South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor
Licensing Exam 2025/2026 – actual Exam
Format Questions & Answers with
Rationales | 100% Verified | Graded A+
This A+ guide for the South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Licensing Exam (2025) compiles
50+ verified questions based on SCDES Regulation 61-56 (Onsite Wastewater Systems), the
primary exam source. The exam (administered by local SCDES offices) is 80% pass (score
≥80%), open-book, covering permitting, installation, maintenance, inspections, and violations.
Questions from DHEC study materials, PSI sample banks, and Regulation 61-56 (updated 2025).
Correct answers in red, with rationales citing Regulation 61-56 sections. Aim for 90%+ mastery!
Section 1: Licensing & Certification (Questions 1-15)
1 What is the primary regulatory authority for septic systems in South Carolina? South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Rationale: DHEC oversees all
onsite wastewater systems via Regulation 61-56 to protect public health and environment (§61-
56.10.A; SCDES 2025 bulletin).
2 To become a licensed septic tank installer, what score is required on the exam? 80% or better
Rationale: First-time applicants must pass the Regulation 61-56 exam with ≥80%; covers
design, installation, and maintenance (SCDES Licensing Guide 2025; §61-56.2).
3 What is required to qualify for the septic tank contractor exam in SC? Completion of a pre-
licensing training course Rationale: Pre-licensing course ensures foundational knowledge;
high school not required but experience recommended (§61-56.2.B; DHEC application form).
4 How is the septic tank contractor exam administered in SC? In person at designated testing
centers Rationale: Local SCDES offices schedule/proctor; no online option for integrity (§61-
56.2.C; PSI partnership 2025).
5 What must accompany a septic tank contractor license application? Proof of insurance, bond,
and exam passing score Rationale: $200 fee + $10,000 bond/insurance minimum; annual
renewal $100 (§61-56.2.D; SCDES ePermitting).
6 For out-of-state installers, how many years of experience are needed for reciprocity? 5 years
with no disciplinary actions Rationale: Affidavit from home state; exam still required (§61-
56.2.E; DHEC reciprocity policy 2025).
, 7 Tier 3 installer license renewal frequency? Annually Rationale: Expires if not renewed within
90 days; CEUs optional but recommended (§61-56.2.F; SCDES renewal form).
8 Penalty for installing without a license in SC? Misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000 + injunction
Rationale: Unauthorized practice violates §61-56.10; DHEC enforces via civil penalties (SC
Code Ann. §48-1-90).
9 What is the bond amount required for septic installers? $10,000 minimum Rationale: Covers
project costs; adjustable for large jobs (§61-56.2.G; DHEC insurance/bonding info).
10 Pre-licensing training course duration? 8 hours minimum Rationale: Approved by DHEC;
covers Regulation 61-56 (§61-56.2.H; SCDES approved providers list).
11 Exam retake policy after first fail? Wait 30 days Rationale: Second fail = 60 days; unlimited
attempts (§61-56.2.I; local EA office scheduling).
12 Who can perform self-inspection if DHEC late? Licensed Tier 3 installer Rationale: Within
30 min delay; use Form D-3978 (§61-56.20; ePermitting training video 2025).
13 Insurance requirement for installers? General liability $500,000 minimum Rationale:
Protects against damages; proof with application (§61-56.2.J; SCDES bonding info).
14 License expiration consequence? Cannot install; full reapplication if >90 days late
Rationale: Grace period 90 days with late fee; expired = unauthorized (§61-56.2.K).
15 Continuing education for renewal? Not required, but recommended 6 hours/year
Rationale: Optional via DHEC-approved courses; focuses on updates (§61-56.2.L; CEU form
DHEC).
Section 2: Permitting & Site Evaluation (Questions 16-30)
16 Who needs a septic permit in SC? Property owner, general contractor, or developer
Rationale: Applicant submits for construction; DHEC approves suitability (§61-56.10.B;
ePermitting).
17 Site evaluation required for? All new installations or repairs Rationale: Assess soil
percolation, setbacks; backhoe pits above Fall Line (§61-56.10.C; HGIC factsheet).
18 Permit to construct validity? 1 year Rationale: Expires if not installed; extension possible
(§61-56.10.D; SCDES permit form).
19 Maximum bedrooms for conventional septic? 4 without engineer Rationale: >4 requires PE
design; soil loading rate (§61-56.20.A; Regulation table).
20 Minimum setback to well? 50 feet Rationale: Protects groundwater; 100 ft for large systems
(§61-56.20.B; DHEC map Fall Line).
Licensing Exam 2025/2026 – actual Exam
Format Questions & Answers with
Rationales | 100% Verified | Graded A+
This A+ guide for the South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Licensing Exam (2025) compiles
50+ verified questions based on SCDES Regulation 61-56 (Onsite Wastewater Systems), the
primary exam source. The exam (administered by local SCDES offices) is 80% pass (score
≥80%), open-book, covering permitting, installation, maintenance, inspections, and violations.
Questions from DHEC study materials, PSI sample banks, and Regulation 61-56 (updated 2025).
Correct answers in red, with rationales citing Regulation 61-56 sections. Aim for 90%+ mastery!
Section 1: Licensing & Certification (Questions 1-15)
1 What is the primary regulatory authority for septic systems in South Carolina? South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Rationale: DHEC oversees all
onsite wastewater systems via Regulation 61-56 to protect public health and environment (§61-
56.10.A; SCDES 2025 bulletin).
2 To become a licensed septic tank installer, what score is required on the exam? 80% or better
Rationale: First-time applicants must pass the Regulation 61-56 exam with ≥80%; covers
design, installation, and maintenance (SCDES Licensing Guide 2025; §61-56.2).
3 What is required to qualify for the septic tank contractor exam in SC? Completion of a pre-
licensing training course Rationale: Pre-licensing course ensures foundational knowledge;
high school not required but experience recommended (§61-56.2.B; DHEC application form).
4 How is the septic tank contractor exam administered in SC? In person at designated testing
centers Rationale: Local SCDES offices schedule/proctor; no online option for integrity (§61-
56.2.C; PSI partnership 2025).
5 What must accompany a septic tank contractor license application? Proof of insurance, bond,
and exam passing score Rationale: $200 fee + $10,000 bond/insurance minimum; annual
renewal $100 (§61-56.2.D; SCDES ePermitting).
6 For out-of-state installers, how many years of experience are needed for reciprocity? 5 years
with no disciplinary actions Rationale: Affidavit from home state; exam still required (§61-
56.2.E; DHEC reciprocity policy 2025).
, 7 Tier 3 installer license renewal frequency? Annually Rationale: Expires if not renewed within
90 days; CEUs optional but recommended (§61-56.2.F; SCDES renewal form).
8 Penalty for installing without a license in SC? Misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000 + injunction
Rationale: Unauthorized practice violates §61-56.10; DHEC enforces via civil penalties (SC
Code Ann. §48-1-90).
9 What is the bond amount required for septic installers? $10,000 minimum Rationale: Covers
project costs; adjustable for large jobs (§61-56.2.G; DHEC insurance/bonding info).
10 Pre-licensing training course duration? 8 hours minimum Rationale: Approved by DHEC;
covers Regulation 61-56 (§61-56.2.H; SCDES approved providers list).
11 Exam retake policy after first fail? Wait 30 days Rationale: Second fail = 60 days; unlimited
attempts (§61-56.2.I; local EA office scheduling).
12 Who can perform self-inspection if DHEC late? Licensed Tier 3 installer Rationale: Within
30 min delay; use Form D-3978 (§61-56.20; ePermitting training video 2025).
13 Insurance requirement for installers? General liability $500,000 minimum Rationale:
Protects against damages; proof with application (§61-56.2.J; SCDES bonding info).
14 License expiration consequence? Cannot install; full reapplication if >90 days late
Rationale: Grace period 90 days with late fee; expired = unauthorized (§61-56.2.K).
15 Continuing education for renewal? Not required, but recommended 6 hours/year
Rationale: Optional via DHEC-approved courses; focuses on updates (§61-56.2.L; CEU form
DHEC).
Section 2: Permitting & Site Evaluation (Questions 16-30)
16 Who needs a septic permit in SC? Property owner, general contractor, or developer
Rationale: Applicant submits for construction; DHEC approves suitability (§61-56.10.B;
ePermitting).
17 Site evaluation required for? All new installations or repairs Rationale: Assess soil
percolation, setbacks; backhoe pits above Fall Line (§61-56.10.C; HGIC factsheet).
18 Permit to construct validity? 1 year Rationale: Expires if not installed; extension possible
(§61-56.10.D; SCDES permit form).
19 Maximum bedrooms for conventional septic? 4 without engineer Rationale: >4 requires PE
design; soil loading rate (§61-56.20.A; Regulation table).
20 Minimum setback to well? 50 feet Rationale: Protects groundwater; 100 ft for large systems
(§61-56.20.B; DHEC map Fall Line).
