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Vermont Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Well Driller License

One license may authorize water-well drilling, monitoring-well drilling, or both classes. A qualifying individual is a licensed person designated for operational oversight, not a separate license identity. The 2021 statutory transfer to OPR supersedes inconsistent DEC administration and renewal provisions in the 2002 rule.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Add an authorized class to an existing license
Class experience
Rule 15-504 requires the appropriate five water wells or five monitoring projects and the education/experience documentation for the class.
Current license
Hold a Vermont well-driller license and demonstrate the documentation, training, and class-related examination performance for the added class. Classes remain authorizations on the same license.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Portal
OPR January 2026 instructions: log into the online portal, select Add specialty, and upload the certificate or qualifying individual agreement as applicable.
State test
A previously passed currently offered Vermont examination remains involved; the sources do not require assuming that an existing licensee must repeat a previously accepted score.
Reinstatement after suspension or other disciplinary restriction
Disciplinary order
Director or adjudicating authority must approve reinstatement. A suspended licensee must complete the suspension period and satisfy its conditions under Rule 15-511(b).
Examination discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits administration of the Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement. The examination leaf retains that identifiable current examination; it does not say every renewal applicant is required to sit it.
Scope
Statutory reinstatement discretion also reaches a limited or conditioned license; the terms of the individual order control.
Endorsement based on substantially equivalent qualifications
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Class documentation
Document the wells or projects applicable to the requested class under Rule 15-504.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Existing license
Licensed or certified elsewhere with qualifications substantially equivalent to Vermont; request direct official verification from the initial and most recent licensing authorities.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Uniform endorsement based on practice in good standing
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Class documentation
Document the wells or projects applicable to the requested class under Rule 15-504.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Existing license
Practice in good standing in another United States jurisdiction for no more than three years under 3 V.S.A. § 136a, regardless of substantial similarity; the Director may waive the practice requirement consistent with State policy and public protection.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
Implementation difference
OPR January 2026 instructions describe substantially equivalent qualifications and request experience, reports, NGWA examination evidence, and the Vermont examination. Section 136a controls the statutory practice-based eligibility; it does not itself specify an examination exemption.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Renewal after five or more years of absence
Absence
Five or more years of absence: the Director determines retention of professional competencies and may order reexamination or reapplication like a new applicant.
Continuing education
Rule 15-508 sets eight hours of educational and training activities. The rule's older three-year cycle is superseded by 26 V.S.A. § 5609.
Current license
Renew every two years with the application, fee, and continuing education required by current law.
Examination discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits administration of the Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement. The examination leaf retains that identifiable current examination; it does not say every renewal applicant is required to sit it.
Higher ranked law
3 V.S.A. § 135 applies notwithstanding contrary law; the older Rule 15-511 requirement to apply anew after more than one year expired does not override this uniform statute.
Military service
Under 3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(12), continuing-education requirements may be waived or modified for active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Reapplication
If ordered to reapply as a new applicant, the applicable class-related conditions of Rules 15-503 and 15-504 apply.
Renewal schedule
OPR fee schedule updated July 1, 2025 lists Well Driller renewal on July 31 of odd years.
Renewal after fewer than five years of absence
Absence
Fewer than five years of absence: readiness to practice is inferred from the continuing education required during continuous licensure, or a less burdensome showing set by rule or allowed by the Director.
Continuing education
Rule 15-508 sets eight hours of educational and training activities. The rule's older three-year cycle is superseded by 26 V.S.A. § 5609.
Current license
Renew every two years with the application, fee, and continuing education required by current law.
Examination discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits administration of the Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement. The examination leaf retains that identifiable current examination; it does not say every renewal applicant is required to sit it.
Higher ranked law
3 V.S.A. § 135 applies notwithstanding contrary law; the older Rule 15-511 requirement to apply anew after more than one year expired does not override this uniform statute.
Military service
Under 3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(12), continuing-education requirements may be waived or modified for active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members.
Renewal schedule
OPR fee schedule updated July 1, 2025 lists Well Driller renewal on July 31 of odd years.
Initial licensure with foreign credentials assessed for equivalence
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
Foreign credentials
A NACES- or AICE-member credential evaluation service must evaluate foreign qualifications and send original evaluation and equivalency determinations directly to OPR. Applicant pays evaluation costs and completes unfulfilled qualifications; foreign examinations are applicant evidence, not Vermont exam leaves.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Initial licensure by examination: Monitoring well driller
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
License class
Monitoring well driller
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Work documentation
Rule 15-504 requires participation in and description of the five most recent monitoring projects and well-completion reports if available. The general January 2026 OPR instructions also request five DWGWPD-approved reports; the April 2026 experience form expressly offers the Monitoring Well Driller class.
Initial licensure by examination: Water well driller
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
License class
Water well driller
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Work documentation
Document participation in the five most recent water wells and supply the well-completion reports; January 2026 OPR instructions ask for five reports approved by DWGWPD.
Reinstatement after expiration within one biennial period
Continuing education
Rule 15-508 sets eight hours of educational and training activities. The rule's older three-year cycle is superseded by 26 V.S.A. § 5609.
Current license
Renew every two years with the application, fee, and continuing education required by current law.
Examination discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits administration of the Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement. The examination leaf retains that identifiable current examination; it does not say every renewal applicant is required to sit it.
Expired license
License expired for no more than one biennial period; satisfy renewal requirements and pay renewal fee and statutory reinstatement penalty. Do not practice until reinstated.
Military service
Under 3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(12), continuing-education requirements may be waived or modified for active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members.
Penalty
Within 30 days, the penalty is $100; later, the renewal fee plus $40 per additional month or fraction, capped at $1,500. Exceptional circumstances, extreme hardship, and active military service are addressed by § 127(d)(3).
Renewal schedule
OPR fee schedule updated July 1, 2025 lists Well Driller renewal on July 31 of odd years.
Initial licensure with recognized military qualifications
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
Military qualifications
OPR recognizes appropriate military education, training, or service toward licensure; specific equivalency determinations are made under posted policy.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Expedited endorsement for a transferred military spouse
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
Military spouse
Applicant is licensed in good standing elsewhere, left employment to accompany a spouse transferred by the U.S. Armed Forces to Vermont, and seeks expedited issuance under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g)(1)(B). Expedition does not itself waive examination requirements.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Reciprocity under an agreement with the licensing authority
Agreement
A reciprocal agreement with the issuing authority must exist and the regulator must accept the license in substitution for Rule 15-503(c)-(d) and Rule 15-504 requirements.
Implementation difference
The January 2026 OPR endorsement checklist also requests proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam, experience documentation, and five reports. Those requests remain visible as applicant conditions; the reciprocal agreement controls substitutions.
License evidence
Provide a certified copy of the other license and satisfy the remaining application, fee, and documentation requirements. A license from a territory or province is applicant evidence, not an examination leaf.
State test
Rule 15-506 expressly retains passing the Vermont licensing test.
Biennial renewal
Continuing education
Rule 15-508 sets eight hours of educational and training activities. The rule's older three-year cycle is superseded by 26 V.S.A. § 5609.
Current license
Renew every two years with the application, fee, and continuing education required by current law.
Examination discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits administration of the Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement. The examination leaf retains that identifiable current examination; it does not say every renewal applicant is required to sit it.
Military service
Under 3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(12), continuing-education requirements may be waived or modified for active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members.
Renewal schedule
OPR fee schedule updated July 1, 2025 lists Well Driller renewal on July 31 of odd years.
New license application after revocation
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Revocation
Rule 15-511(c) permits reapplication for a new license one year after the effective date of revocation, with a possible investigation. Section 129(a)(4) separately permits discretionary reinstatement of a revoked license; that statutory discretion outranks the rule's absolute non-reinstatement language.

Provisional Well Driller License

Director may issue a 90-day provisional license pending the specified full-license application contingencies, with extension if the contingency remains unresolved.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Provisional issuance pending background
Agreement
Voluntary agreement waiving ordinary procedural rights; OPR may summarily withdraw the provisional license upon an inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Attestation
Completed full-license application; attest to material facts consistent with full-license requirements, including licensing standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Duration
90 days, extendable while the reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Provisional eligibility
Full-license eligibility awaits completion of a background check.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Provisional issuance pending military
Agreement
Voluntary agreement waiving ordinary procedural rights; OPR may summarily withdraw the provisional license upon an inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Attestation
Completed full-license application; attest to material facts consistent with full-license requirements, including licensing standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Duration
90 days, extendable while the reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Provisional eligibility
Applicant is an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member's spouse.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.
Provisional issuance pending verification
Agreement
Voluntary agreement waiving ordinary procedural rights; OPR may summarily withdraw the provisional license upon an inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Application
Submit the online application and application fee; provide required attestations and identify the business and applicant role.
Attestation
Completed full-license application; attest to material facts consistent with full-license requirements, including licensing standing, criminal history, and disciplinary history.
Compliance
Applicant must comply with 26 V.S.A. chapter 107 and its rules.
Duration
90 days, extendable while the reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved.
Experience
Document 36 months of well-installation experience, or 24 months with a minimum two-year degree in engineering, environmental science, well drilling, or a related field. Apprenticeship experience is considered month for month under Rule 15-504.
National test slot
Rule 15-503 requires the National Ground Water Association or equivalent tests determined by the regulator for the license class. The January 2026 OPR instructions request proof of passing the National Ground Water Association exam. Neither identifies General Drilling or any particular lettered NGWA examination, so the unidentifiable class-related test slot is recorded here rather than assigned an inferred registered examination.
Provisional eligibility
Full-license eligibility awaits acceptable verification of licensure from another jurisdiction.
Qualifying individual
If designated, complete the qualifying-individual agreement. Section 5602(c) permits contracting for more than one entity while ownership or employment is limited to one. The March 2026 OPR agreement states that a business may own, employ, or contract with qualifying individuals.
Retest
Rule 15-503 allows retesting by appointment after 30 days; an applicant who fails the written licensing test may request oral testing or demonstration. These are alternate delivery methods of the licensing test, not separately identified examinations.

Temporary Renewal Well Driller License

Temporary renewal pending completion of a specific continuing-education corrective action plan.

Licensing authority: Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Temporary renewal pending continuing education correction
Corrective action
The authority may require a specific continuing-education corrective action plan completed within 90 days and grant temporary renewal pending its completion.
Examination discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits administration of the Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of renewal or reinstatement. The examination leaf retains that identifiable current examination; it does not say every renewal applicant is required to sit it.

Well Drillers Jurisprudence Examination #1

Provider
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Format
Open-book examination; upload the completed answer sheet to the online application
Exam questions
25
Passing score
More than six incorrect answers requires retaking the examination
Practice scope

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

  • Environmental Protection Rules, Chapter 15: Well Driller Licensing Rule
  • Title 26, Chapter 107: Well Drillers
  • Title 10, Chapter 48: Groundwater Protection, §§ 1390-1410
  • Title 3, Chapter 5: Secretary of State
  • Administrative Rules for Assessing Professional Credentials Obtained Outside of the United States
  • Procedures for Remote & Hybrid Hearings
  • Environmental Protection Rules, Chapter 21: Water Supply Rule
Examination sources