OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Kentucky Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

US-KY · License preparation

1734 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Choose an exam or combined practice to begin.

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Combined monitoring well and water supply well driller

Certification for the stated well classification and the drilling methods shown on the certificate.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Water · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification Renewal.
Continuing education
Complete at least five Cabinet-approved hours annually, of which at least three concern well drilling, with documentation submitted.
Existing certificate
Hold a certificate eligible for successive annual renewal; renew by July 1. An initial certificate issued after May 1 remains effective until June 30 of the following calendar year.
Insurance bond
Maintain current statutory insurance and surety bond.
Renewal fee
Pay the $200 renewal fee.
Training approval
Obtain written Cabinet approval of the continuing-education course before completing it.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

Expired within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the applicable continuing-education requirements within the twelve months immediately preceding recertification.
Expired certificate
The renewal fee was not received within sixty days after July 1, and renewal is sought within two years of the expiration date.
Other requirements
Meet every other statutory and regulatory certification requirement, including applicable insurance, bond and supervision requirements.
Renewal fee
Pay the statutory renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

  • 401 KAR 6:320

    401 KAR 6:320 Section 7(4), expired-certificate renewal without examination

Initial certification by other qualifying experience or education — auger direct push

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide notarized proof of at least two years as an environmental professional working in well design, installation and drilling operations, together with professional geologist or engineer credentials or an associate degree in a natural science, as described in the official application instructions. Cabinet approval of suitable experience or education is required under KRS 223.425(2)(c).
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This combined route applies when water-supply drilling also uses an auger method for which NGWA Augering and Monitoring is the accepted specialty. Other water-supply methods use the combined other-methods route and require their corresponding specialty examination.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by other qualifying experience or education — monitoring auger water other

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide notarized proof of at least two years as an environmental professional working in well design, installation and drilling operations, together with professional geologist or engineer credentials or an associate degree in a natural science, as described in the official application instructions. Cabinet approval of suitable experience or education is required under KRS 223.425(2)(c).
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This route combines auger/direct-push-only monitoring work with water-supply work by another method, whose corresponding NGWA specialty examination is required.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by other qualifying experience or education — other methods

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring drilling by other methods requires the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination plus the specialty examination(s) for the additional methods sought. The application instructions also expressly require Augering and Monitoring for sonic methods.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide notarized proof of at least two years as an environmental professional working in well design, installation and drilling operations, together with professional geologist or engineer credentials or an associate degree in a natural science, as described in the official application instructions. Cabinet approval of suitable experience or education is required under KRS 223.425(2)(c).
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by supervised experience — auger direct push

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide a notarized statement from the certified driller, a driller elsewhere, or the person who directly supervised the applicant proving at least two years of supervised drilling work.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This combined route applies when water-supply drilling also uses an auger method for which NGWA Augering and Monitoring is the accepted specialty. Other water-supply methods use the combined other-methods route and require their corresponding specialty examination.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Dual certification from monitoring — auger direct push

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Division dual certification instruction
The November 2025 Kentucky Well Drillers Quarterly states: The process to obtain it is straightforward: a driller only needs to pass the corresponding state exam. The cost is limited to the $80 exam fee and the time needed to study and complete the test. To take the exam, contact the Driller Certification Program Coordinator. The regulation’s requirements for the combined certificate are retained; the publication describes the additional state test for an existing certificate holder.
Existing certificate
Hold a current monitoring well driller certificate and seek the combined classification; previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
An existing certificate establishes the previously accepted qualifying experience; any additional classification must satisfy 401 KAR 6:320.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This combined route applies when water-supply drilling also uses an auger method for which NGWA Augering and Monitoring is the accepted specialty. Other water-supply methods use the combined other-methods route and require their corresponding specialty examination.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Dual certification from water supply — auger direct push

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Division dual certification instruction
The November 2025 Kentucky Well Drillers Quarterly states: The process to obtain it is straightforward: a driller only needs to pass the corresponding state exam. The cost is limited to the $80 exam fee and the time needed to study and complete the test. To take the exam, contact the Driller Certification Program Coordinator. The regulation’s requirements for the combined certificate are retained; the publication describes the additional state test for an existing certificate holder.
Existing certificate
Hold a current water supply well driller certificate and seek the combined classification; previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
An existing certificate establishes the previously accepted qualifying experience; any additional classification must satisfy 401 KAR 6:320.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This combined route applies when water-supply drilling also uses an auger method for which NGWA Augering and Monitoring is the accepted specialty. Other water-supply methods use the combined other-methods route and require their corresponding specialty examination.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by supervised experience — monitoring auger water other

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide a notarized statement from the certified driller, a driller elsewhere, or the person who directly supervised the applicant proving at least two years of supervised drilling work.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This route combines auger/direct-push-only monitoring work with water-supply work by another method, whose corresponding NGWA specialty examination is required.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Dual certification from monitoring — monitoring auger water other

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Division dual certification instruction
The November 2025 Kentucky Well Drillers Quarterly states: The process to obtain it is straightforward: a driller only needs to pass the corresponding state exam. The cost is limited to the $80 exam fee and the time needed to study and complete the test. To take the exam, contact the Driller Certification Program Coordinator. The regulation’s requirements for the combined certificate are retained; the publication describes the additional state test for an existing certificate holder.
Existing certificate
Hold a current monitoring well driller certificate and seek the combined classification; previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
An existing certificate establishes the previously accepted qualifying experience; any additional classification must satisfy 401 KAR 6:320.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This route combines auger/direct-push-only monitoring work with water-supply work by another method, whose corresponding NGWA specialty examination is required.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Dual certification from water supply — monitoring auger water other

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Division dual certification instruction
The November 2025 Kentucky Well Drillers Quarterly states: The process to obtain it is straightforward: a driller only needs to pass the corresponding state exam. The cost is limited to the $80 exam fee and the time needed to study and complete the test. To take the exam, contact the Driller Certification Program Coordinator. The regulation’s requirements for the combined certificate are retained; the publication describes the additional state test for an existing certificate holder.
Existing certificate
Hold a current water supply well driller certificate and seek the combined classification; previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
An existing certificate establishes the previously accepted qualifying experience; any additional classification must satisfy 401 KAR 6:320.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply method limit
This route combines auger/direct-push-only monitoring work with water-supply work by another method, whose corresponding NGWA specialty examination is required.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by supervised experience — other methods

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring drilling by other methods requires the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination plus the specialty examination(s) for the additional methods sought. The application instructions also expressly require Augering and Monitoring for sonic methods.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide a notarized statement from the certified driller, a driller elsewhere, or the person who directly supervised the applicant proving at least two years of supervised drilling work.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Dual certification from monitoring — other methods

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Division dual certification instruction
The November 2025 Kentucky Well Drillers Quarterly states: The process to obtain it is straightforward: a driller only needs to pass the corresponding state exam. The cost is limited to the $80 exam fee and the time needed to study and complete the test. To take the exam, contact the Driller Certification Program Coordinator. The regulation’s requirements for the combined certificate are retained; the publication describes the additional state test for an existing certificate holder.
Existing certificate
Hold a current monitoring well driller certificate and seek the combined classification; previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring drilling by other methods requires the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination plus the specialty examination(s) for the additional methods sought. The application instructions also expressly require Augering and Monitoring for sonic methods.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
An existing certificate establishes the previously accepted qualifying experience; any additional classification must satisfy 401 KAR 6:320.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Dual certification from water supply — other methods

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Division dual certification instruction
The November 2025 Kentucky Well Drillers Quarterly states: The process to obtain it is straightforward: a driller only needs to pass the corresponding state exam. The cost is limited to the $80 exam fee and the time needed to study and complete the test. To take the exam, contact the Driller Certification Program Coordinator. The regulation’s requirements for the combined certificate are retained; the publication describes the additional state test for an existing certificate holder.
Existing certificate
Hold a current water supply well driller certificate and seek the combined classification; previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring drilling by other methods requires the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination plus the specialty examination(s) for the additional methods sought. The application instructions also expressly require Augering and Monitoring for sonic methods.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
An existing certificate establishes the previously accepted qualifying experience; any additional classification must satisfy 401 KAR 6:320.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Sanction removal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board recommendation
At the end of the sanction period, the Board recommends that the Cabinet lift the sanction or take additional action. Reauthorization depends on the Cabinet’s sanction decision.
Existing certificate
This route concerns removal of probation or suspension, not removal of temporary or permanent revocation.
Monitoring
The Board and Cabinet monitor the certificate holder’s work during probation or suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

  • 401 KAR 6:320

    401 KAR 6:320 Section 6(6), probation or suspension sanction review

Monitoring well driller

Certification for the stated well classification and the drilling methods shown on the certificate.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Water · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification Renewal.
Continuing education
Complete at least five Cabinet-approved hours annually, of which at least three concern well drilling, with documentation submitted.
Existing certificate
Hold a certificate eligible for successive annual renewal; renew by July 1. An initial certificate issued after May 1 remains effective until June 30 of the following calendar year.
Insurance bond
Maintain current statutory insurance and surety bond.
Renewal fee
Pay the $200 renewal fee.
Training approval
Obtain written Cabinet approval of the continuing-education course before completing it.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

Expired within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the applicable continuing-education requirements within the twelve months immediately preceding recertification.
Expired certificate
The renewal fee was not received within sixty days after July 1, and renewal is sought within two years of the expiration date.
Other requirements
Meet every other statutory and regulatory certification requirement, including applicable insurance, bond and supervision requirements.
Renewal fee
Pay the statutory renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

  • 401 KAR 6:320

    401 KAR 6:320 Section 7(4), expired-certificate renewal without examination

Initial certification by other qualifying experience or education — auger direct push

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide notarized proof of at least two years as an environmental professional working in well design, installation and drilling operations, together with professional geologist or engineer credentials or an associate degree in a natural science, as described in the official application instructions. Cabinet approval of suitable experience or education is required under KRS 223.425(2)(c).
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by other qualifying experience or education — other methods
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring drilling by other methods requires the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination plus the specialty examination(s) for the additional methods sought. The application instructions also expressly require Augering and Monitoring for sonic methods.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide notarized proof of at least two years as an environmental professional working in well design, installation and drilling operations, together with professional geologist or engineer credentials or an associate degree in a natural science, as described in the official application instructions. Cabinet approval of suitable experience or education is required under KRS 223.425(2)(c).
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by supervised experience — auger direct push

All of the following:

Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring certification is limited to hollow-stem auger, solid-stem auger or direct push; the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination is mandatory and no additional monitoring specialty examination is required.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide a notarized statement from the certified driller, a driller elsewhere, or the person who directly supervised the applicant proving at least two years of supervised drilling work.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by supervised experience — other methods
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Monitoring methods
Monitoring drilling by other methods requires the NGWA Augering and Monitoring examination plus the specialty examination(s) for the additional methods sought. The application instructions also expressly require Augering and Monitoring for sonic methods.
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide a notarized statement from the certified driller, a driller elsewhere, or the person who directly supervised the applicant proving at least two years of supervised drilling work.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Sanction removal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board recommendation
At the end of the sanction period, the Board recommends that the Cabinet lift the sanction or take additional action. Reauthorization depends on the Cabinet’s sanction decision.
Existing certificate
This route concerns removal of probation or suspension, not removal of temporary or permanent revocation.
Monitoring
The Board and Cabinet monitor the certificate holder’s work during probation or suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

  • 401 KAR 6:320

    401 KAR 6:320 Section 6(6), probation or suspension sanction review

Water supply well driller

Certification for the stated well classification and the drilling methods shown on the certificate.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Water · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification Renewal.
Continuing education
Complete at least five Cabinet-approved hours annually, of which at least three concern well drilling, with documentation submitted.
Existing certificate
Hold a certificate eligible for successive annual renewal; renew by July 1. An initial certificate issued after May 1 remains effective until June 30 of the following calendar year.
Insurance bond
Maintain current statutory insurance and surety bond.
Renewal fee
Pay the $200 renewal fee.
Training approval
Obtain written Cabinet approval of the continuing-education course before completing it.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

Expired within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the applicable continuing-education requirements within the twelve months immediately preceding recertification.
Expired certificate
The renewal fee was not received within sixty days after July 1, and renewal is sought within two years of the expiration date.
Other requirements
Meet every other statutory and regulatory certification requirement, including applicable insurance, bond and supervision requirements.
Renewal fee
Pay the statutory renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

  • 401 KAR 6:320

    401 KAR 6:320 Section 7(4), expired-certificate renewal without examination

Initial certification by other qualifying experience or education
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide notarized proof of at least two years as an environmental professional working in well design, installation and drilling operations, together with professional geologist or engineer credentials or an associate degree in a natural science, as described in the official application instructions. Cabinet approval of suitable experience or education is required under KRS 223.425(2)(c).
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Initial certification by supervised experience
Application
Submit the complete Application for Certification with identity, address, experience, education, prior and current related licenses, equipment, requested methods and required applicant certification.
Existing scores
The tree retains every currently offered examination involved, including examinations already passed; it does not direct every applicant to repeat an examination.
Fees
Pay the $50 application fee, $80 per Kentucky examination, and $200 initial certification fee.
Insurance
Provide split-limit bodily-injury coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 aggregate and property-damage coverage of $50,000 per accident/$100,000 aggregate, or a combined single limit of at least $100,000.
Method limits
Only the drilling methods stated on the issued certificate are authorized. Where more than one method is sought, pass the specialty examination applicable to each method; an alternative shown in the requirement tree is valid only for its corresponding requested method.
Minimum age
At least eighteen years old (KRS 223.425).
Ngwa application instructions
The Division’s March 2021 application instructions state: "You must be at least 20 years of age." and "You must have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling experience." These instructions concern the NGWA portions; the Kentucky statute states eighteen years and accepts suitable experience or education.
Out of state
KRS 223.450 requires Kentucky compliance notwithstanding comparable provisions elsewhere. Prior out-of-state work may establish qualifying experience and prior related licenses must be disclosed; it does not itself replace Kentucky certification.
Passing score
Earn at least 70% on each applicable examination.
Qualifying experience
Provide a notarized statement from the certified driller, a driller elsewhere, or the person who directly supervised the applicant proving at least two years of supervised drilling work.
Sanctions
The certificate must not be under suspension, temporary revocation or permanent revocation; experience during suspension or temporary revocation does not count.
Substitute examination
401 KAR 6:320 Section 3 authorizes a substitute examination identified or developed by the Cabinet with the Board. No particular substitute is identified; this authorized slot remains an applicant condition.
Surety bond
File a $5,000 surety bond naming the applicant as principal and the Commonwealth as obligee.
Water supply specialty
At least one NGWA method specialty is required for water supply drilling. The application instructions identify NGWA Augering and Monitoring as the specialty for bucket-auger or hollow-stem-auger water supply work.
Work authorization
Legally permitted to work in the United States (KRS 223.425).
Sanction removal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board recommendation
At the end of the sanction period, the Board recommends that the Cabinet lift the sanction or take additional action. Reauthorization depends on the Cabinet’s sanction decision.
Existing certificate
This route concerns removal of probation or suspension, not removal of temporary or permanent revocation.
Monitoring
The Board and Cabinet monitor the certificate holder’s work during probation or suspension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2020-01-03.

  • 401 KAR 6:320

    401 KAR 6:320 Section 6(6), probation or suspension sanction review

Kentucky Monitoring Well Certification Examination

Provider
Kentucky Division of Water
Format
Cabinet-administered knowledge examination, administered remotely by appointment
Passing score
70%
Exam fee
$80 for each Kentucky certification examination
Practice scope

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

  • KRS Chapter 223 — Water Well Construction Practices and applicable penalties
  • 401 KAR Chapter 6 — Water Wells
  • KRS Chapter 224 — enumerated environmental authority and water-pollution provisions
Examination sources

Kentucky Water Well Certification Examination

Provider
Kentucky Division of Water
Format
Cabinet-administered knowledge examination, administered remotely by appointment
Passing score
70%
Exam fee
$80 for each Kentucky certification examination
Practice scope

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

  • KRS Chapter 223 — Water Well Construction Practices and applicable penalties
  • 401 KAR Chapter 6 — Water Wells
  • KRS Chapter 224 — enumerated environmental authority and water-pollution provisions
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