South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Exam: 250
Practice Questions, Answers & Complete Study
Guide (SC Regulation 61-56) | INSTANT PDF
DOWNLOAD NOW
Section Questions Key Topics
Licensing, Regulations & SCDES authority, R.61-56, Tier 1-3 licensure, fees,
Q1–40
Permitting CE, bonds, insurance, exemptions, permits, violations
Site Evaluation & Soil Soil texture, percolation testing, LTAR, water table,
Q41–75
Science deep hole testing, Fall Line distinction, limiting layers
Tank capacity, bedroom calculations, drainfield sizing,
System Sizing & Design Q76–110 aggregate specs, inlet/outlet tees, risers, distribution
boxes
Well setbacks, surface water, property lines,
Setbacks & Installation Q111–
foundations, tank leveling, backfill, pipe bedding,
Standards 150
depth requirements
Drainfield & Absorption Q151– Trench dimensions, gravel-trench systems, mound
Systems 185 systems, drip distribution, serial vs. parallel, dosing
Maintenance, Inspection Q186– Pumping frequency, biomat clogging, effluent filters,
& Repair 215 risers, inspection protocols, system failure indicators
OSHA, excavation safety, groundwater contamination,
Safety, Environmental & Q216–
nitrogen reduction, coastal setbacks, alternative
Advanced Topics 250
systems
,Section 1: Licensing, Regulations & Permitting (Qs 1–40)
Q1. What is the primary regulatory document governing onsite wastewater systems in South
Carolina?
A) NFPA 1403
B) SC DHEC Regulation 61-56
C) SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Title 40
D) The International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Answer: B
Regulation 61-56 is the official regulation specifying minimum standards for the
construction, design, and installation of septic systems in South Carolina .
Q2. 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)
Answer: C
DHEC has historically 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 .
Q3. What minimum score is required to pass the South Carolina septic tank contractor
licensing examination?
A) 60%
B) 70%
C) 80%
D) 90%
Answer: C
Regulation 61-56 Section 700 requires applicants to pass an examination with a minimum
score of 80 percent .
Q4. What is required to obtain a septic tank contractor license in South Carolina?
A) Completion of a written exam only
B) Proof of insurance and a written exam
C) A college degree in environmental science
D) A passing score on the exam and proof of financial responsibility
Answer: D
Candidates must not only pass the exam but also demonstrate financial responsibility, often
through a bond or insurance .
, Q5. Which tier of installer can install all gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems?
A) Tier 1 Installer
B) Tier 2 Installer
C) Tier 3 Installer
D) Master Installer
Answer: A
Tier 1 Installers can install all gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems. Tier 2 and Tier 3
installers have progressively broader scope authority .
Q6. What is the retake policy after a first exam failure in South Carolina?
A) Retake immediately
B) Retake in 30 days
C) Retake in 60 days
D) Retake in 90 days
Answer: B
The retake policy after a first failure is 30 days; a second failure allows retake after 60 days .
Q7. A Tier 1 installer must obtain a minimum of how many hours of continuing education
every two years?
A) 4 hours
B) 6 hours
Practice Questions, Answers & Complete Study
Guide (SC Regulation 61-56) | INSTANT PDF
DOWNLOAD NOW
Section Questions Key Topics
Licensing, Regulations & SCDES authority, R.61-56, Tier 1-3 licensure, fees,
Q1–40
Permitting CE, bonds, insurance, exemptions, permits, violations
Site Evaluation & Soil Soil texture, percolation testing, LTAR, water table,
Q41–75
Science deep hole testing, Fall Line distinction, limiting layers
Tank capacity, bedroom calculations, drainfield sizing,
System Sizing & Design Q76–110 aggregate specs, inlet/outlet tees, risers, distribution
boxes
Well setbacks, surface water, property lines,
Setbacks & Installation Q111–
foundations, tank leveling, backfill, pipe bedding,
Standards 150
depth requirements
Drainfield & Absorption Q151– Trench dimensions, gravel-trench systems, mound
Systems 185 systems, drip distribution, serial vs. parallel, dosing
Maintenance, Inspection Q186– Pumping frequency, biomat clogging, effluent filters,
& Repair 215 risers, inspection protocols, system failure indicators
OSHA, excavation safety, groundwater contamination,
Safety, Environmental & Q216–
nitrogen reduction, coastal setbacks, alternative
Advanced Topics 250
systems
,Section 1: Licensing, Regulations & Permitting (Qs 1–40)
Q1. What is the primary regulatory document governing onsite wastewater systems in South
Carolina?
A) NFPA 1403
B) SC DHEC Regulation 61-56
C) SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Title 40
D) The International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Answer: B
Regulation 61-56 is the official regulation specifying minimum standards for the
construction, design, and installation of septic systems in South Carolina .
Q2. 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)
Answer: C
DHEC has historically 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 .
Q3. What minimum score is required to pass the South Carolina septic tank contractor
licensing examination?
A) 60%
B) 70%
C) 80%
D) 90%
Answer: C
Regulation 61-56 Section 700 requires applicants to pass an examination with a minimum
score of 80 percent .
Q4. What is required to obtain a septic tank contractor license in South Carolina?
A) Completion of a written exam only
B) Proof of insurance and a written exam
C) A college degree in environmental science
D) A passing score on the exam and proof of financial responsibility
Answer: D
Candidates must not only pass the exam but also demonstrate financial responsibility, often
through a bond or insurance .
, Q5. Which tier of installer can install all gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems?
A) Tier 1 Installer
B) Tier 2 Installer
C) Tier 3 Installer
D) Master Installer
Answer: A
Tier 1 Installers can install all gravity-fed and fill-cap residential systems. Tier 2 and Tier 3
installers have progressively broader scope authority .
Q6. What is the retake policy after a first exam failure in South Carolina?
A) Retake immediately
B) Retake in 30 days
C) Retake in 60 days
D) Retake in 90 days
Answer: B
The retake policy after a first failure is 30 days; a second failure allows retake after 60 days .
Q7. A Tier 1 installer must obtain a minimum of how many hours of continuing education
every two years?
A) 4 hours
B) 6 hours
