South Carolina Septic Tank
Contractor Licensing Exam 2025/2026
– actual Exam Format Questions &
Answers with Rationales | 100%
Verified | Graded A+
This exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions with verified answers for the 2025 South
Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Licensing Exam, compliant with the South Carolina
Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater
Systems. The questions cover septic system installation, maintenance, regulations, environmental
compliance, and professional standards. Answers are provided in dark red, with rationales to
enhance understanding. This resource is designed to help candidates achieve a passing score of
80% or higher.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Exam Questions (1–
100)
1. What is the primary purpose of Regulation 61-56 in South Carolina?
o A) To regulate public sewer systems
o B) To oversee onsite wastewater systems
o C) To manage water conservation programs
o D) To enforce building codes
o Answer: B. To oversee onsite wastewater systems
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 governs the design, installation, and maintenance of
onsite wastewater systems, including septic systems, to protect public health and
the environment.
2. What is the minimum score required to pass the South Carolina Septic Tank
Contractor Licensing Exam?
o A) 70%
o B) 75%
o C) 80%
o D) 85%
o Answer: C. 80%
, o Rationale: SCDES requires a minimum score of 80% to pass the licensing exam,
per Regulation 61-56.
3. How often must septic systems be inspected in South Carolina?
o A) Every 2 years
o B) Every 3 years
o C) Every 5 years
o D) Every 7 years
o Answer: B. Every 3 years
o Rationale: South Carolina regulations recommend inspections every 3 years to
ensure system functionality and compliance.
4. Which South Carolina code provides regulations for septic tank installation?
o A) South Carolina Building Code
o B) South Carolina Plumbing Code
o C) South Carolina Environmental Protection Code
o D) South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
o Answer: D. South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
o Rationale: The Sewage Disposal Code outlines specific requirements for septic
tank installation and maintenance.
5. What is required to obtain a septic tank contractor license in South Carolina?
o A) Completion of a written exam
o B) Proof of insurance
o C) Evidence of work experience
o D) All of the above
o Answer: D. All of the above
o Rationale: Licensing requires passing an exam, providing proof of insurance, and
demonstrating relevant work experience.
6. What is a violation under South Carolina septic system regulations?
o A) Using certified materials
o B) Installing a septic tank without a permit
o C) Conducting required inspections
o D) Maintaining proper records
o Answer: B. Installing a septic tank without a permit
o Rationale: Installing without a permit violates Regulation 61-56 and can result in
penalties.
7. What is the required separation distance between a septic tank and a property line
in South Carolina?
o A) 10 feet
o B) 15 feet
o C) 20 feet
o D) 25 feet
o Answer: C. 20 feet
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a 20-foot separation to ensure maintenance
access and prevent encroachment.
8. What must a contractor do if non-compliant conditions are found during
installation?
o A) Proceed and notify SCDES later
, o B) Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
o C) Ignore the issue if it does not affect function
o D) Make corrections without informing SCDES
o Answer: B. Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
o Rationale: Non-compliant conditions must be reported to SCDES to ensure
regulatory compliance.
9. Which document outlines the minimum design and construction standards for
septic systems in South Carolina?
o A) South Carolina Septic System Guidelines
o B) South Carolina Environmental Health Code
o C) South Carolina Building Standards Handbook
o D) South Carolina Plumbing Standards
o Answer: B. South Carolina Environmental Health Code
o Rationale: The Environmental Health Code provides standards for septic system
design and construction.
10. How long must a septic system installer wait to retake the exam after failing?
o A) 7 days
o B) 14 days
o C) 30 days
o D) 60 days
o Answer: C. 30 days
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a 30-day waiting period after the first
failure, and 60 days after a second failure.
11. What is the minimum setback distance from a septic tank to a well in South
Carolina?
o A) 50 feet
o B) 75 feet
o C) 100 feet
o D) 150 feet
o Answer: B. 75 feet
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a 75-foot setback to prevent contamination
of groundwater.
12. What is the purpose of a septic tank’s baffles?
o A) To increase water flow
o B) To separate solids from liquids
o C) To aerate wastewater
o D) To filter soil particles
o Answer: B. To separate solids from liquids
o Rationale: Baffles retain solids, allowing liquids to flow to the drain field.
13. What is the minimum depth of a septic tank in South Carolina?
o A) 12 inches
o B) 24 inches
o C) 36 inches
o D) 48 inches
o Answer: C. 36 inches
Contractor Licensing Exam 2025/2026
– actual Exam Format Questions &
Answers with Rationales | 100%
Verified | Graded A+
This exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions with verified answers for the 2025 South
Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Licensing Exam, compliant with the South Carolina
Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater
Systems. The questions cover septic system installation, maintenance, regulations, environmental
compliance, and professional standards. Answers are provided in dark red, with rationales to
enhance understanding. This resource is designed to help candidates achieve a passing score of
80% or higher.
South Carolina Septic Tank Contractor Exam Questions (1–
100)
1. What is the primary purpose of Regulation 61-56 in South Carolina?
o A) To regulate public sewer systems
o B) To oversee onsite wastewater systems
o C) To manage water conservation programs
o D) To enforce building codes
o Answer: B. To oversee onsite wastewater systems
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 governs the design, installation, and maintenance of
onsite wastewater systems, including septic systems, to protect public health and
the environment.
2. What is the minimum score required to pass the South Carolina Septic Tank
Contractor Licensing Exam?
o A) 70%
o B) 75%
o C) 80%
o D) 85%
o Answer: C. 80%
, o Rationale: SCDES requires a minimum score of 80% to pass the licensing exam,
per Regulation 61-56.
3. How often must septic systems be inspected in South Carolina?
o A) Every 2 years
o B) Every 3 years
o C) Every 5 years
o D) Every 7 years
o Answer: B. Every 3 years
o Rationale: South Carolina regulations recommend inspections every 3 years to
ensure system functionality and compliance.
4. Which South Carolina code provides regulations for septic tank installation?
o A) South Carolina Building Code
o B) South Carolina Plumbing Code
o C) South Carolina Environmental Protection Code
o D) South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
o Answer: D. South Carolina Sewage Disposal Code
o Rationale: The Sewage Disposal Code outlines specific requirements for septic
tank installation and maintenance.
5. What is required to obtain a septic tank contractor license in South Carolina?
o A) Completion of a written exam
o B) Proof of insurance
o C) Evidence of work experience
o D) All of the above
o Answer: D. All of the above
o Rationale: Licensing requires passing an exam, providing proof of insurance, and
demonstrating relevant work experience.
6. What is a violation under South Carolina septic system regulations?
o A) Using certified materials
o B) Installing a septic tank without a permit
o C) Conducting required inspections
o D) Maintaining proper records
o Answer: B. Installing a septic tank without a permit
o Rationale: Installing without a permit violates Regulation 61-56 and can result in
penalties.
7. What is the required separation distance between a septic tank and a property line
in South Carolina?
o A) 10 feet
o B) 15 feet
o C) 20 feet
o D) 25 feet
o Answer: C. 20 feet
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a 20-foot separation to ensure maintenance
access and prevent encroachment.
8. What must a contractor do if non-compliant conditions are found during
installation?
o A) Proceed and notify SCDES later
, o B) Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
o C) Ignore the issue if it does not affect function
o D) Make corrections without informing SCDES
o Answer: B. Stop installation and notify SCDES immediately
o Rationale: Non-compliant conditions must be reported to SCDES to ensure
regulatory compliance.
9. Which document outlines the minimum design and construction standards for
septic systems in South Carolina?
o A) South Carolina Septic System Guidelines
o B) South Carolina Environmental Health Code
o C) South Carolina Building Standards Handbook
o D) South Carolina Plumbing Standards
o Answer: B. South Carolina Environmental Health Code
o Rationale: The Environmental Health Code provides standards for septic system
design and construction.
10. How long must a septic system installer wait to retake the exam after failing?
o A) 7 days
o B) 14 days
o C) 30 days
o D) 60 days
o Answer: C. 30 days
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a 30-day waiting period after the first
failure, and 60 days after a second failure.
11. What is the minimum setback distance from a septic tank to a well in South
Carolina?
o A) 50 feet
o B) 75 feet
o C) 100 feet
o D) 150 feet
o Answer: B. 75 feet
o Rationale: Regulation 61-56 requires a 75-foot setback to prevent contamination
of groundwater.
12. What is the purpose of a septic tank’s baffles?
o A) To increase water flow
o B) To separate solids from liquids
o C) To aerate wastewater
o D) To filter soil particles
o Answer: B. To separate solids from liquids
o Rationale: Baffles retain solids, allowing liquids to flow to the drain field.
13. What is the minimum depth of a septic tank in South Carolina?
o A) 12 inches
o B) 24 inches
o C) 36 inches
o D) 48 inches
o Answer: C. 36 inches
