Page 1 of 94
Minnesota Level I SSTS (Subsurface Sewage Treatment
System) Installer Exam ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The exam focuses on:
• Understanding SSTS components and system types
• Conducting proper soil and site evaluations
• Applying Minnesota regulations (7080–7083)
• Correct system sizing and design basics
• Safe and proper installation practices
• Identifying failures and maintenance needs
1.
A homeowner plans a new septic system installation; what is the primary purpose of a subsurface
sewage treatment system?
, Page 2 of 94
A. Store wastewater permanently
B. Treat and disperse wastewater safely into soil
C. Evaporate all wastewater
D. Pump wastewater to surface
Answer: B
Rationale: SSTS systems treat wastewater biologically and disperse it safely into soil.
2.
During a site evaluation, soil with high clay content is identified; what is the primary concern for system
design?
A. Excess drainage
B. Poor permeability and slow absorption
C. Increased evaporation
D. High oxygen levels
Answer: B
Rationale: Clay soils absorb water slowly, limiting system effectiveness.
3.
Which Minnesota rule chapters govern SSTS design, installation, and maintenance requirements?
, Page 3 of 94
A. 5000–5005
B. 7080–7083
C. 6000–6010
D. 8000–8010
Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota SSTS regulations are under Chapters 7080–7083.
4.
A system is being designed for a three-bedroom home; what is the main factor used to determine
system size?
A. Roof size
B. Daily wastewater flow based on bedrooms
C. Yard size
D. Soil color
Answer: B
Rationale: Bedrooms determine estimated daily wastewater flow.
5.
Which component is responsible for separating solids from liquids in a septic system?
, Page 4 of 94
A. Pump tank
B. Drainfield
C. Septic tank
D. Distribution box
Answer: C
Rationale: The septic tank allows solids to settle and scum to float.
6.
During installation, the contractor notices saturated soil conditions; what is the most appropriate action
before proceeding?
A. Continue installation
B. Delay work until soil conditions improve
C. Add more gravel
D. Increase trench depth
Answer: B
Rationale: Wet soils can be compacted and damaged, reducing treatment effectiveness.
7.
Minnesota Level I SSTS (Subsurface Sewage Treatment
System) Installer Exam ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE
The exam focuses on:
• Understanding SSTS components and system types
• Conducting proper soil and site evaluations
• Applying Minnesota regulations (7080–7083)
• Correct system sizing and design basics
• Safe and proper installation practices
• Identifying failures and maintenance needs
1.
A homeowner plans a new septic system installation; what is the primary purpose of a subsurface
sewage treatment system?
, Page 2 of 94
A. Store wastewater permanently
B. Treat and disperse wastewater safely into soil
C. Evaporate all wastewater
D. Pump wastewater to surface
Answer: B
Rationale: SSTS systems treat wastewater biologically and disperse it safely into soil.
2.
During a site evaluation, soil with high clay content is identified; what is the primary concern for system
design?
A. Excess drainage
B. Poor permeability and slow absorption
C. Increased evaporation
D. High oxygen levels
Answer: B
Rationale: Clay soils absorb water slowly, limiting system effectiveness.
3.
Which Minnesota rule chapters govern SSTS design, installation, and maintenance requirements?
, Page 3 of 94
A. 5000–5005
B. 7080–7083
C. 6000–6010
D. 8000–8010
Answer: B
Rationale: Minnesota SSTS regulations are under Chapters 7080–7083.
4.
A system is being designed for a three-bedroom home; what is the main factor used to determine
system size?
A. Roof size
B. Daily wastewater flow based on bedrooms
C. Yard size
D. Soil color
Answer: B
Rationale: Bedrooms determine estimated daily wastewater flow.
5.
Which component is responsible for separating solids from liquids in a septic system?
, Page 4 of 94
A. Pump tank
B. Drainfield
C. Septic tank
D. Distribution box
Answer: C
Rationale: The septic tank allows solids to settle and scum to float.
6.
During installation, the contractor notices saturated soil conditions; what is the most appropriate action
before proceeding?
A. Continue installation
B. Delay work until soil conditions improve
C. Add more gravel
D. Increase trench depth
Answer: B
Rationale: Wet soils can be compacted and damaged, reducing treatment effectiveness.
7.
