SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
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SOUTH CAROLINA (SC)
SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAM
◆ ◆ ◆
EDITION
Comprehensive Practice Questions & Verified Answers • SCDES-Aligned
UPDATED CYCLE • REGULATION 61-56 • OSHA STANDARDS • INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES
250 QUESTIONS 6 DOMAINS 80% TO PASS 3 TIERS
GOVERNING AUTHORITY PRIMARY REGULATION PASSING SCORE
SCDES SC Regulation 80% Minimum
(formerly DHEC) 61-56
TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3
Gravity & Fill-Cap Pumps, Mounds, Specialized 610
Residential Commercial Unlimited + Bonded
8 hrs / 2 yrs 12 hrs / 2 yrs 18 hrs / 2 yrs
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services • Regulation 61-56 • Onsite Wastewater Systems
ACTUAL SCDES EXAM FORMAT • COMPLETE COVERAGE • VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS • EXPERT RATIONALES
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 1
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
CONTENTS
Your roadmap through 250 SCDES-aligned practice questions.
1 How to Use This Exam & Answer Format .................................................................................................................................. 3
2 Exam & Licensure Overview — SCDES Tiers, Fees & CEUs .................................................................................................. 3
3 Core Content Domains At-a-Glance ............................................................................................................................................ 4
4 What’s New for 2026/2027 ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
5 Practice Questions ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Domain 1 — SC Regulation 61-56 & Regulatory Requirements (Q1–Q45) ......................................................................................... 5
Domain 2 — Site Evaluation & Soil Science (Q46–Q95) ....................................................................................................................14
Domain 3 — System Design & Component Specifications (Q96–Q145) ........................................................................................... 23
Domain 4 — Setback Distances & Separation Requirements (Q146–Q185) ..................................................................................... 32
Domain 5 — Installation & Safety — OSHA & Field Practice (Q186–Q220)......................................................................................41
Domain 6 — Maintenance, Ethics & Legal Compliance (Q221–Q250) ............................................................................................. 48
6 Quick-Check Answer Key (Tear-Out Style) ............................................................................................................................. 54
7 Regulation Quick-Reference Tables .......................................................................................................................................... 56
8 References & Study Resources ................................................................................................................................................... 57
HOW TO USE THIS EXAM • ANSWER FORMAT LEGEND
• Questions are in bold black. Read each stem carefully — SCDES tests exact regulatory language.
• Options A–D are in regular black. All distractors are plausible — eliminate by code citation.
• Correct answers are in bold lime green. Marked immediately after options for rapid self-check.
• Rationales are in italic deep teal with no background shading. Each explains why the correct answer is code-compliant and why
others fail, with Reg. citation.
EXAMPLE →
Q. What is the minimum septic tank capacity for a 4-bedroom residence under R.61-56?
A. 750 gallons
B. 1,000 gallons
C. 1,250 gallons
D. 1,500 gallons
Correct Answer: B. 1,000 gallons
Rationale: R.61-56 establishes 1,000 gallons as the minimum net liquid capacity for residences with four or fewer bedrooms; each additional
bedroom adds 250 gallons. Options A, C, D misstate the base threshold.
EXAM & LICENSURE OVERVIEW
Governing Authority: South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) — formerly DHEC (agency transition effective 2024). Primary
Regulation: SC Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems. Passing Score: 80% on SCDES licensing exam. Examination covers R.61-56 text, SCDES
policies, and OSHA excavation safety.
TIERED LICENSING SYSTEM EXAMINATION & ADMINISTRATIVE
Tier 1 — Gravity / Fill-Cap Residential
Install: all gravity-fed & fill-cap residential systems. Self-inspect when directed.
• Scope: Regulation 61-56 text, SCDES permitting/inspection, soil & site
evaluation, system design, setbacks, installation safety, maintenance & ethics.
CEU: 8 hrs / 2 yrs. Fee: $100. No repair authorization.
Tier 2 — Advanced + Commercial • Passing Score: 80% minimum. Exam scheduled through local SCDES
All Tier 1 PLUS pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated infiltration, Environmental Affairs office; no state exam fee.
mounded & commercial / large systems. Authorized repairs. Self-inspect when • Retake Policy: Fail → 30-day wait for 2nd attempt; 2nd fail → 60-day wait
directed. CEU: 12 hrs / 2 yrs. Fee: $100. for 3rd attempt (per SCDES practice).
Tier 3 — Unlimited (Standard 610)
All Tier 1 & 2 PLUS Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems.
• Application: Online via SCDES ePermitting after passing. Tier 3: include
affidavit of experience + proof of bond/insurance.
Authorized repairs. May self-inspect. Must be bonded & insured. Requires 3 yrs
active SC (or 5 yrs out-of-state) with clean enforcement history. CEU: 18 hrs / 2 • Renewal: Annual license renewal; CEU documentation required every 2
yrs. Fee: $200 (Dual Tier 3/Pumper $250). years. Pumper/Hauler also requires vehicle inspection & disposal facility
approval letter.
• Fees: Residential permit ~$150; Tier 1 $100, Tier 2 $100, Tier 3 $200. Under
R.61-9.505, large/community >1,500 gpd requires Land Application Permit.
• Enforcement: Violations under Pollution Control Act may reach $10,000 per
day; disciplinary history blocks Tier 3 eligibility.
Tip: Study R.61-56 verbatim — SCDES exam tests exact distances,
depths, and CEU tiers, not general concepts.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 2
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
CORE CONTENT AREAS AT-A-GLANCE
1 — REGULATION 61-56 2 — SITE EVALUATION & SOIL SCIENCE 3 — SYSTEM DESIGN & COMPONENTS
Permits, enforcement, property owner duties, SCDES Permeability, LTAR, redoximorphic features, Munsell Tank sizing, pipe slopes, trench aggregate,
authority & transition from DHEC color, restrictive horizons, ZOS distribution, fill caps & equivalency
45 Qs • 18% 50 Qs • 20% 50 Qs • 20%
4 — SETBACKS & SEPARATION 5 — INSTALLATION & SAFETY 6 — MAINTENANCE, ETHICS & LEGAL
Wells, property lines, surface water, buildings, curtain OSHA excavation, trenching, competent person, PPE, Permits, record-keeping, renewal, CEUs, violations,
drains, coastal critical area equipment & field sequencing bonding & professional conduct
40 Qs • 16% 35 Qs • 14% 30 Qs • 12%
✦ UPDATES FOR 2026/2027 — WHAT’S NEW
• Reflects 2024 SCDES agency transition from DHEC — all references, permitting portals (ePermitting) and office names updated.
• Updated Regulation 61-56 compliance requirements including clarified repair-area credits (undisturbed inter-trench area not credited) and fill-cap taper
measurement points.
• Enhanced focus on specialized onsite wastewater systems (Standard 610) — Tier 3 scope, advanced treatment, drip irrigation, low-pressure pipe & Land
Application Permit triggers (>1,500 gpd).
• Revised setback and separation distance protocols — emphasizes 125-ft critical-area setback for certain specialized systems and measurement to mean
high-water / critical area line.
KEY FEATURES • ✓ Actual SCDES exam format & question style • ✓ Complete R.61-56 coverage • ✓ Verified correct answers with expert rationales • ✓ SC-specific
compliance • ✓ 100% unique
PRACTICE QUESTIONS — 250 QUESTIONS
DOMAIN 1 — SC REGULATION 61-56 & REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS • QUESTIONS 1–45
Permits, tiered licensing, enforcement, property owner duties, and SCDES authority (2024 transition).
Q1. Under South Carolina Regulation 61-56, which state agency is the current governing authority for onsite
wastewater system permitting and contractor licensing (reflecting the 2024 transition)?
A. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) exclusively
B. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
C. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
D. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
Correct Answer: B. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
Rationale: In 2024 DHEC was reorganized and environmental functions, including onsite wastewater (Reg. 61-56) permitting and installer
licensing, transferred to SCDES. SCDES now issues permits, administers exams, and enforces Regulation 61-56. DHEC no longer holds this
authority.
Q2. What minimum score is required to pass the SCDES Septic Tank Contractor licensing examination?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: C. 80%
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 and SCDES licensing guidance require a minimum score of 80% to pass the installer (and pumper/hauler) examination.
The 80% threshold applies to all tiers.
Q3. Which regulation is the primary enforceable standard for onsite wastewater systems in South Carolina?
A. R.61-9
B. R.61-56
C. R.61-71
D. R.61-25
Correct Answer: B. R.61-56
Rationale: R.61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, is the comprehensive South Carolina regulation governing site evaluation, design, installation, and
contractor licensing. R.61-9 addresses water pollution control/land application permits for large systems, but R.61-56 is the primary onsite
standard.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 3
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
Q4. A homeowner wishes to install a septic system without a permit, claiming owner-occupied exemption. Under
R.61-56, what is the correct requirement?
A. No permit is needed if the owner does the work personally
B. A permit from SCDES is required before any construction or repair begins
C. Only a county building permit is required
D. A permit is needed only for systems over 1,000 gpd
Correct Answer: B. A permit from SCDES is required before any construction or repair begins
Rationale: R.61-56 requires an SCDES permit to construct or repair any onsite wastewater system. There is no owner-occupant exemption that
waives the SCDES permit. Application must include site evaluation, soil report, and design, with final inspection before cover and issuance of a
Construction/Operation Permit.
Q5. An installer who was licensed as a master contractor prior to July 1, 2022 became which tier under the tiered
transition?
A. Tier 1
B. Tier 2
C. Tier 3
D. Grandfathered exempt
Correct Answer: C. Tier 3
Rationale: Effective July 1, 2022, master contractors transitioned automatically to Tier 3 (Unlimited). Non-master licensed installers became Tier 2.
Installers wanting to retain ability to install Standard 610 specialized systems after July 31, 2022 had to obtain Tier 3 credentials.
Q6. Which installer tier is authorized to install Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems (e.g.,
advanced treatment, drip irrigation) in South Carolina?
A. Tier 1 only
B. Tier 2 only
C. Tier 3 only
D. All tiers
Correct Answer: C. Tier 3 only
Rationale: Only Tier 3 (Unlimited) installers may install Standard 610 Specialized Systems. Tier 1 is limited to gravity-fed/fill-cap residential; Tier 2
adds pumps, mounds, curtain drains, and commercial, but not Specialized 610.
Q7. How many continuing education hours are required every two years for a Tier 2 Installer?
A. 6 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 18 hours
Correct Answer: C. 12 hours
Rationale: SCDES CEU schedule: Tier 1 = 8 hrs/2 yrs, Tier 2 = 12 hrs/2 yrs, Tier 3 = 18 hrs/2 yrs. CEU documentation is required at renewal.
Q8. To qualify for Tier 3 licensure, an in-state installer must demonstrate how many years of active installation
with no pending/prior disciplinary action?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: C. 3 years
Rationale: Tier 3 eligibility for SC-licensed installers is 3 years of active in-state installation with clean enforcement history; out-of-state applicants
must show 5 years with affidavits from the other regulatory authority. Tier 3 also requires bonding and insurance.
Q9. What is the licensing fee for a new Tier 3 Installer (without pumper/hauler dual license)?
A. $100
B. $150
C. $200
D. $250
Correct Answer: C. $200
Rationale: Fees per SCDES: Tier 1 $100, Tier 2 $100, Tier 3 $200, Pumper/Hauler $100, Dual Tier 1 or 2 $150, Dual Tier 3 $250.
Q10. Who may perform a self-inspection of a system they installed, when directed by SCDES?
A. Only Tier 3 installers
B. No installer may self-inspect; SCDES must always inspect
C. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 (Tier 1 & 2 only when directed; Tier 3 may self-inspect)
D. Only the property owner
Correct Answer: C. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 (Tier 1 & 2 only when directed; Tier 3 may self-inspect)
Rationale: R.61-56 allows Tier 1 and Tier 2 installers to self-inspect systems they installed when directed by the Department; Tier 3 installers may
self-inspect systems they have installed. This does not replace the required SCDES construction/operation permit process.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 4
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SOUTH CAROLINA (SC)
SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAM
◆ ◆ ◆
EDITION
Comprehensive Practice Questions & Verified Answers • SCDES-Aligned
UPDATED CYCLE • REGULATION 61-56 • OSHA STANDARDS • INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES
250 QUESTIONS 6 DOMAINS 80% TO PASS 3 TIERS
GOVERNING AUTHORITY PRIMARY REGULATION PASSING SCORE
SCDES SC Regulation 80% Minimum
(formerly DHEC) 61-56
TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3
Gravity & Fill-Cap Pumps, Mounds, Specialized 610
Residential Commercial Unlimited + Bonded
8 hrs / 2 yrs 12 hrs / 2 yrs 18 hrs / 2 yrs
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services • Regulation 61-56 • Onsite Wastewater Systems
ACTUAL SCDES EXAM FORMAT • COMPLETE COVERAGE • VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS • EXPERT RATIONALES
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 1
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
CONTENTS
Your roadmap through 250 SCDES-aligned practice questions.
1 How to Use This Exam & Answer Format .................................................................................................................................. 3
2 Exam & Licensure Overview — SCDES Tiers, Fees & CEUs .................................................................................................. 3
3 Core Content Domains At-a-Glance ............................................................................................................................................ 4
4 What’s New for 2026/2027 ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
5 Practice Questions ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Domain 1 — SC Regulation 61-56 & Regulatory Requirements (Q1–Q45) ......................................................................................... 5
Domain 2 — Site Evaluation & Soil Science (Q46–Q95) ....................................................................................................................14
Domain 3 — System Design & Component Specifications (Q96–Q145) ........................................................................................... 23
Domain 4 — Setback Distances & Separation Requirements (Q146–Q185) ..................................................................................... 32
Domain 5 — Installation & Safety — OSHA & Field Practice (Q186–Q220)......................................................................................41
Domain 6 — Maintenance, Ethics & Legal Compliance (Q221–Q250) ............................................................................................. 48
6 Quick-Check Answer Key (Tear-Out Style) ............................................................................................................................. 54
7 Regulation Quick-Reference Tables .......................................................................................................................................... 56
8 References & Study Resources ................................................................................................................................................... 57
HOW TO USE THIS EXAM • ANSWER FORMAT LEGEND
• Questions are in bold black. Read each stem carefully — SCDES tests exact regulatory language.
• Options A–D are in regular black. All distractors are plausible — eliminate by code citation.
• Correct answers are in bold lime green. Marked immediately after options for rapid self-check.
• Rationales are in italic deep teal with no background shading. Each explains why the correct answer is code-compliant and why
others fail, with Reg. citation.
EXAMPLE →
Q. What is the minimum septic tank capacity for a 4-bedroom residence under R.61-56?
A. 750 gallons
B. 1,000 gallons
C. 1,250 gallons
D. 1,500 gallons
Correct Answer: B. 1,000 gallons
Rationale: R.61-56 establishes 1,000 gallons as the minimum net liquid capacity for residences with four or fewer bedrooms; each additional
bedroom adds 250 gallons. Options A, C, D misstate the base threshold.
EXAM & LICENSURE OVERVIEW
Governing Authority: South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) — formerly DHEC (agency transition effective 2024). Primary
Regulation: SC Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems. Passing Score: 80% on SCDES licensing exam. Examination covers R.61-56 text, SCDES
policies, and OSHA excavation safety.
TIERED LICENSING SYSTEM EXAMINATION & ADMINISTRATIVE
Tier 1 — Gravity / Fill-Cap Residential
Install: all gravity-fed & fill-cap residential systems. Self-inspect when directed.
• Scope: Regulation 61-56 text, SCDES permitting/inspection, soil & site
evaluation, system design, setbacks, installation safety, maintenance & ethics.
CEU: 8 hrs / 2 yrs. Fee: $100. No repair authorization.
Tier 2 — Advanced + Commercial • Passing Score: 80% minimum. Exam scheduled through local SCDES
All Tier 1 PLUS pumps, grease traps, curtain drains, elevated infiltration, Environmental Affairs office; no state exam fee.
mounded & commercial / large systems. Authorized repairs. Self-inspect when • Retake Policy: Fail → 30-day wait for 2nd attempt; 2nd fail → 60-day wait
directed. CEU: 12 hrs / 2 yrs. Fee: $100. for 3rd attempt (per SCDES practice).
Tier 3 — Unlimited (Standard 610)
All Tier 1 & 2 PLUS Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems.
• Application: Online via SCDES ePermitting after passing. Tier 3: include
affidavit of experience + proof of bond/insurance.
Authorized repairs. May self-inspect. Must be bonded & insured. Requires 3 yrs
active SC (or 5 yrs out-of-state) with clean enforcement history. CEU: 18 hrs / 2 • Renewal: Annual license renewal; CEU documentation required every 2
yrs. Fee: $200 (Dual Tier 3/Pumper $250). years. Pumper/Hauler also requires vehicle inspection & disposal facility
approval letter.
• Fees: Residential permit ~$150; Tier 1 $100, Tier 2 $100, Tier 3 $200. Under
R.61-9.505, large/community >1,500 gpd requires Land Application Permit.
• Enforcement: Violations under Pollution Control Act may reach $10,000 per
day; disciplinary history blocks Tier 3 eligibility.
Tip: Study R.61-56 verbatim — SCDES exam tests exact distances,
depths, and CEU tiers, not general concepts.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 2
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
CORE CONTENT AREAS AT-A-GLANCE
1 — REGULATION 61-56 2 — SITE EVALUATION & SOIL SCIENCE 3 — SYSTEM DESIGN & COMPONENTS
Permits, enforcement, property owner duties, SCDES Permeability, LTAR, redoximorphic features, Munsell Tank sizing, pipe slopes, trench aggregate,
authority & transition from DHEC color, restrictive horizons, ZOS distribution, fill caps & equivalency
45 Qs • 18% 50 Qs • 20% 50 Qs • 20%
4 — SETBACKS & SEPARATION 5 — INSTALLATION & SAFETY 6 — MAINTENANCE, ETHICS & LEGAL
Wells, property lines, surface water, buildings, curtain OSHA excavation, trenching, competent person, PPE, Permits, record-keeping, renewal, CEUs, violations,
drains, coastal critical area equipment & field sequencing bonding & professional conduct
40 Qs • 16% 35 Qs • 14% 30 Qs • 12%
✦ UPDATES FOR 2026/2027 — WHAT’S NEW
• Reflects 2024 SCDES agency transition from DHEC — all references, permitting portals (ePermitting) and office names updated.
• Updated Regulation 61-56 compliance requirements including clarified repair-area credits (undisturbed inter-trench area not credited) and fill-cap taper
measurement points.
• Enhanced focus on specialized onsite wastewater systems (Standard 610) — Tier 3 scope, advanced treatment, drip irrigation, low-pressure pipe & Land
Application Permit triggers (>1,500 gpd).
• Revised setback and separation distance protocols — emphasizes 125-ft critical-area setback for certain specialized systems and measurement to mean
high-water / critical area line.
KEY FEATURES • ✓ Actual SCDES exam format & question style • ✓ Complete R.61-56 coverage • ✓ Verified correct answers with expert rationales • ✓ SC-specific
compliance • ✓ 100% unique
PRACTICE QUESTIONS — 250 QUESTIONS
DOMAIN 1 — SC REGULATION 61-56 & REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS • QUESTIONS 1–45
Permits, tiered licensing, enforcement, property owner duties, and SCDES authority (2024 transition).
Q1. Under South Carolina Regulation 61-56, which state agency is the current governing authority for onsite
wastewater system permitting and contractor licensing (reflecting the 2024 transition)?
A. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) exclusively
B. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
C. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
D. South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
Correct Answer: B. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
Rationale: In 2024 DHEC was reorganized and environmental functions, including onsite wastewater (Reg. 61-56) permitting and installer
licensing, transferred to SCDES. SCDES now issues permits, administers exams, and enforces Regulation 61-56. DHEC no longer holds this
authority.
Q2. What minimum score is required to pass the SCDES Septic Tank Contractor licensing examination?
A. 70%
B. 75%
C. 80%
D. 85%
Correct Answer: C. 80%
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 and SCDES licensing guidance require a minimum score of 80% to pass the installer (and pumper/hauler) examination.
The 80% threshold applies to all tiers.
Q3. Which regulation is the primary enforceable standard for onsite wastewater systems in South Carolina?
A. R.61-9
B. R.61-56
C. R.61-71
D. R.61-25
Correct Answer: B. R.61-56
Rationale: R.61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems, is the comprehensive South Carolina regulation governing site evaluation, design, installation, and
contractor licensing. R.61-9 addresses water pollution control/land application permits for large systems, but R.61-56 is the primary onsite
standard.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 3
, SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK CONTRACTOR PRACTICE EXAM • 2026/2027 EDITION • SCDES R.61-56 ALIGNED
Q4. A homeowner wishes to install a septic system without a permit, claiming owner-occupied exemption. Under
R.61-56, what is the correct requirement?
A. No permit is needed if the owner does the work personally
B. A permit from SCDES is required before any construction or repair begins
C. Only a county building permit is required
D. A permit is needed only for systems over 1,000 gpd
Correct Answer: B. A permit from SCDES is required before any construction or repair begins
Rationale: R.61-56 requires an SCDES permit to construct or repair any onsite wastewater system. There is no owner-occupant exemption that
waives the SCDES permit. Application must include site evaluation, soil report, and design, with final inspection before cover and issuance of a
Construction/Operation Permit.
Q5. An installer who was licensed as a master contractor prior to July 1, 2022 became which tier under the tiered
transition?
A. Tier 1
B. Tier 2
C. Tier 3
D. Grandfathered exempt
Correct Answer: C. Tier 3
Rationale: Effective July 1, 2022, master contractors transitioned automatically to Tier 3 (Unlimited). Non-master licensed installers became Tier 2.
Installers wanting to retain ability to install Standard 610 specialized systems after July 31, 2022 had to obtain Tier 3 credentials.
Q6. Which installer tier is authorized to install Standard 610 Specialized Onsite Wastewater Systems (e.g.,
advanced treatment, drip irrigation) in South Carolina?
A. Tier 1 only
B. Tier 2 only
C. Tier 3 only
D. All tiers
Correct Answer: C. Tier 3 only
Rationale: Only Tier 3 (Unlimited) installers may install Standard 610 Specialized Systems. Tier 1 is limited to gravity-fed/fill-cap residential; Tier 2
adds pumps, mounds, curtain drains, and commercial, but not Specialized 610.
Q7. How many continuing education hours are required every two years for a Tier 2 Installer?
A. 6 hours
B. 8 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 18 hours
Correct Answer: C. 12 hours
Rationale: SCDES CEU schedule: Tier 1 = 8 hrs/2 yrs, Tier 2 = 12 hrs/2 yrs, Tier 3 = 18 hrs/2 yrs. CEU documentation is required at renewal.
Q8. To qualify for Tier 3 licensure, an in-state installer must demonstrate how many years of active installation
with no pending/prior disciplinary action?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: C. 3 years
Rationale: Tier 3 eligibility for SC-licensed installers is 3 years of active in-state installation with clean enforcement history; out-of-state applicants
must show 5 years with affidavits from the other regulatory authority. Tier 3 also requires bonding and insurance.
Q9. What is the licensing fee for a new Tier 3 Installer (without pumper/hauler dual license)?
A. $100
B. $150
C. $200
D. $250
Correct Answer: C. $200
Rationale: Fees per SCDES: Tier 1 $100, Tier 2 $100, Tier 3 $200, Pumper/Hauler $100, Dual Tier 1 or 2 $150, Dual Tier 3 $250.
Q10. Who may perform a self-inspection of a system they installed, when directed by SCDES?
A. Only Tier 3 installers
B. No installer may self-inspect; SCDES must always inspect
C. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 (Tier 1 & 2 only when directed; Tier 3 may self-inspect)
D. Only the property owner
Correct Answer: C. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 (Tier 1 & 2 only when directed; Tier 3 may self-inspect)
Rationale: R.61-56 allows Tier 1 and Tier 2 installers to self-inspect systems they installed when directed by the Department; Tier 3 installers may
self-inspect systems they have installed. This does not replace the required SCDES construction/operation permit process.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Practice Exam | 2026/2027 Edition | 250 Questions | SCDES R.61-56 Aligned | Complete Exam Preparation • Page 4
