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North Carolina Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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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.

level a certification

All well contractor activities, including geothermal well and related loop installations.

Licensing authority: North Carolina Well Contractors Certification Commission · Application information

Annual renewal without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty extension
Temporary uniformed-service active duty exceeding 80 consecutive days qualifies for the documented renewal extension under 15A NCAC 27 .0601(b).
Annual renewal
Apply and pay the annual renewal fee by June 30; certification is nontransferable.
Contact updates
Notify the Commission in writing of personal or professional contact changes within 30 days.
Continuing education
Two approved CEUs annually during the first three years of certification; remedial CEUs as required following discipline.
Existing certificate
Hold the corresponding certification.
Photograph
Commission representative must obtain a photograph for the wallet card.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial certification by examination

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Commission application, supporting evidence, notarial certification and applicable fees; a photograph must be obtained before certification.
Examination attempt limit
Pass within three consecutive attempts or one year after application, whichever expires first. After three failed attempts obtain eight CEUs before submitting a new application.
Experience
18 months full-time equivalent level-specific experience, obtained within seven years before application; acceptable evidence is governed by 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f).
Field observation arrangements
Applicant supplies the location and equipment and arranges for a current Level A certified contractor to be on site; follow the field observation reference and scheduling form.
Field observation currency
A successfully completed field observation counts toward application requirements for up to 60 months (15A NCAC 27 .0401(c)(1)).
Field observation waiver
Successful approved training may waive the Level A field observation on a case-by-case basis under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Issuance restrictions
G.S. 87-98.7(d) bars issuance for unpaid civil penalties, uncompleted ordered restoration or a Commission finding of a history of noncompliance.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old (15A NCAC 27 .0301(c)).
Training credit
Approved coursework may reduce experience by up to three months, determined case by case under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Military spouse endorsement under G.S. 93B 15.1(b)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods, such as CEUs or recent practice for at least two of the preceding five years.
Conduct
No act that would have justified refusal, suspension or revocation in North Carolina.
Equivalent credential
Current credential from another jurisdiction whose requirements equal or exceed those of the requested North Carolina certification.
Experience credit
All relevant full-time and part-time experience, paid or volunteer, is credited under G.S. 93B-15.1(c).
Good standing
Good standing, no discipline by the credentialing authority and no pending complaints.
Initial fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); actual third-party service costs may apply.
Military spouse
Applicant is a military spouse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military trained applicant under G.S. 93B 15.1(a)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
Active practice for at least two of the five years preceding application.
Conduct and complaints
No disqualifying act in any jurisdiction and no pending complaint.
Equivalent level
Military qualifications must meet or exceed the requirements of the requested certification level.
Experience credit
Credit all relevant military service experience under G.S. 93B-15.1(c).
Initial fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k); actual third-party service costs may apply.
Military specialty
Military occupational specialty with substantially equivalent or greater training, testing or equivalent training and experience, and performance in that specialty.
Military testing
Military testing or equivalent training and experience is an applicant qualification; the statute does not name a currently offered registered examination for this subsection (a) route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure recognition under G.S. 93B 15.3
Level A field observation (assessment without a question bank)
Affidavit
Sign the course-completion and familiarity affidavit covering North Carolina well rules, including 15A NCAC 02C .0100 and .0300 and G.S. 87-97.
Competency
Demonstrate competency through methods determined by the WCCC.
Criminal history
No disqualifying criminal history under G.S. 93B-8.1 and related provisions.
Disciplinary status
No active or pending discipline; the Commission verifies resolution and corrective action for prior discipline.
Fees
Pay applicable application, issuance, verification and background-check fees.
Field observation
The Board expressly requires Level A applicants to pass its field observation, exercising the statutory competency provision.
Good standing
Be in good standing wherever ever credentialed, without voluntary surrender or revocation for unprofessional conduct.
Identity and residence
Provide one identity document and one residence document from the Board’s published lists.
Originating exam
Have passed the examination required for the originating credential, if any; another jurisdiction’s own examination is a condition.
Recognized credential
Hold a current credential from a jurisdiction listed in G.S. 93B-15.3(b)(1), at the same or substantially equivalent practice level, held for at least one year.
Residency
Establish residence in North Carolina.
Rules course
Successfully complete the WCCC Rules and Regulations Course.
Recertification by examination after expiration beyond thirty days

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Commission application, supporting evidence, notarial certification and applicable fees; a photograph must be obtained before certification.
Examination attempt limit
Pass within three consecutive attempts or one year after application, whichever expires first. After three failed attempts obtain eight CEUs before submitting a new application.
Experience
18 months full-time equivalent level-specific experience, obtained within seven years before application; acceptable evidence is governed by 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f).
Experience evidence
Previous certification by examination at a comparable or higher level is acceptable evidence under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f)(2).
Field observation arrangements
Applicant supplies the location and equipment and arranges for a current Level A certified contractor to be on site; follow the field observation reference and scheduling form.
Field observation currency
A successfully completed field observation counts toward application requirements for up to 60 months (15A NCAC 27 .0401(c)(1)).
Field observation waiver
Successful approved training may waive the Level A field observation on a case-by-case basis under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Issuance restrictions
G.S. 87-98.7(d) bars issuance for unpaid civil penalties, uncompleted ordered restoration or a Commission finding of a history of noncompliance.
Lapsed certificate
Certification became void because it was not renewed within 30 days of expiration or an authorized extension. Reapply for certification by examination.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old (15A NCAC 27 .0301(c)).
Training credit
Approved coursework may reduce experience by up to three months, determined case by case under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Recertification after relinquishment

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Commission application, supporting evidence, notarial certification and applicable fees; a photograph must be obtained before certification.
Commission waiting period
Apply in writing after the period determined by the Commission; show changed circumstances and substantial evidence that the conditions leading to termination have been corrected.
Eligibility review
Commission decides examination eligibility within 120 days of a complete recertification application and may impose additional eligibility requirements, including a show-cause conference.
Examination attempt limit
Pass within three consecutive attempts or one year after application, whichever expires first. After three failed attempts obtain eight CEUs before submitting a new application.
Examination waiver
15A NCAC 27 .0910(d) states that recertification examinations shall not be waived.
Experience
18 months full-time equivalent level-specific experience, obtained within seven years before application; acceptable evidence is governed by 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f).
Field observation arrangements
Applicant supplies the location and equipment and arranges for a current Level A certified contractor to be on site; follow the field observation reference and scheduling form.
Field observation currency
A successfully completed field observation counts toward application requirements for up to 60 months (15A NCAC 27 .0401(c)(1)).
Field observation waiver
Successful approved training may waive the Level A field observation on a case-by-case basis under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Issuance restrictions
G.S. 87-98.7(d) bars issuance for unpaid civil penalties, uncompleted ordered restoration or a Commission finding of a history of noncompliance.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old (15A NCAC 27 .0301(c)).
Previous termination
Previous certification ended by relinquishment.
Statutory priority
The statutory examination exemption, if independently applicable, controls over a lower-ranked no-waiver rule; its applicant conditions are represented by the separate statutory exemption route.
Temporary ineligibility
An applicant recertifying under 15A NCAC 27 .0910 is not eligible for temporary certification under G.S. 87-98.7(c).
Training credit
Approved coursework may reduce experience by up to three months, determined case by case under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Recertification after revocation

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Commission application, supporting evidence, notarial certification and applicable fees; a photograph must be obtained before certification.
Commission waiting period
Apply in writing after the period determined by the Commission; show changed circumstances and substantial evidence that the conditions leading to termination have been corrected.
Eligibility review
Commission decides examination eligibility within 120 days of a complete recertification application and may impose additional eligibility requirements, including a show-cause conference.
Examination attempt limit
Pass within three consecutive attempts or one year after application, whichever expires first. After three failed attempts obtain eight CEUs before submitting a new application.
Examination waiver
15A NCAC 27 .0910(d) states that recertification examinations shall not be waived.
Experience
18 months full-time equivalent level-specific experience, obtained within seven years before application; acceptable evidence is governed by 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f).
Field observation arrangements
Applicant supplies the location and equipment and arranges for a current Level A certified contractor to be on site; follow the field observation reference and scheduling form.
Field observation currency
A successfully completed field observation counts toward application requirements for up to 60 months (15A NCAC 27 .0401(c)(1)).
Field observation waiver
Successful approved training may waive the Level A field observation on a case-by-case basis under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Issuance restrictions
G.S. 87-98.7(d) bars issuance for unpaid civil penalties, uncompleted ordered restoration or a Commission finding of a history of noncompliance.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old (15A NCAC 27 .0301(c)).
Previous termination
Previous certification ended by revocation.
Statutory priority
The statutory examination exemption, if independently applicable, controls over a lower-ranked no-waiver rule; its applicant conditions are represented by the separate statutory exemption route.
Temporary ineligibility
An applicant recertifying under 15A NCAC 27 .0910 is not eligible for temporary certification under G.S. 87-98.7(c).
Training credit
Approved coursework may reduce experience by up to three months, determined case by case under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Reciprocity with discretionary examination waiver

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Commission application, supporting evidence, notarial certification and applicable fees; a photograph must be obtained before certification.
Examination attempt limit
Pass within three consecutive attempts or one year after application, whichever expires first. After three failed attempts obtain eight CEUs before submitting a new application.
Experience
18 months full-time equivalent level-specific experience, obtained within seven years before application; acceptable evidence is governed by 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f).
Field observation arrangements
Applicant supplies the location and equipment and arranges for a current Level A certified contractor to be on site; follow the field observation reference and scheduling form.
Field observation currency
A successfully completed field observation counts toward application requirements for up to 60 months (15A NCAC 27 .0401(c)(1)).
Field observation waiver
Successful approved training may waive the Level A field observation on a case-by-case basis under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Issuance restrictions
G.S. 87-98.7(d) bars issuance for unpaid civil penalties, uncompleted ordered restoration or a Commission finding of a history of noncompliance.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old (15A NCAC 27 .0301(c)).
Other jurisdiction credential
Provide valid proof of current licensure or certification in good standing and qualifications equal to the comparable North Carolina level (G.S. 87-98.14).
Other jurisdiction exam
An examination previously passed for another jurisdiction is an applicant qualification and not a North Carolina exam leaf.
Reciprocal waiver
The Commission may waive the written examination and field observation under 15A NCAC 27 .0510(a)–(b), upon satisfactory evidence of equivalent qualifications, a comparable examination and applicable reciprocal treatment. The requested North Carolina examinations remain involved until a waiver is granted.
Training credit
Approved coursework may reduce experience by up to three months, determined case by case under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Waiver documentation
The Board Requirements When Requesting Reciprocity (Rev. 3/17, visually read from the official scanned PDF at https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/media/1398/download?attachment) requests a current license wallet card, good-standing letter with no discipline within 24 months, an official activity-scope description, a description of examinations taken, WCC-22, identity and a photograph.
Renewal after suspension ends
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty extension
Temporary uniformed-service active duty exceeding 80 consecutive days qualifies for the documented renewal extension under 15A NCAC 27 .0601(b).
Annual renewal
Apply and pay the annual renewal fee by June 30; certification is nontransferable.
Contact updates
Notify the Commission in writing of personal or professional contact changes within 30 days.
Continuing education
Two approved CEUs annually during the first three years of certification; remedial CEUs as required following discipline.
Existing certificate
Hold the corresponding certification.
Photograph
Commission representative must obtain a photograph for the wallet card.
Suspension
Renewal may be granted only after the suspension period expires (15A NCAC 27 .0601(e)); complete applicable renewal obligations.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Regain expired certification within thirty days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty extension
Temporary uniformed-service active duty exceeding 80 consecutive days qualifies for the documented renewal extension under 15A NCAC 27 .0601(b).
Annual renewal
Apply and pay the annual renewal fee by June 30; certification is nontransferable.
Contact updates
Notify the Commission in writing of personal or professional contact changes within 30 days.
Continuing education
Two approved CEUs annually during the first three years of certification; remedial CEUs as required following discipline.
Existing certificate
Hold the corresponding certification.
Expiration
Certificate expired after failure to renew on time; no well contractor activity is permitted while expired.
Photograph
Commission representative must obtain a photograph for the wallet card.
Restoration deadline
Apply, provide required CEU documentation and pay the renewal fee within 30 days after expiration or an authorized renewal-extension date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification under the standing reciprocal agreement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the applicable WCC-1 application, copy of license wallet card, fee and WCC-22 acknowledgement; provide proof of identity and an electronic photograph.
External exam evidence
For North Carolina Level A, show prior passage of an air rotary, mud rotary, reverse circulation or other fluid circulation drilling examination as required by the Board instructions; these originating-jurisdiction examinations are conditions, not North Carolina leaves.
Good standing
Submit the originating licensing agency letter showing no disciplinary action during the preceding 24 months.
Qualifying credential
A current qualifying credential held in the jurisdiction covered by the standing reciprocal agreement; the North Carolina Board instructions determine the comparable North Carolina level.
Waiver
The North Carolina Board states that the standing agreement waives the written examination and field observation requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certification with statutory age and experience examination exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Commission application, supporting evidence, notarial certification and applicable fees; a photograph must be obtained before certification.
Board faq statement
The lower-ranked Board FAQ states: “Currently all well contractors are required to pass a certification examination to become certified.” The statutory exemption in G.S. 87-98.6(c) controls this route.
Experience
18 months full-time equivalent level-specific experience, obtained within seven years before application; acceptable evidence is governed by 15A NCAC 27 .0301(f).
Issuance restrictions
G.S. 87-98.7(d) bars issuance for unpaid civil penalties, uncompleted ordered restoration or a Commission finding of a history of noncompliance.
Minimum age
At least 70 years old.
Other requirements
Meet all other certification requirements. G.S. 87-98.6(c) exempts this qualifying applicant from examination requirements adopted pursuant to that section.
Practice duration
Engaged in well contractor activity for more than 20 years.
Training credit
Approved coursework may reduce experience by up to three months, determined case by case under 15A NCAC 27 .0301(g).
Violation history
No violation of Article 7A, Article 7 or an order or rule under either during the previous ten years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Practice Permit for Military-Trained Applicants and Military Spouses

Temporary practice permit under G.S. 93B-15.1(f) while completing permanent certification requirements.

Licensing authority: well contractors certification commission

Temporary practice permit for military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant category
Military spouse.
Application fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
Complaints
Permit may be denied or revoked for a pending complaint after statutory notice.
Current external credential
Hold a current credential in another jurisdiction whose standards are substantially equivalent to North Carolina’s.
Duration
Permit remains valid for the later of one year or the required renewal date for the occupation, or until permanent certification is granted, as G.S. 93B-15.1(f) states.
Pending permanent application
Applicant is satisfying the requirements under G.S. 93B-15.1(a) or (b); issuance uses the information in that application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary practice permit for military trained applicant
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant category
Military trained applicant.
Application fee
No initial application fee under G.S. 93B-15.1(k).
Complaints
Permit may be denied or revoked for a pending complaint after statutory notice.
Current external credential
Hold a current credential in another jurisdiction whose standards are substantially equivalent to North Carolina’s.
Duration
Permit remains valid for the later of one year or the required renewal date for the occupation, or until permanent certification is granted, as G.S. 93B-15.1(f) states.
Pending permanent application
Applicant is satisfying the requirements under G.S. 93B-15.1(a) or (b); issuance uses the information in that application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Level A field observation

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Examination sources

Level A written examination

Practice scope

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

  • North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 87, §§ 87-83–87-98.14
  • North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 7B — Well Contractors Certification Commission
  • 15A NCAC Chapter 27 — Well Contractor Certification Rules
  • 15A NCAC Subchapter 02C — Well Construction Standards
Examination sources