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Louisiana Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Water Well Drilling Contractor License (S.14)

Water-well contractor licensing administered by LSLBC, including the Water Well Drilling specialty classification, with applicable drilling qualifications and well-registration duties under Title 38. The former agency name in the classification description is retained as an applicant condition in light of the statutory transfer.

Licensing authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors · Application information

Annual renewal without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fees
Apply by June 30 and pay the applicable water-well renewal fee under R.S. 38:3098(E).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Expiry statements
R.S. 38:3098(B) specifies June 30 annual expiry. R.S. 37:2156(H) and the Board FAQ separately describe anniversary-based contractor-license renewal and one-, two- or three-year terms; the specific water-well statutory statement is retained along with the Board’s general instructions.
License status
Maintain the existing licensed contractor and qualifying-party status; no new qualifying examination is required for this renewal route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Addition of Water Well Drilling to an existing commercial license

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Existing license
An existing contractor licensee applies to add Water Well Drilling, completes its classification requirements and pays the required fees; additions become effective upon Board approval. Existing qualifying-party and Business and Law credit is accepted according to the Board application instructions.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Delinquent renewal within one year without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fees
Apply by June 30 and pay the applicable water-well renewal fee under R.S. 38:3098(E).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Delinquency
R.S. 38:3098(E) permits post-June-30 renewal with a $5 penalty for each delinquent month; this route covers delinquency no longer than one year.
Expiry statements
R.S. 38:3098(B) specifies June 30 annual expiry. R.S. 37:2156(H) and the Board FAQ separately describe anniversary-based contractor-license renewal and one-, two- or three-year terms; the specific water-well statutory statement is retained along with the Board’s general instructions.
License status
Maintain the existing licensed contractor and qualifying-party status; no new qualifying examination is required for this renewal route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Water Well Drilling licensure for a joint venture

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Joint venture
A joint venture must hold its own properly classified license at bidding, contracting and performance under R.S. 37:2162, even when the participants are individually licensed; designate qualified representatives and satisfy applicable examination or accepted-score requirements.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Military recognition of an existing occupational license
Louisiana Business and Law Exam (practice unavailable)
Conduct
Satisfy the applicable good-standing, criminal-record, nonrevocation, nonsurrender and pending-complaint requirements in R.S. 37:3651.
Fees
Pay applicable fees; the Board provides its decision within thirty calendar days after receiving the application.
Lower rank rule
LAC 46:XXIX.123 repeatedly states that applicants must meet all other licensing requirements. R.S. 37:3651 establishes its recognition routes notwithstanding other law and permits the state jurisprudential examination; the lower-ranked general requirement is preserved for the applicant to see.
Military relationship
Meet the statutory military, Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent eligibility and Louisiana assignment/residency condition applicable to R.S. 37:3651(A), (B) or (C). A dishonorable discharge disqualifies the applicants specified in subsection P.
Other state examinations
Any examinations of another state used for recognition are applicant conditions, not Louisiana or nationwide leaves.
Permanent application
The statute requires simultaneous application for a permanent license and terminates any interim permit if permanent eligibility is not established.
Recognition basis
Current valid occupational license with a similar Board-approved scope, held at least one year, and the issuing state’s examination or education/training/experience standards and good standing; Louisiana military assignment or statutory state legal residence.
State law assessment
R.S. 37:3651(E) allows the state jurisprudential examination; the Board FAQ exercises that authority by requiring the Business and Law course, whose terminal examination is scored according to the application instructions.
Military recognition based on private certification and experience
Louisiana Business and Law Exam (practice unavailable)
Conduct
Satisfy the applicable good-standing, criminal-record, nonrevocation, nonsurrender and pending-complaint requirements in R.S. 37:3651.
Fees
Pay applicable fees; the Board provides its decision within thirty calendar days after receiving the application.
Lower rank rule
LAC 46:XXIX.123 repeatedly states that applicants must meet all other licensing requirements. R.S. 37:3651 establishes its recognition routes notwithstanding other law and permits the state jurisprudential examination; the lower-ranked general requirement is preserved for the applicant to see.
Military relationship
Meet the statutory military, Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent eligibility and Louisiana assignment/residency condition applicable to R.S. 37:3651(A), (B) or (C). A dishonorable discharge disqualifies the applicants specified in subsection P.
Other state examinations
Any examinations of another state used for recognition are applicant conditions, not Louisiana or nationwide leaves.
Permanent application
The statute requires simultaneous application for a permanent license and terminates any interim permit if permanent eligibility is not established.
Recognition basis
At least two years of work where this occupation was not state licensed or government certified, a current valid private occupational certification in good standing, and R.S. 37:3651(A)(6)-(10). No national examination is named by these provisions.
State law assessment
R.S. 37:3651(E) allows the state jurisprudential examination; the Board FAQ exercises that authority by requiring the Business and Law course, whose terminal examination is scored according to the application instructions.
Initial examination route with military education, training or experience credit

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Military training credit
Comparable education, training or experience in the armed forces, National Guard or reserves may completely or partially satisfy the corresponding requirements, as determined by the occupational licensing Board under R.S. 37:3651(D). This provision does not identify a different examination.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Military recognition based on work experience
Louisiana Business and Law Exam (practice unavailable)
Conduct
Satisfy the applicable good-standing, criminal-record, nonrevocation, nonsurrender and pending-complaint requirements in R.S. 37:3651.
Fees
Pay applicable fees; the Board provides its decision within thirty calendar days after receiving the application.
Lower rank rule
LAC 46:XXIX.123 repeatedly states that applicants must meet all other licensing requirements. R.S. 37:3651 establishes its recognition routes notwithstanding other law and permits the state jurisprudential examination; the lower-ranked general requirement is preserved for the applicant to see.
Military relationship
Meet the statutory military, Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent eligibility and Louisiana assignment/residency condition applicable to R.S. 37:3651(A), (B) or (C). A dishonorable discharge disqualifies the applicants specified in subsection P.
Other state examinations
Any examinations of another state used for recognition are applicant conditions, not Louisiana or nationwide leaves.
Permanent application
The statute requires simultaneous application for a permanent license and terminates any interim permit if permanent eligibility is not established.
Recognition basis
At least three years of work in a state that did not license or government-certify this occupation, with a similar scope recognized by the Louisiana Board; satisfy R.S. 37:3651(A)(6)-(10).
State law assessment
R.S. 37:3651(E) allows the state jurisprudential examination; the Board FAQ exercises that authority by requiring the Business and Law course, whose terminal examination is scored according to the application instructions.
New licensure after revocation

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Revocation
A revoked license requires a new application; R.S. 38:3098(F) permits the advisory committee to require the examination and treatment as a new applicant. Prior Louisiana test credit or Board waiver remains an applicant condition.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Licensure by examination reciprocity
Louisiana Business and Law Exam (practice unavailable)
Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Older reciprocity rule
LAC 46:LXXXIX.901 describes equivalent standards and mutual reciprocity. The current Board implementation accepts actual passed equivalent tests under the October 23, 2024 policy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Reciprocity eligibility
Hold a good-standing license in a comparable classification and obtain the licensing state’s written certification of a passed equivalent examination. The October 23, 2024 Board policy accepts a passed test with no waiver, exemption or grandfathering and renders previous reciprocity agreements null and void. An examination of another state is applicant evidence, not a Louisiana requirement leaf.
Trade exemption
R.S. 37:2153(F)(5) directs waiver of the trade examination for a qualifying comparable out-of-state license; the Business and Law requirement is not waived.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Renewal or new licensure after delinquency exceeding one year

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Extended delinquency
For delinquency beyond one year, R.S. 38:3098(E) permits the advisory committee to deem renewal waived and LSLBC to treat the applicant as new, including examination. The ordinary currently offered examinations remain leaves; whether retesting is required is the Board’s applicant-specific condition.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).
Resident licensure by endorsement under R.S. 37:51 et seq.
Louisiana Business and Law Exam (practice unavailable)
Fees
Pay the applicable Louisiana fees.
Good standing
The issuing state must hold the applicant in good standing; there must be no disqualifying criminal record or unresolved disciplinary action/investigation except as resolved to the Board’s satisfaction.
License held
Hold a current valid license or certification in another state with a Board-determined similar scope for at least one year; the issuing state must have required an examination or education, training or experience standards (R.S. 37:52(A)(1)-(3)).
Ordinary requirements in board materials
The Board’s general checklist still states that commercial applicants must pass any classification examination. Its general demand does not override the resident-endorsement statute’s prescribed qualifications; the Board may require the state-law assessment permitted by R.S. 37:54.
Residency
Live in Louisiana and prove residency under R.S. 37:53: state identification, voter registration, employment or promise of employment (with alternative proof after six months), or homestead exemption.
Scope of endorsement
R.S. 37:52 applies notwithstanding other law; the exceptions in R.S. 37:58 do not include water-well drillers. Prior examination of another state remains an applicant condition.
State law examination
R.S. 37:54 permits the Board’s state-law examination. The Board checklist requires Business and Law for license applicants, and its application instructions identify the scored online examination.
New Water Well Drilling license for a subsidiary

All of the following:

Age
The drilling applicant must be at least eighteen years old (R.S. 38:3098.1(1)).
Character
The drilling applicant must be of good moral character (R.S. 38:3098.1(2)).
Continuing education
R.S. 37:2156.5(C) and the July 13, 2026 Board memorandum state five Board-approved hours annually. R.S. 38:3098(B) and LAC 46:LXXXIX.509(B) separately state six hours, including one hour of state-law/compliance training. Both statements are retained because the two statutory requirements coexist.
Entity registration
A business entity required to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be active and in good standing; submit the entity documents and identifying/contact information required in the Board checklist.
Examination credit and waiver
The Board may exempt a qualifying party from required examinations under R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(4). Its application instructions say already-qualified parties need not test again; credit and waiver are applicant conditions and do not alter the currently offered examination identities.
Experience
At least two years of drilling experience are required by R.S. 38:3098.1(3); LAC 46:LXXXIX.507 requests experience under a licensed contractor or comparable experience accepted by the department and two licensed-contractor references.
Fees
Pay all required license, classification and examination fees. R.S. 38:3098(A) distinguishes the $50 annual fee for drillers of fewer than twenty-five domestic wells from the $100 fee for other drillers; this fee distinction does not define a different license or examination.
Financial statement
R.S. 37:2156.1(B) requires a financial statement current within twelve months and $50,000 net worth for a commercial/specialty license, or the statutory irrevocable letter of credit covering the requirement and any negative net worth.
Former agency reference
The classification page still says: "Requires Louisiana Department of Natural Resources licensure and refers to the drilling of water wells for potable water systems and other water needs." R.S. 38:3098(A), amended effective October 1, 2025, assigns the drilling-license application to LSLBC; R.S. 37:2156.5 requires DCE good standing and well registration.
Knowledge
R.S. 38:3098.1(4) requires reasonable knowledge of the chapter and the rules adopted by LSLBC and the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Oral accommodation
LAC 46:LXXXIX.505(C) allows an oral exam instead of a written exam at department discretion, requested before the exam date. This is an alternative delivery accommodation within the licensing examination, not evidence of a separate currently offered oral examination identity.
Qualifying party
An eligible principal or full-time employee must represent the classification and Business and Law; complete the Board verification, application and background-review requirements.
Subsidiary
A subsidiary license application is a new application under LAC 46:XXIX.119; R.S. 37:2156.1(E)(3) permits a qualifying party to represent a licensee’s subsidiary, subject to accepted examination credit and Board approval.
Well registration
Maintain required well registration and good standing with the Department of Conservation and Energy (R.S. 37:2156.5(B)-(C)).

Louisiana Business and Law Exam

Provider
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Format
Online examination at the conclusion of the Business and Law course, accessed through the LSLBC Contractor Licensing Portal
Exam questions
50 questions
Time limit
Approximately 30–45 minutes for the test; the accompanying course is described separately as one hour
Passing score
70 or above
Practice scope

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

  • Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 37, Chapter 24 — Contractors
  • LAC 46, Part XXIX, Chapter 1 — Applications and Licensing
  • LAC 46, Part XXIX, Chapter 3 — Classification
  • LAC 46, Part XXIX, Chapter 5 — Residential
  • LAC 46, Part XXIX, Chapter 7 — Enforcement and Hearings
  • Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 38 — Water Well Driller Licensing Provisions
  • LAC 46, Part LXXXIX, Chapter 1 — General Provisions
  • LAC 46, Part LXXXIX, Chapter 5 — Procedures for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
  • LAC 46, Part LXXXIX, Chapter 7 — Record Keeping; Identification
  • LAC 46, Part LXXXIX, Chapter 9 — Reciprocity and Residency Requirements
  • LAC 46, Part LXXXIX, Chapter 11 — Revocation; Hearings; Appeals
  • LAC 56, Part I, Chapter 1 — Registering Water Wells
  • LAC 56, Part I, Chapter 3 — Water Well Construction
  • LAC 56, Part I, Chapter 5 — Plugging and Sealing of Abandoned Water Wells and Holes
  • LAC 56, Part I, Chapter 7 — Installing Control Devices on Free Flowing Water Wells
Examination sources

Louisiana Water Well Drilling Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Open-book written examination
Exam questions
30 questions; official content-area item counts are 6, 6, 4, 4, 3, 3, and 4 respectively
Time limit
75 minutes
Passing score
21 correct answers (70%)
Examination outline
  • Drilling and Boreholes
  • Casings and Screens
  • Grouting and Sealing
  • Contamination Prevention
  • Testing
  • Pumps and Tanks
  • OSHA Safety
Examination sources