NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST EXAM – QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems
Food Protection and Safety
Public Swimming Pool Sanitation
Institutional Sanitation
Lead and Asbestos Hazard Assessment
Vector Control
Water Supply Protection
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Procedures
Environmental Health Ethics and Professional Standards
, *Introduction*
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the competency of candidates seeking
licensure as Environmental Health Specialists in North Carolina. This assessment
measures the candidate's mastery of essential public health laws, technical protocols,
and scientific principles required to protect the community. The structure consists of
rigorous multiple-choice and scenario-based items designed to simulate real-world field
conditions. Candidates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, professional
judgment, and an ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements. Success on this
exam confirms the practitioner's readiness to apply evidence-based strategies in
sanitation, water quality, wastewater management, and disease prevention to ensure
public health safety.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
What is the primary objective of performing a site evaluation for an on-site wastewater
system?
A. To determine the visual aesthetic of the drain field.
B. To establish the suitability of the soil and site for wastewater disposal.
C. To calculate the total cost of system installation for the developer.
,D. To identify the exact location of underground utility lines.
🟢 B. To establish the suitability of the soil and site for wastewater disposal.
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary purpose of a site evaluation is to assess soil morphology,
topography, and landscape position to ensure the site can safely accommodate an on-
site system without causing environmental contamination.
Question 2
Which of the following describes the correct procedure when a food employee exhibits
symptoms of jaundice?
A. The employee may continue working if they wear double gloves.
B. The employee must be restricted to food preparation of non-ready-to-eat foods.
C. The person in charge must exclude the employee and notify the regulatory authority.
D. The employee can work if they provide a note from a doctor stating it is not hepatitis
A.
🟢 C. The person in charge must exclude the employee and notify the regulatory
authority.
🔴 RATIONALE: Jaundice is a key symptom of several reportable illnesses, including
hepatitis A; therefore, exclusion is required to prevent the transmission of communicable
diseases to the public.
Question 3
When inspecting a public swimming pool, what is the minimum required free chlorine
residual in a pool without a secondary disinfection system?
, A. 0.5 ppm
B. 1.0 ppm
C. 2.0 ppm
D. 5.0 ppm
🟢 B. 1.0 ppm
🔴 RATIONALE: North Carolina public swimming pool rules require a minimum of 1.0
ppm free chlorine residual to ensure adequate disinfection and public safety in pool
water.
Question 4
Which soil horizon is primarily characterized by the accumulation of silicate clays, iron, or
aluminum?
A. O Horizon
B. A Horizon
C. B Horizon
D. C Horizon
🟢 C. B Horizon
🔴 RATIONALE: The B horizon, or subsoil, is defined by the accumulation of materials
such as clay or minerals leached from the upper layers (illuviation).
Question 5
An Environmental Health Specialist observes a food facility storing raw chicken above
ready-to-eat salads in a reach-in cooler. What is the most appropriate action?
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems
Food Protection and Safety
Public Swimming Pool Sanitation
Institutional Sanitation
Lead and Asbestos Hazard Assessment
Vector Control
Water Supply Protection
Regulatory Compliance and Legal Procedures
Environmental Health Ethics and Professional Standards
, *Introduction*
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the competency of candidates seeking
licensure as Environmental Health Specialists in North Carolina. This assessment
measures the candidate's mastery of essential public health laws, technical protocols,
and scientific principles required to protect the community. The structure consists of
rigorous multiple-choice and scenario-based items designed to simulate real-world field
conditions. Candidates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, professional
judgment, and an ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements. Success on this
exam confirms the practitioner's readiness to apply evidence-based strategies in
sanitation, water quality, wastewater management, and disease prevention to ensure
public health safety.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
What is the primary objective of performing a site evaluation for an on-site wastewater
system?
A. To determine the visual aesthetic of the drain field.
B. To establish the suitability of the soil and site for wastewater disposal.
C. To calculate the total cost of system installation for the developer.
,D. To identify the exact location of underground utility lines.
🟢 B. To establish the suitability of the soil and site for wastewater disposal.
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary purpose of a site evaluation is to assess soil morphology,
topography, and landscape position to ensure the site can safely accommodate an on-
site system without causing environmental contamination.
Question 2
Which of the following describes the correct procedure when a food employee exhibits
symptoms of jaundice?
A. The employee may continue working if they wear double gloves.
B. The employee must be restricted to food preparation of non-ready-to-eat foods.
C. The person in charge must exclude the employee and notify the regulatory authority.
D. The employee can work if they provide a note from a doctor stating it is not hepatitis
A.
🟢 C. The person in charge must exclude the employee and notify the regulatory
authority.
🔴 RATIONALE: Jaundice is a key symptom of several reportable illnesses, including
hepatitis A; therefore, exclusion is required to prevent the transmission of communicable
diseases to the public.
Question 3
When inspecting a public swimming pool, what is the minimum required free chlorine
residual in a pool without a secondary disinfection system?
, A. 0.5 ppm
B. 1.0 ppm
C. 2.0 ppm
D. 5.0 ppm
🟢 B. 1.0 ppm
🔴 RATIONALE: North Carolina public swimming pool rules require a minimum of 1.0
ppm free chlorine residual to ensure adequate disinfection and public safety in pool
water.
Question 4
Which soil horizon is primarily characterized by the accumulation of silicate clays, iron, or
aluminum?
A. O Horizon
B. A Horizon
C. B Horizon
D. C Horizon
🟢 C. B Horizon
🔴 RATIONALE: The B horizon, or subsoil, is defined by the accumulation of materials
such as clay or minerals leached from the upper layers (illuviation).
Question 5
An Environmental Health Specialist observes a food facility storing raw chicken above
ready-to-eat salads in a reach-in cooler. What is the most appropriate action?
