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Georgia Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Water Well Contractor License

License for water well construction and related pump work, including drilling geothermal boreholes. A business designates itself or a qualifying partner, officer, or full-time employee. Pump-only contractor certification and PG/PE-supervised non-water-well drilling registration are distinct occupations. O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127 in the Legislature-hosted 2021 code volume, read with its 2025 supplement, has the operative current license provisions; the historical trainee wording remains only in its catchline.

Licensing authority: Georgia Water Well Standards Advisory Council; Georgia Environmental Protection Division as agent · Application information

Temporary continuation of licensed business after licensee death
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Authorization continues for 180 days following death; this is continuation of the same license, not a newly invented credential.
Persons Covered
Water well construction activities of that individual’s partners, officers and employees remain authorized under the existing license.
Valid At Death
The license must have been valid when the individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements died.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-14.

Replacement of a lost, destroyed or mutilated license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
An existing license has been lost, destroyed or mutilated; this replaces its document.
Request
Council-approved written request and the prescribed duplicate-license fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-14.

Initial licensure by examination
Application
Complete Council-approved application, examination score reports, government-issued photo identification, and notarized applicant affidavit (application pp. 1–4).
Experience
Two years of full-time water well construction experience under a licensed water well contractor; certified affidavits from each contractor with exact dates, or other proof satisfactory to the Council. The Council may require the applicant and affiants to appear (Rule 770-3-.01(4)).
Fees
The application states $100 application fee and $400 license fee when more than one year of the license cycle remains, otherwise $200; Council approval and required submittals precede issuance.
Financial Assurance
Acceptable performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit payable to the Director, supplied before issuance; the current application states $30,000 for water well contractors and Rule 770-3-.01 permits an amount set by the Director up to $75,000, including a blanket bond for a business with multiple licensees.
Licensing Violation
A conviction for violation of the statutory licensing provision makes the applicant ineligible to apply for or receive a license for two years (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127(j)).
Passing Score
At least 70 percent on each required examination; submit passing results before application (Rule 770-3-.02(5), application p. 3).
Practical Overview
The EPD overview says it supports the Council by "performing practical drilling examinations"; the controlling current Rule 770-3-.02(3)-(4) specifies written NGWA examinations, and the current application identifies the written exam results to submit.
Qualifying Representative
The business must designate itself or a partner, officer, or full-time employee to meet the licensing requirements; activities performed or approved by that individual are covered and approvals must be posted at the site (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127(d)(1)).
Late renewal within six months without a reexamination sanction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Four hours annually, with eight hours of approved continuing education from the preceding two years; the current form permits four of the eight hours online. Council may waive CE for hardship, disability, illness or other appropriate circumstances.
Existing License
Existing license renewed under Rules 770-5-.03 and 770-8-.01; this route excludes an individual renewal subject to a reexamination sanction.
Expired License
Existing license expired no more than six months; no water well contractor duties may be performed while it is invalid (Rule 770-7-.02(7)).
Fee
$400 renewal fee.
Financial Assurance
At least $30,000 performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit through June 30, 2027, or an acceptable notice of continuation.
Late Fees
No late fee for 0–45 days late; $250 for 46 days through three months; $500 for three through six months, in addition to the license fee. After more than six months use restoration.
Timing
Late renewal fee windows in the Council schedule effective September 18, 2025.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-09-18.

Reapplication following denial
Application
Complete Council-approved application, examination score reports, government-issued photo identification, and notarized applicant affidavit (application pp. 1–4).
Experience
Two years of full-time water well construction experience under a licensed water well contractor; certified affidavits from each contractor with exact dates, or other proof satisfactory to the Council. The Council may require the applicant and affiants to appear (Rule 770-3-.01(4)).
Fees
The application states $100 application fee and $400 license fee when more than one year of the license cycle remains, otherwise $200; Council approval and required submittals precede issuance.
Financial Assurance
Acceptable performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit payable to the Director, supplied before issuance; the current application states $30,000 for water well contractors and Rule 770-3-.01 permits an amount set by the Director up to $75,000, including a blanket bond for a business with multiple licensees.
Licensing Violation
A conviction for violation of the statutory licensing provision makes the applicant ineligible to apply for or receive a license for two years (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127(j)).
Passing Score
At least 70 percent on each required examination; submit passing results before application (Rule 770-3-.02(5), application p. 3).
Practical Overview
The EPD overview says it supports the Council by "performing practical drilling examinations"; the controlling current Rule 770-3-.02(3)-(4) specifies written NGWA examinations, and the current application identifies the written exam results to submit.
Previous Denial
Rule 770-3-.01(7)(d) permits a new application unless the Council imposed a deferment period; a new application within one year of denial does not require another application fee.
Qualifying Representative
The business must designate itself or a partner, officer, or full-time employee to meet the licensing requirements; activities performed or approved by that individual are covered and approvals must be posted at the site (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127(d)(1)).
Licensure by reciprocity
Georgia Water Well Law Exam
Application
Submit complete approved form, required fees and passing Georgia law result. Provide acceptable performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit before issuance.
Discretionary Examinations
Rule 770-6-.01(1): "The Council may also elect to require any applicant for licensing or certification by reciprocity to take an examination or examinations as described in Rule 770-3-.02." The application resolves the ordinary requirement to Georgia Water Well Law only; any additional examination the Council elects to require is an applicant condition, without an independently identified additional exam slot.
Existing License
Provide a copy of a valid and current equivalent water well contractor license issued elsewhere in the United States. Standards must be at least as stringent as Georgia and the issuing jurisdiction must grant reciprocal privileges to Georgia licensees (Rule 770-6-.01(2)-(3)).
Implementing Restriction
Application p. 2 states: "You may apply by reciprocity if you have a valid water well contractor license in the state of Alabama or Mississippi. Provide a copy of that license." This is the Georgia application instruction, not a survey of either issuing jurisdiction.
Passing Score
The Georgia Water Well Law passing grade is 70 percent (Rule 770-3-.02(5)).
Discretionary reissuance of a revoked license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discretion
Reissuance is discretionary; do not perform licensed duties while license is invalid.
Good Cause
Written application showing good cause for reissuance, approved by a majority vote of the Council quorum; this specific reissuance provision states a written good-cause application without identifying an examination requirement.
Revoked License
Applicant previously held a license that was revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-14.

Ordinary biennial renewal without a reexamination sanction
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Four hours annually, with eight hours of approved continuing education from the preceding two years; the current form permits four of the eight hours online. Council may waive CE for hardship, disability, illness or other appropriate circumstances.
Existing License
Existing license renewed under Rules 770-5-.03 and 770-8-.01; this route excludes an individual renewal subject to a reexamination sanction.
Fee
$400 renewal fee.
Financial Assurance
At least $30,000 performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit through June 30, 2027, or an acceptable notice of continuation.
Timing
License expiration is June 30 of odd-numbered years; submit renewal before expiration. The 2025-2027 form requests submission by June 6, 2025 and retains the phrase "for 2021" within its checklist; use its stated 2025-2027 license period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-14.

Restoration of license expired more than six months
Application
Complete Council-approved application, examination score reports, government-issued photo identification, and notarized applicant affidavit (application pp. 1–4).
Experience
Two years of full-time water well construction experience under a licensed water well contractor; certified affidavits from each contractor with exact dates, or other proof satisfactory to the Council. The Council may require the applicant and affiants to appear (Rule 770-3-.01(4)).
Expired License
Provide a copy of the expired license (application p. 2).
Fees
The application states $100 application fee and $400 license fee when more than one year of the license cycle remains, otherwise $200; Council approval and required submittals precede issuance.
Financial Assurance
Acceptable performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit payable to the Director, supplied before issuance; the current application states $30,000 for water well contractors and Rule 770-3-.01 permits an amount set by the Director up to $75,000, including a blanket bond for a business with multiple licensees.
Licensing Violation
A conviction for violation of the statutory licensing provision makes the applicant ineligible to apply for or receive a license for two years (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127(j)).
Passing Score
At least 70 percent on each required examination; submit passing results before application (Rule 770-3-.02(5), application p. 3).
Practical Overview
The EPD overview says it supports the Council by "performing practical drilling examinations"; the controlling current Rule 770-3-.02(3)-(4) specifies written NGWA examinations, and the current application identifies the written exam results to submit.
Qualifying Representative
The business must designate itself or a partner, officer, or full-time employee to meet the licensing requirements; activities performed or approved by that individual are covered and approvals must be posted at the site (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-127(d)(1)).
Restoration Fee
The schedule effective September 18, 2025 requires $650 restoration fee plus new application fee, new application with passing scores, and license fee. Reciprocity applications are not accepted as a substitute for restoration.
Score Timing
The route involves the currently offered exams whose passing results accompany restoration; the sources do not require that every returning applicant take them anew.

Georgia Water Well Law Exam

Provider
Provider designated by the National Ground Water Association
Format
Written test
Passing score
70 percent
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Water Well Standards Act of 1985 (O.C.G.A. §§ 12-5-120–12-5-138)
  • Chapter 770-2. DEFINITIONS
  • Chapter 770-3. APPLICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS
  • Chapter 770-5. LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE
  • Chapter 770-6. LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION BY RECIPROCITY
  • Chapter 770-7. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
  • Chapter 770-8. CONTINUING EDUCATION
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