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Maryland Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Journeyman Well Driller – General

License class and category expressly established by Environment Article 13-306 and implemented by COMAR 26.05; exam selection is this license’s own Board examination.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Well Drillers · Application information

Restoration following suspension for loss of bond or liability coverage
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Coverage
Demonstrate to the Board’s satisfaction that COMAR 26.05.02.05A bonding and insurance requirements are satisfied.
Suspension
The license was suspended/returned following cancellation or loss of required coverage.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General category licensing from an existing geotechnical category license
Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Existing License
Hold the journeyman well-driller license in the geotechnical category.
Hazardous Site Certification
Submit acceptable proof of valid individual OSHA-required hazardous waste or monitoring-site operations certification.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Supplementary Examination
Pass the journeyman water supply category examination. COMAR 26.05.01.03B awards the general category in the same class after the remaining requirements of .03A are satisfied.
General category licensing from an existing water supply category license
Journeyman Well Driller – Geotechnical Licensure Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Existing License
Hold the journeyman well-driller license in the water supply category.
Hazardous Site Certification
Submit acceptable proof of valid individual OSHA-required hazardous waste or monitoring-site operations certification.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Supplementary Examination
Pass the journeyman geotechnical category examination. COMAR 26.05.01.03B awards the general category in the same class after the remaining requirements of .03A are satisfied.
Licensure by examination — qualifying licensed progression or helper experience
Journeyman Well Driller – General Licensure Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Experience
Three years as an apprentice well driller.
Hazardous Site Certification
Submit acceptable proof of valid individual OSHA-required hazardous waste or monitoring-site operations certification.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Licensure by examination — lawful experience where license classes or categories are not comparable
Journeyman Well Driller – General Licensure Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Experience
Five years lawfully practicing well drilling in a jurisdiction without comparable license classes/categories; two of the last three years operating equipment for wells of the category sought, to the Board’s satisfaction.
Hazardous Site Certification
Submit acceptable proof of valid individual OSHA-required hazardous waste or monitoring-site operations certification.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Placement or continuation on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay the $50 inactive-status fee.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize practicing well drilling until the reactivation requirements are satisfied.
Timing
Apply within 60 days before expiration for two years of inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 30 days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late Failure
Failure to meet the late renewal conditions terminates the license; subsequent licensing must use reinstatement or new-license requirements.
Late Fee
Pay the $200 late renewal fee.
Requirements
Satisfy the renewal fee, approved training and applicable bonding/insurance requirements.
Timing
Submit a complete renewal application within 30 days after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board reactivation form, disclosures and employer certification; journeymen, rig operators and apprentices require its training/work supervision agreement.
Inactive License
Hold an inactive-status license.
Requirements
Satisfy the renewal fee, approved training, and applicable bonding/liability insurance requirements in COMAR 26.05.02.06A(1)(b)–(d).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity — discretionary waiver of the Maryland examination
Journeyman Well Driller – General Licensure Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Experience
Meet the applicable experience requirements in COMAR 26.05.01.04.
Hazardous Site Certification
Submit acceptable proof of valid individual OSHA-required hazardous waste or monitoring-site operations certification.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Other Jurisdiction Examination
Provide evidence of passing a substantially similar examination in the licensing jurisdiction or another jurisdiction. No examination owned by another state is a Maryland requirement leaf.
Reciprocal License
Hold an equivalent class/category license in a jurisdiction with which the Board has made a reciprocal agreement; an agreement and its availability are applicant conditions, not an assertion that any particular agreement currently exists.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Waiver
COMAR 26.05.02.09 permits the Board to waive the Maryland examination. COMAR 26.05.02.04B(3) excuses sitting when reciprocity requirements are satisfied; obtaining the Board’s waiver is an applicant condition on this identified examination.
Reinstatement after more than three consecutive years of expiration
Journeyman Well Driller – General Licensure Examination (practice unavailable)
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Expired License
The former license has been expired for more than three consecutive years; COMAR 26.05.02.08 subjects the applicant to examination before a new license is issued.
Hazardous Site Certification
Submit acceptable proof of valid individual OSHA-required hazardous waste or monitoring-site operations certification.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Reinstatement Application
Submit the current Board reinstatement application, with the required disclosures and employer certification; journeymen and apprentices must complete its supervision agreement.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Reinstatement within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay all past-due/lapsed renewal fees and the $400 reinstatement fee.
Form
Complete the reinstatement disclosures and employer certification; journeymen, rig operators and apprentices require the supervision agreement.
Renewal Requirements
Fulfill all renewal requirements in effect at application.
Timing
Submit the prescribed reinstatement form within three years after the license expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Apprenticeship Term
An apprentice remains subject to the separate maximum-term, conversion/expiration and sponsorship rules.
Coverage
Provide the applicable bonding and liability insurance evidence.
Renewal Fee
Pay the fee for the license class/category.
Timing
Submit renewal within 60 days before the June 1 expiration in an odd-numbered year.
Training
Provide proof of 20 approved clock/credit hours during the renewal period, including 10 directly related to the license category; multiple licenses require 20 hours in total. The Board may waive training for a new license issued in the last nine months, an apprentice license, or other just cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement of a lost, destroyed or mutilated license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
This is a duplicate of an existing license.
Fee
Pay the $50 license/card replacement fee.
Request
Provide a written notarized request stating the reason.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement or reissue of a suspended license by Board vote
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
Environment Article 13-313 permits reinstatement or reissue on the affirmative vote of at least five Board members; the decision is discretionary.
Suspension
The applicant’s license has been suspended; this route is not the separate expired-license examination route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply

License class and category expressly established by Environment Article 13-306 and implemented by COMAR 26.05; exam selection is this license’s own Board examination.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Well Drillers · Application information

Restoration following suspension for loss of bond or liability coverage
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Coverage
Demonstrate to the Board’s satisfaction that COMAR 26.05.02.05A bonding and insurance requirements are satisfied.
Suspension
The license was suspended/returned following cancellation or loss of required coverage.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination — qualifying licensed progression or helper experience
Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Experience
Three years as an apprentice well driller.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Licensure by examination — lawful experience where license classes or categories are not comparable
Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Experience
Five years lawfully practicing well drilling in a jurisdiction without comparable license classes/categories; two of the last three years operating equipment for wells of the category sought, to the Board’s satisfaction.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Placement or continuation on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay the $50 inactive-status fee.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize practicing well drilling until the reactivation requirements are satisfied.
Timing
Apply within 60 days before expiration for two years of inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 30 days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late Failure
Failure to meet the late renewal conditions terminates the license; subsequent licensing must use reinstatement or new-license requirements.
Late Fee
Pay the $200 late renewal fee.
Requirements
Satisfy the renewal fee, approved training and applicable bonding/insurance requirements.
Timing
Submit a complete renewal application within 30 days after expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board reactivation form, disclosures and employer certification; journeymen, rig operators and apprentices require its training/work supervision agreement.
Inactive License
Hold an inactive-status license.
Requirements
Satisfy the renewal fee, approved training, and applicable bonding/liability insurance requirements in COMAR 26.05.02.06A(1)(b)–(d).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity — discretionary waiver of the Maryland examination
Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Experience
Meet the applicable experience requirements in COMAR 26.05.01.04.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Other Jurisdiction Examination
Provide evidence of passing a substantially similar examination in the licensing jurisdiction or another jurisdiction. No examination owned by another state is a Maryland requirement leaf.
Reciprocal License
Hold an equivalent class/category license in a jurisdiction with which the Board has made a reciprocal agreement; an agreement and its availability are applicant conditions, not an assertion that any particular agreement currently exists.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Waiver
COMAR 26.05.02.09 permits the Board to waive the Maryland examination. COMAR 26.05.02.04B(3) excuses sitting when reciprocity requirements are satisfied; obtaining the Board’s waiver is an applicant condition on this identified examination.
Reinstatement after more than three consecutive years of expiration
Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Ordinary licenses expire June 1 of each odd-numbered year (COMAR 26.05.01.06).
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Expired License
The former license has been expired for more than three consecutive years; COMAR 26.05.02.08 subjects the applicant to examination before a new license is issued.
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Reinstatement Application
Submit the current Board reinstatement application, with the required disclosures and employer certification; journeymen and apprentices must complete its supervision agreement.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Reinstatement within three years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay all past-due/lapsed renewal fees and the $400 reinstatement fee.
Form
Complete the reinstatement disclosures and employer certification; journeymen, rig operators and apprentices require the supervision agreement.
Renewal Requirements
Fulfill all renewal requirements in effect at application.
Timing
Submit the prescribed reinstatement form within three years after the license expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Apprenticeship Term
An apprentice remains subject to the separate maximum-term, conversion/expiration and sponsorship rules.
Coverage
Provide the applicable bonding and liability insurance evidence.
Renewal Fee
Pay the fee for the license class/category.
Timing
Submit renewal within 60 days before the June 1 expiration in an odd-numbered year.
Training
Provide proof of 20 approved clock/credit hours during the renewal period, including 10 directly related to the license category; multiple licenses require 20 hours in total. The Board may waive training for a new license issued in the last nine months, an apprentice license, or other just cause.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement of a lost, destroyed or mutilated license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
This is a duplicate of an existing license.
Fee
Pay the $50 license/card replacement fee.
Request
Provide a written notarized request stating the reason.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement or reissue of a suspended license by Board vote
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
Environment Article 13-313 permits reinstatement or reissue on the affirmative vote of at least five Board members; the decision is discretionary.
Suspension
The applicant’s license has been suspended; this route is not the separate expired-license examination route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply

Temporary form of this same statutory license class/category under Environment Article 13-309; duration and public-interest conditions differ from the ordinary license.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Well Drillers · Application information

Temporary licensing in the designated class and category
Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination
Application
Submit the Board application with the $75 application/examination fee, notarization, identifying information, employment and experience history, and at least one recommendation from a Maryland-licensed master well driller, pump installer, or water conditioner installer.
Bond And Insurance
Practice must be covered by the principal licensee’s bond and the principal licensee’s or employer’s liability insurance; these licensees do not obtain their own separate bond and insurance under COMAR 26.05.02.05A(2).
Duration
Temporary licensing ends when the Board issues or refuses the ordinary license or on the Board-designated temporary expiration date, whichever occurs first. Ordinary biennial expiration does not govern this form.
Education Substitution
At Board discretion, specific education in hydrogeology, well technology, water pump technology, or water conditioning technology may replace up to two years of experience (COMAR 26.05.01.04C).
Issuance After Passing
Within 90 days of receiving notice of a passing examination, satisfy the remaining licensure requirements, including the license fee and applicable bonding and liability coverage (COMAR 26.05.02.04G).
Lawful Experience
Unlicensed experience obtained in violation of applicable laws or regulations does not qualify (COMAR 26.05.01.04D).
Oral Accommodation
Prior Board approval may allow the same licensing examination to be taken orally in whole or part because of exceptional circumstances such as dyslexia; this is an accommodation, not a separate assessment identity.
Public Interest
Demonstrate to the Board that temporary licensing is in the public interest and poses no substantial risk to public health/welfare or the environment.
Renewal
COMAR 26.05.02.06A(2)(b) permits denial of ordinary renewal to a temporary license holder; no entitlement to ordinary renewal is asserted.
Retake
A failed exam or two consecutive absences permit reapplication with the fee. After two consecutive failures the Board may require an appearance or additional training; the current application instructions request 20 Board-approved credit hours before a new application.
Statutory Qualifications
Meet Environment Article 13-303 and 13-306, including the class/category qualifications implemented by COMAR 26.05.01.03–.04, fees, and required coverage; the applicable Column A or lawful Column B experience conditions are recorded in .01.04.
Supervision
Practice in the licensed category under the general supervision of a master well driller of the same or general category.
Supplemental Assessment
Environment Article 13-304(d)(2) permits the Board to supplement a written examination with an oral or practical examination; no separately identified supplemental examination is named in the official licensing sources.
Well Construction Examination Slot
Environment Article 13-309(a)(3) states: “Passes an examination on applicable Maryland well construction regulations.” The Board material does not identify an independently registered additional assessment for this slot or state whether the named class/category exam satisfies it. The slot is an applicant condition under the contract’s unidentified-examination rule; it is not declared waived and no separate law examination is invented.

Journeyman Well Driller – General Licensure Examination

Provider
Maryland State Board of Well Drillers
Format
Written; exceptional oral accommodation requires prior Board approval
Time limit
2026 scheduled examinations: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Passing score
70 percent
Exam fee
$75 for each examination
Examination outline
  • Terms-to-know/Vocabulary
    • Confined/unconfined aquifers
    • Static water level
    • Saturated zone
    • Potentiometric surface
    • Specific capacity
    • Devices used to measure water levels
    • Cone of depression
    • Pumping water level
    • Drawdown
    • Recovery
    • Maximum Yield
    • Hydrologic Cycle
    • A spring
    • Properly developing a water well
    • Water mining
    • Groundwater recharge
    • Annular velocity
    • pH
    • Types of wells
    • Fishing
    • Plume
    • Universal solvent
    • Drilling methods and equipment commonly associated with them
    • Storage capacity
    • Quicksand
    • Principal types of earth augers
    • Continuous flow return method
    • Methods to install a well screen
    • Controls of groundwater quality
    • Sources of water in rock
    • Lost Circulation Problem
    • Domestic well yield test
    • Artificial gravel-packing
    • Turbidity
    • Removal of air rotary drilling cuttings
    • Formation permeability
    • Location between contaminant and well
    • Water logged
    • Types of filters
    • Discharge during a pump test
    • Limits of horizontal/vertical length of suction pipe
    • Rotary table rigs
    • Potable water
    • Effects of location/altitude of well pump
    • Air gaps
    • Purpose of a water system
    • Porosity
    • Barite
    • Measuring tools of water levels
  • Calculations/Conversions
    • Maximum yield
    • Volume of a well’s annular space
    • Yield = Gallons per minute
    • Air measurements (volume & pressure)
    • Amount of air pressure needed to lift water in a well
    • Parts per million (ppm) to grains per gallon (gpg)
  • State Regulations
    • Well construction permit
    • Well permit
    • Abandonment
    • Hydrogeologic Areas 1-5
    • Grouting
    • Abandoned well report
    • Well screen
    • Emergency well permit
    • Casing
    • Well completion report
    • Location of potable water well
    • Siting a well
    • Chlorination time for contaminated water
    • Change of employment
    • Well log information
    • Licenses
  • Troubleshooting
    • Causes of water level drop in a pipe
  • Electrical
    • Submersible pump installation
    • Voltage
    • Ampacity
    • Phase
    • Frequency
  • Chemistry
    • Causes of hardness in water
    • Reverse osmosis treament
    • Disinfectants
    • Ion-exchange process
    • Activated carbon filters
    • Qualifications for selecting water treatment equipment
    • Total dissolved solids (TDS)
    • Oxidizing filters
    • Regeneration
    • Hydrogen sulfide
    • Aeration
    • Iron and Manganese
    • Indicators of corrosive water
    • Free chlorine residuals
  • Safety
    • Entering a hazardous waste site
    • Eye wear
    • Clothing
    • Respirators
    • Affects from exposure to vapors and gases
    • Hearing protection by MOSHA
    • Acetylene torches
Examination sources

Journeyman Well Driller – Geotechnical Licensure Examination

Provider
Maryland State Board of Well Drillers
Format
Written; exceptional oral accommodation requires prior Board approval
Time limit
2026 scheduled examinations: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Passing score
70 percent
Exam fee
$75 for each examination
Examination outline
  • Terms-to-Know/Vocabulary
    • Lost Circulation Problem
    • Hydrogen Sulfide
    • Artificial gravel-packing
    • Groundwater quality
    • Formation permeability
    • Confined & unconfined aquifers
    • Static water level/standing water elevation
    • Water table
    • Specific capacity
    • Vacuum
    • Cone of depression
    • Potentiometric surface
    • Drawdown
    • Recovery
    • Hydrologic cycle
    • Water mining
    • Groundwater recharge
    • Annular velocity
    • pH
    • Monitoring well
    • Fishing
    • Plume
    • Quicksand
    • 3 principal earth augers
    • Continuous flow return method
    • Porosity
    • Types of tests
    • Air rotary drilling
  • Math/Conversions
    • Pressure to lift a column of water (psi to ft of lift)
    • Maximum yield
    • Calculating a well’s annular space
  • State Regulations
    • Well Permits
    • Well abandonment/reports
    • Hydrogeologic Areas 1-5
    • Casing
    • Grout
    • Screen
    • Emergency well permits
    • Nominal wall thickness of various-sized metal casings
    • Materials used for casing and grout
    • Design of a monitoring well
    • Well completion report
    • Seal of an abandoned well
    • “Miss Utility”
    • Well logs
    • MOSHA
  • Safety
    • Eye protection
    • Entering a hazardous waste site
    • Clothing
    • Respirators
    • Vapor exposure
    • Electrocution
    • Acetylene torches
    • Symptoms of exposure
    • Cyanide compound odor
  • Troubleshooting
    • Salt water intrusion
    • Drilling Methods and equipment or term associated with method
    • Removal of air-rotary hole drill cuttings
    • Procedures of developing a water well
Examination sources

Journeyman Well Driller – Water Supply Licensure Examination

Provider
Maryland State Board of Well Drillers
Format
Written; exceptional oral accommodation requires prior Board approval
Time limit
2026 scheduled examinations: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Passing score
70 percent
Exam fee
$75 for each examination
Examination outline
  • Terms-to-know/Vocabulary
    • Confined/unconfined aquifers
    • Activated-carbon filters
    • Domestic yield test
    • Types of wells
    • Pumping water level
    • Yield
    • Potable water
    • Static water level
    • Drawdown
    • Recovery
    • Maximum yield
    • Hydrologic cycle
    • Water mining
    • Groundwater recharge
    • Annular velocity
    • pH
    • Storage capacity
    • Fishing
    • Horizontal/vertical lengths of suction pipe
    • Uses of Barite
    • Types of valves
    • Cross connection
    • Artificial gravel-packing
    • Formation permeability
    • Pitless adapter
    • Recovery test
  • Calculations/Conversions
    • Maximum yield
    • Air measurements (Volume & Pressure units)
    • Parts per million to grains per gallon
    • Pressure in a tank
    • Volume of a well’s annular space
    • Psi to feet of lift water
  • State Regulations
    • Procedures of properly developing a water well
    • Transferring permits
    • Hydrogeologic Areas 1-5
    • Seal
    • Abandonment
    • Casing
    • Grouting
    • Emergency well permit
    • Approval of domestic water supply system
    • Disinfection/chlorination
    • Location/consumption of potable water well
    • Siting a well
    • Well completion report
    • Well permit
    • “Miss Utility”
    • Well log information
  • Safety
    • Clothing
    • Causes of electrocution
    • Acetylene torches
    • Ear protection standards by MOSHA
  • Electrical
    • Submersible pump installation
  • Chemistry
    • Causes of hardness in water
    • pH
    • Free chlorine residual
    • Controls of groundwater quality
    • Differences of Hypo, Super, Residual, and Breakpoint Chlorination
Examination sources