SOUTH CAROLINA (SC) SEPTIC TANK
CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) ALREADY GRADED A+
(MOST RECENT!!) (BRAND NEW!!)
Question 1:
Which South Carolina regulation establishes the primary rules and performance standards for
onsite wastewater systems?
A) Regulation 61-25
B) Regulation 61-9
C) Regulation 61-56
D) Regulation 61-50
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the official state framework governing the installation, sizing,
maintenance, and licensing of onsite wastewater systems across South Carolina.
Question 2:
Which state agency has 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)
Correct Answer: C (DHEC) / B (DES)
Rationale: In South Carolina, DHEC was the state agency responsible for environmental health
and safety, including regulation of onsite wastewater systems. However, the agency has been
reorganized, and functions now fall under the South Carolina Department of Environmental
Services (SCDES). Both agencies are referenced depending on the source.
,Question 3:
A septic contractor in South Carolina must hold which type of license to install systems?
A) Home Inspector License
B) Residential Builder License
C) Onsite Wastewater Systems Contractor License
D) Water and Sewer Plant Operator License
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DHEC/SCDES issues septic installer licenses specific to onsite wastewater work. While
a builder may oversee a project, the physical installation of the septic system requires the
specific wastewater contractor license.
Question 4:
According to the South Carolina licensing requirements, what is the minimum passing score
required on the septic contractor licensing exam?
A) 70%
B) 75%
C) 80%
D) 85%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 Section 700 requires applicants for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 installer license
to pass an examination with a minimum score of 80 percent.
Question 5:
If a candidate fails the septic contractor licensing exam on their first attempt, what is the
mandatory waiting period before they are allowed to retake it?
A) 7 days
B) 14 days
C) 30 days
D) 60 days
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The state retake policy requires an individual to wait 30 days following their first
failed attempt before re-testing. If they fail a second time, the waiting period increases to 60
days.
Question 6:
How often must a septic tank contractor license be renewed in South Carolina?
A) Every year
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Septic system professionals must renew their license annually and pay the required
renewal fees. If a license expires and is not renewed within 90 days of the due date, the licensee
must repeat the entire new license process from the beginning.
Question 7:
What is the annual renewal fee for a Tier 1 Installer license in South Carolina?
A) $50
B) $100
C) $150
D) $200
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The annual renewal fees for onsite wastewater system installers are: Tier 1 - $100,
Tier 2 - $100, Tier 3 - $200. Dual licenses cost $150 for Tier 1/2 and $250 for Tier 3.
Question 8:
A Tier 1 Installer license in South Carolina strictly limits a contractor to working on which type of
systems?
A) Gravity-fed conventional systems only
B) Engineered alternative systems
C) Commercial systems only
D) Any residential system regardless of design
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: South Carolina uses a tiered professional licensing system where a Tier 1 Installer is
authorized to install and repair conventional, basic gravity-fed residential septic systems only.
Tier 2 and 3 licenses are required for more complex systems.
Question 9:
What is the purpose of the South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Management Program?
A) To manage public sewer systems
B) To regulate and oversee septic systems and onsite wastewater systems
C) To provide funding for sewer infrastructure
D) To promote water conservation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Onsite Wastewater Management Program (now under SCDES) is responsible for
regulating and overseeing septic systems and other onsite wastewater management systems
throughout South Carolina.
Question 10:
According to R.61-56.103, each dwelling or business occupied for more than how many hours
per day must have an approved wastewater treatment method?
A) 1 hour
B) 2 hours
C) 4 hours
D) 8 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Section 103.1(1) of Regulation 61-56 states: "Each dwelling, business, or other
structure occupied for more than two (2) hours per day shall be provided with an approved
method for the treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater."
Question 11:
If a contractor allows their license to expire, what must they do to reinstate it?
CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) ALREADY GRADED A+
(MOST RECENT!!) (BRAND NEW!!)
Question 1:
Which South Carolina regulation establishes the primary rules and performance standards for
onsite wastewater systems?
A) Regulation 61-25
B) Regulation 61-9
C) Regulation 61-56
D) Regulation 61-50
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the official state framework governing the installation, sizing,
maintenance, and licensing of onsite wastewater systems across South Carolina.
Question 2:
Which state agency has 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)
Correct Answer: C (DHEC) / B (DES)
Rationale: In South Carolina, DHEC was the state agency responsible for environmental health
and safety, including regulation of onsite wastewater systems. However, the agency has been
reorganized, and functions now fall under the South Carolina Department of Environmental
Services (SCDES). Both agencies are referenced depending on the source.
,Question 3:
A septic contractor in South Carolina must hold which type of license to install systems?
A) Home Inspector License
B) Residential Builder License
C) Onsite Wastewater Systems Contractor License
D) Water and Sewer Plant Operator License
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DHEC/SCDES issues septic installer licenses specific to onsite wastewater work. While
a builder may oversee a project, the physical installation of the septic system requires the
specific wastewater contractor license.
Question 4:
According to the South Carolina licensing requirements, what is the minimum passing score
required on the septic contractor licensing exam?
A) 70%
B) 75%
C) 80%
D) 85%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 Section 700 requires applicants for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 installer license
to pass an examination with a minimum score of 80 percent.
Question 5:
If a candidate fails the septic contractor licensing exam on their first attempt, what is the
mandatory waiting period before they are allowed to retake it?
A) 7 days
B) 14 days
C) 30 days
D) 60 days
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The state retake policy requires an individual to wait 30 days following their first
failed attempt before re-testing. If they fail a second time, the waiting period increases to 60
days.
Question 6:
How often must a septic tank contractor license be renewed in South Carolina?
A) Every year
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 3 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Septic system professionals must renew their license annually and pay the required
renewal fees. If a license expires and is not renewed within 90 days of the due date, the licensee
must repeat the entire new license process from the beginning.
Question 7:
What is the annual renewal fee for a Tier 1 Installer license in South Carolina?
A) $50
B) $100
C) $150
D) $200
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The annual renewal fees for onsite wastewater system installers are: Tier 1 - $100,
Tier 2 - $100, Tier 3 - $200. Dual licenses cost $150 for Tier 1/2 and $250 for Tier 3.
Question 8:
A Tier 1 Installer license in South Carolina strictly limits a contractor to working on which type of
systems?
A) Gravity-fed conventional systems only
B) Engineered alternative systems
C) Commercial systems only
D) Any residential system regardless of design
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: South Carolina uses a tiered professional licensing system where a Tier 1 Installer is
authorized to install and repair conventional, basic gravity-fed residential septic systems only.
Tier 2 and 3 licenses are required for more complex systems.
Question 9:
What is the purpose of the South Carolina Onsite Wastewater Management Program?
A) To manage public sewer systems
B) To regulate and oversee septic systems and onsite wastewater systems
C) To provide funding for sewer infrastructure
D) To promote water conservation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Onsite Wastewater Management Program (now under SCDES) is responsible for
regulating and overseeing septic systems and other onsite wastewater management systems
throughout South Carolina.
Question 10:
According to R.61-56.103, each dwelling or business occupied for more than how many hours
per day must have an approved wastewater treatment method?
A) 1 hour
B) 2 hours
C) 4 hours
D) 8 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Section 103.1(1) of Regulation 61-56 states: "Each dwelling, business, or other
structure occupied for more than two (2) hours per day shall be provided with an approved
method for the treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater."
Question 11:
If a contractor allows their license to expire, what must they do to reinstate it?
