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Arizona Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

US-AZ · License preparation

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Well Driller’s License

ADWR license held by a well drilling contractor with a designated qualifying party and one or more licensed drilling classifications.

Licensing authority: Arizona Department of Water Resources · Application information

Amendment to add a drilling classification
Amendment fee
The codified R12-15-806(B) charges $50 for an amendment. The Board-linked 2025 study compilation reproduces an earlier no-additional-fee version; the codified rule controls.
Classification
Select the NGWA trade examination matching the additional drilling method; the alternatives do not authorize methods for which the qualifying party has not passed the applicable test.
Existing license
An existing licensee’s qualifying party subsequently passes another specialized section; ADWR amends the license to include that classification. R12-15-806(B).
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit a verified application identifying the requested classification, applicant and entity information, qualifying parties, experience, and three non-family references; notify ADWR of changes within 30 days. R12-15-804(A)–(B).
Application timing
Submit the application at least 20 days before the legal examination. ADWR’s WL8 instructions require its Important Message form to remain attached even when its requirements do not apply.
Attempts
No person may take the well drilling examination more than twice in any 12 months. R12-15-805(D).
Character
The applicant and qualifying party must possess good character and reputation. R12-15-804(C).
Classification
Pass at least one NGWA trade examination corresponding to the drilling method the firm will use. The six alternatives are cable tool A/B, air rotary C/D, mud rotary E/F, reverse circulation G, jetting/driving H, and augering/monitoring M. Additional methods require the appropriate additional classifications. WL8 directs a firm using a method without an NGWA test, such as sonic or core drilling, to select the closest trade examination.
Contractor license for drilling authority
A.R.S. § 45-596(C)(11) separately requires proof of the appropriate Registrar of Contractors license or proof that the proposed driller is exempt under § 32-1121 when seeking authority to drill a particular well. This is an applicant condition on drilling authority; it is not an ADWR exam alternative.
Equivalent examination
R12-15-805(E) permits the Director to exempt the qualifying party from the Department’s general and specialized sections upon proof of passing equivalent NGWA examinations. WL8 implements these sections through the NGWA general and trade examinations, offered directly by NGWA or PSI rather than by ADWR since November 2009. Passing before application remains examination evidence for currently offered registered tests.
Experience
The qualifying party demonstrates three years of experience with the drilling type sought. The Director may reduce this to no less than two years upon clear and convincing demonstration of a high degree of understanding and knowledge. R12-15-804(D).
Identification
WL8 DWR 37-19(a) requires evidence of authorized United States presence, brought to the State Regulations examination rather than mailed with the application; identification without a photograph requires additional government photo identification.
License fee
Pay ADWR’s $50 license fee after the examination and eligibility requirements are satisfied. R12-15-806(A)–(B) and WL8.
License term
The ordinary license expires June 30 each year unless renewed under R12-15-806(E).
Out of state license
The ADWR For Well Drillers FAQ states: “If I’m licensed in another state, do I still need to be licensed in Arizona? Yes.” An out-of-state license does not substitute for this Arizona license.
Qualifying party
The contractor designates a partner, officer or employee with significant supervisory responsibilities as qualifying party. R12-15-801(24), R12-15-804(A)(6), and R12-15-803(C).
Reference implementation
DWR 37-01 item 8 asks that at least one reference be from an Arizona licensed driller; an applicant licensed elsewhere supplies the license number and licensing-agency address.
Scores
A score of 70% is required on the legal, NGWA general and at least one appropriate specialized test. Forward NGWA or PSI test results to ADWR; ADWR supplies the legal-test result. WL8 cover letter and R12-15-805(C).
Social security
WL8 DWR 37-19 requires the social security number of sole proprietors and general partners, supplied with the application.
Reactivation and renewal within one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
File the required application and $50 reactivation fee within one year after expiration. The rule’s separate one-or-more-years clause requires relicensure and examination at the one-year threshold.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license after one or more years of expiration
Application
Submit a verified application identifying the requested classification, applicant and entity information, qualifying parties, experience, and three non-family references; notify ADWR of changes within 30 days. R12-15-804(A)–(B).
Application timing
Submit the application at least 20 days before the legal examination. ADWR’s WL8 instructions require its Important Message form to remain attached even when its requirements do not apply.
Attempts
No person may take the well drilling examination more than twice in any 12 months. R12-15-805(D).
Character
The applicant and qualifying party must possess good character and reputation. R12-15-804(C).
Classification
Pass at least one NGWA trade examination corresponding to the drilling method the firm will use. The six alternatives are cable tool A/B, air rotary C/D, mud rotary E/F, reverse circulation G, jetting/driving H, and augering/monitoring M. Additional methods require the appropriate additional classifications. WL8 directs a firm using a method without an NGWA test, such as sonic or core drilling, to select the closest trade examination.
Contractor license for drilling authority
A.R.S. § 45-596(C)(11) separately requires proof of the appropriate Registrar of Contractors license or proof that the proposed driller is exempt under § 32-1121 when seeking authority to drill a particular well. This is an applicant condition on drilling authority; it is not an ADWR exam alternative.
Equivalent examination
R12-15-805(E) permits the Director to exempt the qualifying party from the Department’s general and specialized sections upon proof of passing equivalent NGWA examinations. WL8 implements these sections through the NGWA general and trade examinations, offered directly by NGWA or PSI rather than by ADWR since November 2009. Passing before application remains examination evidence for currently offered registered tests.
Experience
The qualifying party demonstrates three years of experience with the drilling type sought. The Director may reduce this to no less than two years upon clear and convincing demonstration of a high degree of understanding and knowledge. R12-15-804(D).
Expiration
The license has been expired for one or more years for failure to renew; R12-15-806(E) requires a new license application and repeating the examination.
Identification
WL8 DWR 37-19(a) requires evidence of authorized United States presence, brought to the State Regulations examination rather than mailed with the application; identification without a photograph requires additional government photo identification.
License fee
Pay ADWR’s $50 license fee after the examination and eligibility requirements are satisfied. R12-15-806(A)–(B) and WL8.
License term
The ordinary license expires June 30 each year unless renewed under R12-15-806(E).
Out of state license
The ADWR For Well Drillers FAQ states: “If I’m licensed in another state, do I still need to be licensed in Arizona? Yes.” An out-of-state license does not substitute for this Arizona license.
Qualifying party
The contractor designates a partner, officer or employee with significant supervisory responsibilities as qualifying party. R12-15-801(24), R12-15-804(A)(6), and R12-15-803(C).
Reference implementation
DWR 37-01 item 8 asks that at least one reference be from an Arizona licensed driller; an applicant licensed elsewhere supplies the license number and licensing-agency address.
Scores
A score of 70% is required on the legal, NGWA general and at least one appropriate specialized test. Forward NGWA or PSI test results to ADWR; ADWR supplies the legal-test result. WL8 cover letter and R12-15-805(C).
Social security
WL8 DWR 37-19 requires the social security number of sole proprietors and general partners, supplied with the application.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Submit the renewal application and $50 fee, postmarked on or before June 30 to continue operating while the renewal is issued. R12-15-806(E) specifies renewal by application and fee and specifies a repeated examination only for licenses expired for one or more years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement of a qualifying party
Application
Submit a verified application identifying the requested classification, applicant and entity information, qualifying parties, experience, and three non-family references; notify ADWR of changes within 30 days. R12-15-804(A)–(B).
Application timing
Submit the application at least 20 days before the legal examination. ADWR’s WL8 instructions require its Important Message form to remain attached even when its requirements do not apply.
Attempts
No person may take the well drilling examination more than twice in any 12 months. R12-15-805(D).
Character
The applicant and qualifying party must possess good character and reputation. R12-15-804(C).
Classification
Pass at least one NGWA trade examination corresponding to the drilling method the firm will use. The six alternatives are cable tool A/B, air rotary C/D, mud rotary E/F, reverse circulation G, jetting/driving H, and augering/monitoring M. Additional methods require the appropriate additional classifications. WL8 directs a firm using a method without an NGWA test, such as sonic or core drilling, to select the closest trade examination.
Contractor license for drilling authority
A.R.S. § 45-596(C)(11) separately requires proof of the appropriate Registrar of Contractors license or proof that the proposed driller is exempt under § 32-1121 when seeking authority to drill a particular well. This is an applicant condition on drilling authority; it is not an ADWR exam alternative.
Equivalent examination
R12-15-805(E) permits the Director to exempt the qualifying party from the Department’s general and specialized sections upon proof of passing equivalent NGWA examinations. WL8 implements these sections through the NGWA general and trade examinations, offered directly by NGWA or PSI rather than by ADWR since November 2009. Passing before application remains examination evidence for currently offered registered tests.
Experience
The qualifying party demonstrates three years of experience with the drilling type sought. The Director may reduce this to no less than two years upon clear and convincing demonstration of a high degree of understanding and knowledge. R12-15-804(D).
Identification
WL8 DWR 37-19(a) requires evidence of authorized United States presence, brought to the State Regulations examination rather than mailed with the application; identification without a photograph requires additional government photo identification.
License fee
Pay ADWR’s $50 license fee after the examination and eligibility requirements are satisfied. R12-15-806(A)–(B) and WL8.
License term
The ordinary license expires June 30 each year unless renewed under R12-15-806(E).
Out of state license
The ADWR For Well Drillers FAQ states: “If I’m licensed in another state, do I still need to be licensed in Arizona? Yes.” An out-of-state license does not substitute for this Arizona license.
Qualifying party
The contractor designates a partner, officer or employee with significant supervisory responsibilities as qualifying party. R12-15-801(24), R12-15-804(A)(6), and R12-15-803(C).
Reference implementation
DWR 37-01 item 8 asks that at least one reference be from an Arizona licensed driller; an applicant licensed elsewhere supplies the license number and licensing-agency address.
Replacement
Within 30 days notify ADWR when a qualifying party is lost for a drilling classification. The Director may suspend or revoke part or all of the license and require a new qualifying party to take and pass the examination. The discretion is an applicant condition; currently offered examinations identified by R12-15-805 remain leaves.
Scores
A score of 70% is required on the legal, NGWA general and at least one appropriate specialized test. Forward NGWA or PSI test results to ADWR; ADWR supplies the legal-test result. WL8 cover letter and R12-15-805(C).
Social security
WL8 DWR 37-19 requires the social security number of sole proprietors and general partners, supplied with the application.

Arizona Legal Requirements Section of the Well Drilling License Examination

Provider
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Format
True/false and multiple-choice questions
Passing score
70%
Examination outline
  • A.R.S. Title 45, Chapter 2 — Groundwater Code (enumerated well statutes)
  • 12 A.A.C. 15 — Well construction, licensing and well spacing (enumerated rules)
Examination sources

Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Mobilize for the Site (6 of 50 items)
  • Construct Water Well (34 of 50 items)
  • Develop Wells (7 of 50 items)
  • Decommission Wells (2 of 50 items)
  • Demobilize the Site (1 of 50 items)
Examination sources

Exam M: Augering and Monitoring

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
75 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Mobilize for the Site (18 of 75 items)
  • Construct Water Well (43 of 75 items)
  • Rehabilitate Wells (3 of 75 items)
  • Develop Wells (8 of 75 items)
  • Demobilize the Site (3 of 75 items)
Examination sources

Exam A/B: Cable Tool Drilling

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Mobilize for the Site (3 of 50 items)
  • Construct Water Well (30 of 50 items)
  • Rehabilitate Wells (4 of 50 items)
  • Develop Wells (7 of 50 items)
  • Decommission Wells (3 of 50 items)
  • Demobilize the Site (3 of 50 items)
Examination sources

NGWA General Drilling Exam

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Mobilize for the Site (10 of 50 items)
  • Construct Water Well (16 of 50 items)
  • Rehabilitate Wells (5 of 50 items)
  • Develop Wells (11 of 50 items)
  • Decommission Wells (3 of 50 items)
  • Demobilize the Site (5 of 50 items)
Examination sources

Exam H: Jetting and Driving Wells

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Jetting and Driving Wells (50 of 50 items)
Examination sources

Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Mobilize for the Site (9 of 50 items)
  • Construct Water Well (18 of 50 items)
  • Prepare/Manage Drilling Fluids (17 of 50 items)
  • Develop Wells (5 of 50 items)
  • Demobilize the Site (1 of 50 items)
Examination sources

Exam G: Reverse Circulation Drilling

Provider
National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
1 hour
Passing score
70% (minimum passing score)
Exam fee
$75 per exam
Examination outline
  • Reverse Circulation Drilling (50 of 50 items)
Examination sources