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Virginia Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

US-VA · License preparation

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Journeyman Water Well Systems Provider Certification

Individual certification for the journeyman level of Virginia water well systems practice. Water well construction requires certified individuals and availability of a certified master.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board for Contractors · Application information

Initial certification by examination
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Exam approval
Board approval is required before PSI examination scheduling.
Experience
3 year(s) of practical water well drilling, installation, maintenance or repair experience under a certified master, or Board-approved equivalent experience.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Score window
PSI bulletin page 6 states: Board policy dictates that you must apply for your certification within one year of passing the examination.
Verification
Verify experience by the reference letters allowed by 18VAC50-30-47; verify education with a transcript or diploma. Up to 40 hours of Board-approved continuing education may count toward required formal vocational training under 18VAC50-30-48.
Vocational training
24 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Virginia examination qualification using an existing non Virginia credential
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Board review
Recognition of the credential qualifies the applicant for examination; it is not automatic examination reciprocity.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Existing credential
Hold a current water well systems license, certification or registration from a United States jurisdiction outside Virginia; the Board may use it to qualify the applicant for the Virginia examination.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Score window
Apply for certification within one year of passing the examination, as stated by PSI bulletin page 6.
Verification
Submit the original Certification of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing containing the license number, original issuance date, expiration date, means of obtaining licensure and disciplinary history.
Certification without examination based on pre July 2007 practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Conduct
The statutory grandfathering entitlement does not apply if the Board finds an act constituting grounds for discipline.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Employment
Must have been employed by a properly licensed water well contractor during the qualifying period.
Experience verification
Attach the Individual Experience Verification Form. The Board application also requires a letter of good standing for an employer licensed outside Virginia that was not licensed in Virginia.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Qualifying prior practice
Actively and continuously engaged in water well construction immediately before July 1, 2007 for at least 3 year(s).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited certification for a qualifying military spouse
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Examination
Section 54.1-119 expedites review and authorizes experience waivers; the Department form requires the complete substantive certification application. Any applicant-specific determination that prior qualifications excuse Virginia requirements is a condition; the level-specific current examination is retained.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military spouse eligibility
Hold a same or similar non-Virginia credential; accompany a spouse on federal active duty, or a veteran within one year of leaving active duty, to Virginia or an adjoining state or the District of Columbia.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Substantial equivalency
The Board determines substantial equivalency, may waive experience requirements, and may require supporting evidence. Submit the complete level-specific certification application and fee, dependent ID and military orders or veteran paperwork.
New application after the reinstatement window expires
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Examination eligibility
Deemed eligible to sit the current examination for the same category and specialty as the expired credential.
Expired certification
Certification expired more than 24 months ago; apply as a new applicant under current entry requirements.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Score window
Apply for certification within one year of passing the examination, as stated in PSI bulletin page 6.
Reinstatement within 24 months of certification expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board review
The Board may deny reinstatement on initial-certification or disciplinary grounds; unpaid assessed penalties or costs may delay service.
Continuing education
Meet all applicable renewal requirements, including eight hours of Board-approved continuing education.
Expired certification
Apply more than 30 days but no more than 24 months after expiration.
Fees
Pay the reinstatement fee, which includes the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of existing certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete at least eight Board-approved hours in technical water well construction, applicable statutes and regulations, and water well business practices.
Existing certification
Hold this Virginia certification and apply to renew it.
Fee
Submit the required renewal application and fee.
Military extension
Section 54.1-117 protects qualifying Virginia citizens serving outside the United States in the armed or diplomatic services and accompanying military spouses during service and 60 days afterward, subject to a five-year maximum extension.
Term
Certifications expire two years after the last day of the issuance month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal license recognition based on an existing license or certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Existing credential
Hold a current valid same-scope non-Virginia license or government certification for at least one year, as the July 1, 2026 ULR form requires.
Good standing
No pending investigation or unresolved complaint; credential in good standing. No disqualifying conviction and no discipline except a financial penalty without harm to public health or economic welfare.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Potential state law exam
The Board form states: DPOR may require an individual seeking a professional or occupational licensure or government certification pursuant to the Code of Virginia, §54.1-205 to pass an examination specific to relevant state laws. It identifies no separate examination for the licensed/certified ULR transaction; this contingent unnamed slot is a condition.
Prior examination
The licensing jurisdiction must have required an examination and education, training or experience standards. That unidentified or other-jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
Scope of finding
The licensed/certified ULR transaction recognizes the existing credential; it does not identify a currently offered examination required by this transaction. The Board retains the statutory state-law-examination discretion stated above.
Verification
Have every relevant licensing authority send its Certification of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing directly to the Virginia Board; the letter must be dated within the last 90 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal license recognition based on work experience in an unregulated jurisdiction
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Conduct
Meet the criminal-history, disciplinary-history and fee conditions of section 54.1-205 B 5-7.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Experience
At least three years of work in a United States jurisdiction that does not regulate this profession, in a scope similar to the requested Virginia level.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Possible exam excuse
Question 11 B states that an applicant who has not passed such an examination will be required to take the Virginia examination upon Board review; the applicant is notified when eligible. Prior examination evidence is evaluated by the Board; the current Virginia examination remains the route leaf.
Prior examination
The July 2026 ULR form asks about any passed examination for the profession and allows National/Board-approved examination proof. No named nationwide examination is identified; prior or unspecified examinations remain conditions.
Verification
Submit an Experience Verification Form and employment dates showing at least three years.

Master Water Well Systems Provider Certification

Individual certification for the master level of Virginia water well systems practice. Water well construction requires certified individuals and availability of a certified master.

Licensing authority: Virginia Board for Contractors · Application information

Initial certification by examination
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Exam approval
Board approval is required before PSI examination scheduling.
Experience
6 year(s) of practical water well drilling, installation, maintenance or repair experience under a certified master, or Board-approved equivalent experience.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Score window
PSI bulletin page 6 states: Board policy dictates that you must apply for your certification within one year of passing the examination.
Verification
Verify experience by the reference letters allowed by 18VAC50-30-47; verify education with a transcript or diploma. Up to 40 hours of Board-approved continuing education may count toward required formal vocational training under 18VAC50-30-48.
Vocational training
48 hours of formal vocational training in the trade.
Virginia examination qualification using an existing non Virginia credential
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Board review
Recognition of the credential qualifies the applicant for examination; it is not automatic examination reciprocity.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Existing credential
Hold a current water well systems license, certification or registration from a United States jurisdiction outside Virginia; the Board may use it to qualify the applicant for the Virginia examination.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Score window
Apply for certification within one year of passing the examination, as stated by PSI bulletin page 6.
Verification
Submit the original Certification of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing containing the license number, original issuance date, expiration date, means of obtaining licensure and disciplinary history.
Certification without examination based on pre July 2007 practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Conduct
The statutory grandfathering entitlement does not apply if the Board finds an act constituting grounds for discipline.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Employment
Must have been employed by a properly licensed water well contractor during the qualifying period.
Experience verification
Attach the Individual Experience Verification Form. The Board application also requires a letter of good standing for an employer licensed outside Virginia that was not licensed in Virginia.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Qualifying prior practice
Actively and continuously engaged in water well construction immediately before July 1, 2007 for at least 6 year(s).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited certification for a qualifying military spouse
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Examination
Section 54.1-119 expedites review and authorizes experience waivers; the Department form requires the complete substantive certification application. Any applicant-specific determination that prior qualifications excuse Virginia requirements is a condition; the level-specific current examination is retained.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military spouse eligibility
Hold a same or similar non-Virginia credential; accompany a spouse on federal active duty, or a veteran within one year of leaving active duty, to Virginia or an adjoining state or the District of Columbia.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Substantial equivalency
The Board determines substantial equivalency, may waive experience requirements, and may require supporting evidence. Submit the complete level-specific certification application and fee, dependent ID and military orders or veteran paperwork.
New application after the reinstatement window expires
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Examination eligibility
Deemed eligible to sit the current examination for the same category and specialty as the expired credential.
Expired certification
Certification expired more than 24 months ago; apply as a new applicant under current entry requirements.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Score window
Apply for certification within one year of passing the examination, as stated in PSI bulletin page 6.
Reinstatement within 24 months of certification expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board review
The Board may deny reinstatement on initial-certification or disciplinary grounds; unpaid assessed penalties or costs may delay service.
Continuing education
Meet all applicable renewal requirements, including eight hours of Board-approved continuing education.
Expired certification
Apply more than 30 days but no more than 24 months after expiration.
Fees
Pay the reinstatement fee, which includes the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of existing certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete at least eight Board-approved hours in technical water well construction, applicable statutes and regulations, and water well business practices.
Existing certification
Hold this Virginia certification and apply to renew it.
Fee
Submit the required renewal application and fee.
Military extension
Section 54.1-117 protects qualifying Virginia citizens serving outside the United States in the armed or diplomatic services and accompanying military spouses during service and 60 days afterward, subject to a five-year maximum extension.
Term
Certifications expire two years after the last day of the issuance month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal license recognition based on an existing license or certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Existing credential
Hold a current valid same-scope non-Virginia license or government certification for at least one year, as the July 1, 2026 ULR form requires.
Good standing
No pending investigation or unresolved complaint; credential in good standing. No disqualifying conviction and no discipline except a financial penalty without harm to public health or economic welfare.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Potential state law exam
The Board form states: DPOR may require an individual seeking a professional or occupational licensure or government certification pursuant to the Code of Virginia, §54.1-205 to pass an examination specific to relevant state laws. It identifies no separate examination for the licensed/certified ULR transaction; this contingent unnamed slot is a condition.
Prior examination
The licensing jurisdiction must have required an examination and education, training or experience standards. That unidentified or other-jurisdiction examination is an applicant condition.
Scope of finding
The licensed/certified ULR transaction recognizes the existing credential; it does not identify a currently offered examination required by this transaction. The Board retains the statutory state-law-examination discretion stated above.
Verification
Have every relevant licensing authority send its Certification of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing directly to the Virginia Board; the letter must be dated within the last 90 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal license recognition based on work experience in an unregulated jurisdiction
Address
Provide a mailing address and a physical street address.
Application
Submit the Board form, required identification, evidence documents and fee; complete the application within 12 months of initial receipt and report changes before issuance.
Conduct
Meet the criminal-history, disciplinary-history and fee conditions of section 54.1-205 B 5-7.
Convictions
Disclose felonies and non-marijuana misdemeanors; the Board evaluates disqualifying convictions under section 54.1-204.
Discipline
Disclose actions against professional or occupational credentials; the Board may deny certification following the statutory review process.
Experience
At least three years of work in a United States jurisdiction that does not regulate this profession, in a scope similar to the requested Virginia level.
Identifying number
Provide a Social Security number or Virginia DMV control number and a legible government-issued identification copy.
Military training
Under section 54.1-118 A and D, substantially equivalent military training, education and experience of an honorably discharged service member may be credited, with documentation as requested by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old.
Possible exam excuse
Question 11 B states that an applicant who has not passed such an examination will be required to take the Virginia examination upon Board review; the applicant is notified when eligible. Prior examination evidence is evaluated by the Board; the current Virginia examination remains the route leaf.
Prior examination
The July 2026 ULR form asks about any passed examination for the profession and allows National/Board-approved examination proof. No named nationwide examination is identified; prior or unspecified examinations remain conditions.
Verification
Submit an Experience Verification Form and employment dates showing at least three years.

Virginia Journeyman Water Well Systems Provider Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-delivered examination
Exam questions
40
Time limit
60 minutes
Passing score
28 correct answers out of 40
Examination outline
  • General Regulations
  • Drilling and Boreholes
  • Casings and Screens
  • Grouting and Sealing
  • Contamination Prevention
  • Water Quality and Aquifer Testing
  • Safety
  • General Knowledge
  • Pumps and Tanks
Examination sources

Virginia Master Water Well Systems Provider Examination

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Computer-delivered examination
Exam questions
50
Time limit
90 minutes
Passing score
35 correct answers out of 50
Examination outline
  • General Regulations
  • Drilling and Boreholes
  • Casings and Screens
  • Grouting and Sealing
  • Contamination Prevention
  • Water Quality and Aquifer Testing
  • Safety
  • General Knowledge
  • Pumps and Tanks
Examination sources