SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM
200 Questions with Detailed Rationales
Based on South Carolina Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater
Systems
SECTION 1: REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND LICENSING
(Questions 1–25)
Question 1. Which South Carolina regulation governs the design,
installation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems?
A) R.61-51
B) R.61-56
C) R.61-67
D) R.61-25
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the exclusive authority for onsite
wastewater treatment and disposal systems in South Carolina.
Question 2. As of July 1, 2024, which state agency is responsible for
licensing septic tank installers in South Carolina?
,A) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
(DHEC)
B) South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
C) South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
(LLR)
D) South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The former DHEC was reorganized, and the environmental
permitting and enforcement functions, including R.61-56, were
transferred to the newly established Department of Environmental
Services (SCDES).
Question 3. What is the minimum passing score required for the South
Carolina septic system installer licensing examination?
A) 70%
B) 75%
C) 80%
D) 85%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, applicants must pass the examination
with a score of 80% or better to become licensed.
Question 4. A Tier 1 installer license authorizes which of the following?
A) Installation of all commercial systems
B) Installation of gravity-fed residential systems only
, C) Installation of pressurized systems
D) Major repairs to existing drainfields
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level classification limited strictly to
installing new gravity-fed residential systems. Repairs and pressurized
systems require higher tier licensure.
Question 5. 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 required initial license and renewal fees for Tier 1 and
Tier 2 installers are $100. Tier 3 installers pay $200.
Question 6. How often must a septic system installer license be
renewed?
A) Every 6 months
B) Annually
C) Every 2 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Every license issued by the Department is valid for a period
of one year unless suspended or revoked. Renewal fees are due annually.
LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM
200 Questions with Detailed Rationales
Based on South Carolina Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater
Systems
SECTION 1: REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND LICENSING
(Questions 1–25)
Question 1. Which South Carolina regulation governs the design,
installation, and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems?
A) R.61-51
B) R.61-56
C) R.61-67
D) R.61-25
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regulation 61-56 is the exclusive authority for onsite
wastewater treatment and disposal systems in South Carolina.
Question 2. As of July 1, 2024, which state agency is responsible for
licensing septic tank installers in South Carolina?
,A) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
(DHEC)
B) South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
C) South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
(LLR)
D) South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The former DHEC was reorganized, and the environmental
permitting and enforcement functions, including R.61-56, were
transferred to the newly established Department of Environmental
Services (SCDES).
Question 3. What is the minimum passing score required for the South
Carolina septic system installer licensing examination?
A) 70%
B) 75%
C) 80%
D) 85%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per Regulation 61-56, applicants must pass the examination
with a score of 80% or better to become licensed.
Question 4. A Tier 1 installer license authorizes which of the following?
A) Installation of all commercial systems
B) Installation of gravity-fed residential systems only
, C) Installation of pressurized systems
D) Major repairs to existing drainfields
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tier 1 is the entry-level classification limited strictly to
installing new gravity-fed residential systems. Repairs and pressurized
systems require higher tier licensure.
Question 5. 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 required initial license and renewal fees for Tier 1 and
Tier 2 installers are $100. Tier 3 installers pay $200.
Question 6. How often must a septic system installer license be
renewed?
A) Every 6 months
B) Annually
C) Every 2 years
D) Every 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Every license issued by the Department is valid for a period
of one year unless suspended or revoked. Renewal fees are due annually.
