South Carolina (SC) Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | Complete Study Guide
with Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
Question 1
Which specific South Carolina regulation governs the design, installation, and
maintenance of septic tanks and onsite wastewater systems?
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)
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the exclusive authority for onsite wastewater treatment and
disposal systems in South Carolina.
Question 2
Which state agency has historically had primary authority for regulating septic systems
in South Carolina?
A) Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
B) Department of Environmental Services (DES)
C) Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
D) Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Rationale: DHEC has been the state agency responsible for environmental health and
safety, including regulation of onsite wastewater systems. DES is a newer department that
took over some environmental functions.
Question 3
,What is the minimum passing score required for the South Carolina septic tank
contractor licensing examination?
A) 70%
B) 75%
C) 80%
D) 100%
Rationale: Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80% on the licensing
examination.
Question 4
A Tier 1 installer is authorized to perform which of the following installations?
A) Any type of commercial system regardless of flow
B) Pumped systems (Low Pressure Pipe)
C) New gravity-fed residential systems only
D) Repairs to existing failing systems
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level classification limited strictly to installing new gravity-fed
residential onsite wastewater systems. Repairs and pressurized systems require higher
tiers.
Question 5
How often must a South Carolina septic contractor license be renewed?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Rationale: License validity is one year with annual renewal.
,Question 6
How long must a Tier 3 installer applicant demonstrate active installation experience in
South Carolina?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Rationale: Tier 3 installers must have 3 years of active experience in South Carolina with
no pending or prior disciplinary or enforcement action involving onsite wastewater
systems.
Question 7
Who is legally responsible for the proper installation of a septic system?
A) Property owner
B) Licensed contractor
C) DHEC inspector
D) Plumbing supplier
Rationale: The licensed contractor is responsible for following codes and ensuring proper
installation.
Question 8
How many days past due can a license renewal be before additional fees apply?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 30 days for first penalty; 60 days for second penalty; expires at 90 days
D) 90 days
Rationale: A $30 fee applies at 30 days past due; an additional $30 at 60 days past due;
the license expires at 90 days past due and cannot be renewed.
, Question 9
Who is responsible for determining and issuing the "Permit to Construct" for an onsite
wastewater system?
A) The homeowner
B) The installer
C) SCDES (Department of Environmental Services)
D) The local mayor
Rationale: No system can be installed without a written permit issued by the Department
after a site evaluation.
Question 10
What is the statutory authority for onsite wastewater systems contractor licensure in
South Carolina?
A) Title 40, Chapter 82
B) Section 44-55-827
C) Title 44, Chapter 55, Section 44-55-827
D) Both B and C
Rationale: The statutory authority is found in SC Code of Laws, Chapter 44, Title 44,
specifically Section 44-55-827 (Onsite Wastewater Systems Contractor licensure).
SECTION 2: SETBACKS & SEPARATION DISTANCES
Question 11
What is the minimum horizontal setback distance between a septic tank and a private
water well in South Carolina?
with Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales
Question 1
Which specific South Carolina regulation governs the design, installation, and
maintenance of septic tanks and onsite wastewater systems?
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)
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the exclusive authority for onsite wastewater treatment and
disposal systems in South Carolina.
Question 2
Which state agency has historically had primary authority for regulating septic systems
in South Carolina?
A) Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
B) Department of Environmental Services (DES)
C) Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
D) Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Rationale: DHEC has been the state agency responsible for environmental health and
safety, including regulation of onsite wastewater systems. DES is a newer department that
took over some environmental functions.
Question 3
,What is the minimum passing score required for the South Carolina septic tank
contractor licensing examination?
A) 70%
B) 75%
C) 80%
D) 100%
Rationale: Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80% on the licensing
examination.
Question 4
A Tier 1 installer is authorized to perform which of the following installations?
A) Any type of commercial system regardless of flow
B) Pumped systems (Low Pressure Pipe)
C) New gravity-fed residential systems only
D) Repairs to existing failing systems
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level classification limited strictly to installing new gravity-fed
residential onsite wastewater systems. Repairs and pressurized systems require higher
tiers.
Question 5
How often must a South Carolina septic contractor license be renewed?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Rationale: License validity is one year with annual renewal.
,Question 6
How long must a Tier 3 installer applicant demonstrate active installation experience in
South Carolina?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Rationale: Tier 3 installers must have 3 years of active experience in South Carolina with
no pending or prior disciplinary or enforcement action involving onsite wastewater
systems.
Question 7
Who is legally responsible for the proper installation of a septic system?
A) Property owner
B) Licensed contractor
C) DHEC inspector
D) Plumbing supplier
Rationale: The licensed contractor is responsible for following codes and ensuring proper
installation.
Question 8
How many days past due can a license renewal be before additional fees apply?
A) 15 days
B) 30 days
C) 30 days for first penalty; 60 days for second penalty; expires at 90 days
D) 90 days
Rationale: A $30 fee applies at 30 days past due; an additional $30 at 60 days past due;
the license expires at 90 days past due and cannot be renewed.
, Question 9
Who is responsible for determining and issuing the "Permit to Construct" for an onsite
wastewater system?
A) The homeowner
B) The installer
C) SCDES (Department of Environmental Services)
D) The local mayor
Rationale: No system can be installed without a written permit issued by the Department
after a site evaluation.
Question 10
What is the statutory authority for onsite wastewater systems contractor licensure in
South Carolina?
A) Title 40, Chapter 82
B) Section 44-55-827
C) Title 44, Chapter 55, Section 44-55-827
D) Both B and C
Rationale: The statutory authority is found in SC Code of Laws, Chapter 44, Title 44,
specifically Section 44-55-827 (Onsite Wastewater Systems Contractor licensure).
SECTION 2: SETBACKS & SEPARATION DISTANCES
Question 11
What is the minimum horizontal setback distance between a septic tank and a private
water well in South Carolina?
