A perc test focuses on drainage.
A traditional test measures how quickly water drops through prepared soil. Procedures, hole dimensions, presaturation, timing, witnesses, and accepted rates vary.
A soil evaluation can be broader.
A soil or site evaluation may document soil texture and horizons, restrictive layers, seasonal high water, slope, landscape position, available area, and setbacks. Some programs use those observations instead of—or alongside—a timed water test.
Why this matters for a quote.
“Perc test” may describe only part of the required scope. Ask the agency and provider whether the price includes pits or borings, soil description, reserve area, report, agency attendance, design recommendations, and submission.
Use the exact service name from the official application when requesting quotes. That makes provider prices easier to compare.