construction permit valid in South Carolina?
A. 6 months
B. 9 months
C. 12 months
D. 24 months
Rationale DHEC permits are valid for 12 months from the issue date.
,5. When must the septic system be inspected by DHEC?
A. After backfill
B. After system use begins
C. Before the system is covered
D. After six months of operation
Rationale Inspection must occur prior to backfilling to verify proper installation.
6. Minimum distance between a septic tank and a private well is:
A. 25 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 75 feet
D. 100 feet
Rationale DHEC regulations require a 75-foot minimum separation to prevent
groundwater contamination.
7. A contractor discovers rock layers shallower than shown on the permit. The
correct action is to:
A. Proceed carefully
B. Excavate deeper
C. Stop and contact DHEC
D. Fill with gravel
Rationale Installation must stop and DHEC must reassess site conditions.
8. Which of the following systems requires an engineer’s design in South
Carolina?
A. Conventional gravity system
B. Low-pressure distribution or mound system
C. Shallow trench system
D. Gravel trench system
Rationale Engineered or alternative systems (LPP, mound, drip) require a
professional design.
, 9. Septic permits and site evaluations are issued based on:
A. Contractor preference
B. Property boundaries only
C. Soil evaluation and percolation rates
D. Water usage history
Rationale Site-specific soil and percolation data determine system suitability.
10. What is the penalty for installing a system without a DHEC permit?
A. Warning only
B. Verbal notice
C. Stop-work order and potential fines
D. Referral to EPA
Rationale DHEC enforces stop-work orders and civil penalties for unpermitted
installations.
11. A contractor’s license may be revoked for:
A. Late payment of permit fees
B. Repeated code violations or falsifying records
C. Working during holidays
D. Installing tanks over 1,000 gallons
Rationale Misrepresentation or repeated violations result in license suspension or
revocation.
12. A DHEC-issued permit must be:
A. Kept at the contractor’s office
B. Filed at the county recorder’s office
C. Posted and visible on the job site
D. Retained only by the homeowner
Rationale Permits must be accessible for inspectors at the job site.
13. DHEC’s main goal in regulating septic systems is to:
A. Control housing density
B. Protect public health and groundwater quality
Actual Exam 2025 | Includes Questions,
Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales | Full
DHEC License Prep Guide
Complete South Carolina (SC) Septic Installer License Test Preparation – Covers DHEC
Regulation 61-56, Site Evaluation, Design, Installation, Maintenance, and Safety Requirements –
Updated for 2025
Overview
The South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam (2025 Edition) provides a
comprehensive, exam-style preparation resource for individuals seeking their General or
Master Septic Installer License through the South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control (DHEC).
Exam Breakdown
Section Topic Area Question Key Focus Areas
Range
Section Site Evaluation & Soil Science Q1–50 Soil texture, percolation,
1 groundwater limits
Section Design & System Sizing Q51–100 Tank sizing, absorption field
2 calculations
Section Installation & Components Q101–120 Materials, layout, testing,
3 inspection
Section Operation & Maintenance Q121–150 Servicing, troubleshooting,
4 repairs
Section Laws, Safety & Environmental
5 Compliance
,1. Which agency regulates onsite wastewater systems in South Carolina?
A. Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
B. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
D. Department of Natural Resources
Rationale The SC DHEC oversees permitting, inspection, and maintenance of all
septic systems statewide.
2. A septic contractor in South Carolina must hold which type of license to install
systems?
A. Home Inspector License
B. Residential Builder License
C. Septic Tank Contractor License issued by DHEC
D. Mechanical Contractor License
Rationale DHEC issues septic installer licenses specific to onsite wastewater
work.
3. Which of the following requires a new DHEC septic permit?
A. Replacing a broken riser
B. Cleaning an existing tank
C. Relocating a tank or drainfield
D. Pumping the tank
Rationale Any relocation or major modification requires a new construction
permit.
4. How long is a septic system construction permit valid in South Carolina?
A. 6 months
B. 9 months
C. 12 months
D. 24 months
Rationale DHEC permits are valid for 12 months from the issue date.
,5. When must the septic system be inspected by DHEC?
A. After backfill
B. After system use begins
C. Before the system is covered
D. After six months of operation
Rationale Inspection must occur prior to backfilling to verify proper installation.
6. Minimum distance between a septic tank and a private well is:
A. 25 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 75 feet
D. 100 feet
Rationale DHEC regulations require a 75-foot minimum separation to prevent
groundwater contamination.
7. A contractor discovers rock layers shallower than shown on the permit. The
correct action is to:
A. Proceed carefully
B. Excavate deeper
C. Stop and contact DHEC
D. Fill with gravel
Rationale Installation must stop and DHEC must reassess site conditions.
8. Which of the following systems requires an engineer’s design in South
Carolina?
A. Conventional gravity system
B. Low-pressure distribution or mound system
C. Shallow trench system
D. Gravel trench system
Rationale Engineered or alternative systems (LPP, mound, drip) require a
professional design.
, 9. Septic permits and site evaluations are issued based on:
A. Contractor preference
B. Property boundaries only
C. Soil evaluation and percolation rates
D. Water usage history
Rationale Site-specific soil and percolation data determine system suitability.
10. What is the penalty for installing a system without a DHEC permit?
A. Warning only
B. Verbal notice
C. Stop-work order and potential fines
D. Referral to EPA
Rationale DHEC enforces stop-work orders and civil penalties for unpermitted
installations.
11. A contractor’s license may be revoked for:
A. Late payment of permit fees
B. Repeated code violations or falsifying records
C. Working during holidays
D. Installing tanks over 1,000 gallons
Rationale Misrepresentation or repeated violations result in license suspension or
revocation.
12. A DHEC-issued permit must be:
A. Kept at the contractor’s office
B. Filed at the county recorder’s office
C. Posted and visible on the job site
D. Retained only by the homeowner
Rationale Permits must be accessible for inspectors at the job site.
13. DHEC’s main goal in regulating septic systems is to:
A. Control housing density
B. Protect public health and groundwater quality
