Wisconsin Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice
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Water Well Driller License
Individual authority to drill potable water wells, including supervised-experience and out-of-state issuance routes.
Licensing authority: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · Application information
Reactivation from emeritus without annual continuing education
- Education lapse
- Has not earned annual continuing education during emeritus years; must pass the appropriate water well driller exam.
- Prior status
- Formerly licensed individual in emeritus status who wishes to resume the licensed business.
Reactivation from emeritus with annual continuing education maintained
- Continuing education
- Annual continuing education earned throughout the emeritus years; the re-examination trigger in NR 146.05(2) is absence of those annual credits.
- Prior status
- Individual in emeritus status wishing to resume licensed business.
- Renewal
- Complete applicable renewal and fee requirements to hold an active license.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-03-01.
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.05(2)
NR 146.05(2)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(1)(a)
NR 146.07(1)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(2)(a)
NR 146.07(2)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(3)(a)
NR 146.07(3)(a)
Reinstatement after expiration without renewal eligibility, before five years
- Compliance
- Also comply with NR 146.04(9)(a)7., which requires resolution of specified violations, judgments, court or administrative orders and settlements.
- Exam
- Take and pass the water well driller exam under NR 146.07(2)(c).
- Reason
- Failure to fulfill continuing education, failure to renew within one year, unresolved Department of Revenue or Children and Families hold after one year, or suspension longer than one calendar year.
Reinstatement after five or more years without renewal
All of the following:
- Advance notice
- For three months give DNR at least 24 hours notice before starting drilling activities.
- Age
- At least 20 years old under NR 146.04(1)(a).
- Application
- Submit the completed license application, supervisory signature, rig-registration dates, drilling experience, well-owner and location information, and a recent identifiable photograph operating a rig.
- Board training wording
- The lower-ranked DNR Licenses and registrations page, Drilling fluids, states: "In lieu of completing six hours of training in drilling fluids, an applicant may pass NGWA Exam C/D: Air rotary drilling and Exam E/F: Mud rotary drilling." NR 146.04(2)(h)2. specifies three hours; the rule controls.
- Compliance
- No unlicensed well drilling in the last five years, unresolved violations, judgments, administrative orders or settlements, repeated violations after notice, or outstanding construction reports, water samples or filling/sealing reports from the last five years.
- Drilling volume
- Operate the drilling rig for at least 30 potable wells, or perform at least 1,500 hours drilling large-diameter potable community wells, during two years with at least ten wells or 750 hours each year. All wells, samples, and reports must comply.
- Eligibility window
- Take and pass the examination within two years of the eligibility notice or the application becomes void.
- Experience
- Two years of potable water well drilling experience within the last five years; direct supervision on the first ten wells and at least general supervision on remaining wells; provide the supervisor and apprenticeship information.
- Fees
- After DNR eligibility notice submit the exam application and $50 fee; a current heat exchange driller license excuses the additional fee under NR 146.04(2)(dm) and (i); the veterans waiver may apply to the first-time application fee.
- Issuance meeting
- Meet DNR staff to review and sign compliance expectations; the license is issued at the conclusion of that meeting.
- Lapse
- License not renewed for five or more years; examination eligibility is lost and current prerequisite examination-eligibility requirements must be met anew.
- License conditions
- Under NR 146.05(1), DNR may restrict methods, equipment or geologic formations or require advance notification based on applicant qualifications and compliance history.
- Ngwa training alternative
- NR 146.04(2)(j) permits passing both NGWA Rotary Mud (E/F) and Rotary Air (C/D) exams instead of the drilling-fluids coursework. These leaves are optional when that coursework is completed; both are needed when using the examination substitute.
- Rig registration
- Hold water well drilling rig operator registration and attend DNR-sponsored or sanctioned well-driller continuing education throughout the two- to three-year experience period.
- Training
- DNR-approved or sponsored coursework: grouting and filling/sealing 6 hours; drilling fluids 3 hours; Wisconsin geology 3 hours; well codes 4 hours; safety and first aid 3 hours; welding 6 hours.
- Welding alternative
- Instead of welding coursework, provide verification of welding certification within the last five years or pass a CWI-administered 2G butt-joint pipe-to-pipe performance qualification test to AWS B2.1-1-201:2019. This welding assessment is a qualification condition, not an examination of the water-well-driller profession.
Initial licensure by examination
All of the following:
- Advance notice
- For three months give DNR at least 24 hours notice before starting drilling activities.
- Age
- At least 20 years old under NR 146.04(1)(a).
- Application
- Submit the completed license application, supervisory signature, rig-registration dates, drilling experience, well-owner and location information, and a recent identifiable photograph operating a rig.
- Board training wording
- The lower-ranked DNR Licenses and registrations page, Drilling fluids, states: "In lieu of completing six hours of training in drilling fluids, an applicant may pass NGWA Exam C/D: Air rotary drilling and Exam E/F: Mud rotary drilling." NR 146.04(2)(h)2. specifies three hours; the rule controls.
- Compliance
- No unlicensed well drilling in the last five years, unresolved violations, judgments, administrative orders or settlements, repeated violations after notice, or outstanding construction reports, water samples or filling/sealing reports from the last five years.
- Drilling volume
- Operate the drilling rig for at least 30 potable wells, or perform at least 1,500 hours drilling large-diameter potable community wells, during two years with at least ten wells or 750 hours each year. All wells, samples, and reports must comply.
- Eligibility window
- Take and pass the examination within two years of the eligibility notice or the application becomes void.
- Experience
- Two years of potable water well drilling experience within the last five years; direct supervision on the first ten wells and at least general supervision on remaining wells; provide the supervisor and apprenticeship information.
- Fees
- After DNR eligibility notice submit the exam application and $50 fee; a current heat exchange driller license excuses the additional fee under NR 146.04(2)(dm) and (i); the veterans waiver may apply to the first-time application fee.
- Issuance meeting
- Meet DNR staff to review and sign compliance expectations; the license is issued at the conclusion of that meeting.
- License conditions
- Under NR 146.05(1), DNR may restrict methods, equipment or geologic formations or require advance notification based on applicant qualifications and compliance history.
- Ngwa training alternative
- NR 146.04(2)(j) permits passing both NGWA Rotary Mud (E/F) and Rotary Air (C/D) exams instead of the drilling-fluids coursework. These leaves are optional when that coursework is completed; both are needed when using the examination substitute.
- Rig registration
- Hold water well drilling rig operator registration and attend DNR-sponsored or sanctioned well-driller continuing education throughout the two- to three-year experience period.
- Training
- DNR-approved or sponsored coursework: grouting and filling/sealing 6 hours; drilling fluids 3 hours; Wisconsin geology 3 hours; well codes 4 hours; safety and first aid 3 hours; welding 6 hours.
- Welding alternative
- Instead of welding coursework, provide verification of welding certification within the last five years or pass a CWI-administered 2G butt-joint pipe-to-pipe performance qualification test to AWS B2.1-1-201:2019. This welding assessment is a qualification condition, not an examination of the water-well-driller profession.
Licensure of an out of state licensed water well driller
- Application and fee
- Submit a true and accurate application with $50.
- Equivalence
- DNR must determine that at least one currently licensing state had construction standards and licensing laws and rules substantially similar to Wisconsin at the time of original licensure.
- Issuance meeting
- Meet DNR staff to review and sign compliance expectations; receive the license at the conclusion of the meeting.
- Other license
- Hold a current license to drill potable wells outside Wisconsin; that license is an applicant condition.
- Standing
- Good standing in every state in which the applicant is or was licensed or registered to drill potable wells.
- Wisconsin exam
- Pass the DNR water well driller examination under NR 146.06(3).
Initial licensure with well drilling experience gained before June 1, 2008
- Alternative prerequisites
- Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(g)2. directs DNR to establish alternative experience, rig-registration and training prerequisites; the applicant must meet the alternative requirements DNR applies. The currently obtained NR 146.04 and DNR instructions describe the ordinary prerequisites.
- Board ordinary application
- DNR currently directs applicants to submit the license application and experience voucher, obtain eligibility approval, pass the exam, and meet DNR staff.
- Examination
- The exception is to 280.15(2m)(f)1m.b., not to the DNR examination in 1m.a.; the state examination remains involved.
- Experience date
- Gained well drilling experience before June 1, 2008.
Annual renewal
- Application
- Submit a true and complete renewal online or by mail on or before January 1; provide continuing education proof if DNR requests it.
- Continuing education
- Six hours of DNR-sponsored or sanctioned attendance each calendar year, credited by December 31. First-time licensees are exempt in their first calendar year under NR 146.07(3)(c)1.
- Eligibility
- No disqualifying expiration or unresolved renewal hold under NR 146.07(2)(b).
- Fee
- $50 annually; only one $50 fee is required when both water well and heat exchange driller licenses are held. Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(d) sets a $15 late fee after January 1.
- Future rule dates
- The mandatory online-renewal requirement first applies following March 2, 2027; the six-month continuing-education grace period and specified topic allocations start in calendar year 2027 and do not apply on the evaluation date.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-03-01.
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(1)(a)
NR 146.07(1)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(2)(a)
NR 146.07(2)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(3)(a)
NR 146.07(3)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(b)1.
Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(b)1.
- Wisconsin Legislature Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(b)2.
Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(b)2.
New licensure after revocation
All of the following:
- Advance notice
- For three months give DNR at least 24 hours notice before starting drilling activities.
- Age
- At least 20 years old under NR 146.04(1)(a).
- Application
- Submit the completed license application, supervisory signature, rig-registration dates, drilling experience, well-owner and location information, and a recent identifiable photograph operating a rig.
- Board training wording
- The lower-ranked DNR Licenses and registrations page, Drilling fluids, states: "In lieu of completing six hours of training in drilling fluids, an applicant may pass NGWA Exam C/D: Air rotary drilling and Exam E/F: Mud rotary drilling." NR 146.04(2)(h)2. specifies three hours; the rule controls.
- Compliance
- No unlicensed well drilling in the last five years, unresolved violations, judgments, administrative orders or settlements, repeated violations after notice, or outstanding construction reports, water samples or filling/sealing reports from the last five years.
- Drilling volume
- Operate the drilling rig for at least 30 potable wells, or perform at least 1,500 hours drilling large-diameter potable community wells, during two years with at least ten wells or 750 hours each year. All wells, samples, and reports must comply.
- Eligibility window
- Take and pass the examination within two years of the eligibility notice or the application becomes void.
- Experience
- Two years of potable water well drilling experience within the last five years; direct supervision on the first ten wells and at least general supervision on remaining wells; provide the supervisor and apprenticeship information.
- Fees
- After DNR eligibility notice submit the exam application and $50 fee; a current heat exchange driller license excuses the additional fee under NR 146.04(2)(dm) and (i); the veterans waiver may apply to the first-time application fee.
- Incompetency
- If revoked for incompetency, demonstrate competency in the deficient activity by working under the direct supervision of an individual licensed for it for at least two years without violations; DNR may instead issue the conditional form restricting that activity.
- Issuance meeting
- Meet DNR staff to review and sign compliance expectations; the license is issued at the conclusion of that meeting.
- License conditions
- Under NR 146.05(1), DNR may restrict methods, equipment or geologic formations or require advance notification based on applicant qualifications and compliance history.
- Ngwa training alternative
- NR 146.04(2)(j) permits passing both NGWA Rotary Mud (E/F) and Rotary Air (C/D) exams instead of the drilling-fluids coursework. These leaves are optional when that coursework is completed; both are needed when using the examination substitute.
- Revocation
- Apply for a new license at least one year after revocation; this is not renewal.
- Rig registration
- Hold water well drilling rig operator registration and attend DNR-sponsored or sanctioned well-driller continuing education throughout the two- to three-year experience period.
- Training
- DNR-approved or sponsored coursework: grouting and filling/sealing 6 hours; drilling fluids 3 hours; Wisconsin geology 3 hours; well codes 4 hours; safety and first aid 3 hours; welding 6 hours.
- Welding alternative
- Instead of welding coursework, provide verification of welding certification within the last five years or pass a CWI-administered 2G butt-joint pipe-to-pipe performance qualification test to AWS B2.1-1-201:2019. This welding assessment is a qualification condition, not an examination of the water-well-driller profession.
Restoration following suspension for incompetency
- Suspension reason
- License suspended for incompetency; demonstrate competency by passing the DNR exam before DNR ends the suspension.
Restoration after suspension for willful violations lasting longer than one calendar year
- Compliance
- Fulfill the order and the NR 146.07(2) reinstatement conditions, including NR 146.04(9)(a)7.
- Suspension reason
- Failed to comply with a willful-violation suspension order, causing suspension longer than one calendar year.
Conditional Water Well Driller License
Conditional licensure after revocation for incompetency; the prohibited activity is excluded from the authorization.
Licensing authority: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · Application information
Conditional licensure after revocation for incompetency
All of the following:
- Advance notice
- For three months give DNR at least 24 hours notice before starting drilling activities.
- Age
- At least 20 years old under NR 146.04(1)(a).
- Application
- Submit the completed license application, supervisory signature, rig-registration dates, drilling experience, well-owner and location information, and a recent identifiable photograph operating a rig.
- Board training wording
- The lower-ranked DNR Licenses and registrations page, Drilling fluids, states: "In lieu of completing six hours of training in drilling fluids, an applicant may pass NGWA Exam C/D: Air rotary drilling and Exam E/F: Mud rotary drilling." NR 146.04(2)(h)2. specifies three hours; the rule controls.
- Compliance
- No unlicensed well drilling in the last five years, unresolved violations, judgments, administrative orders or settlements, repeated violations after notice, or outstanding construction reports, water samples or filling/sealing reports from the last five years.
- Drilling volume
- Operate the drilling rig for at least 30 potable wells, or perform at least 1,500 hours drilling large-diameter potable community wells, during two years with at least ten wells or 750 hours each year. All wells, samples, and reports must comply.
- Eligibility window
- Take and pass the examination within two years of the eligibility notice or the application becomes void.
- Experience
- Two years of potable water well drilling experience within the last five years; direct supervision on the first ten wells and at least general supervision on remaining wells; provide the supervisor and apprenticeship information.
- Fees
- After DNR eligibility notice submit the exam application and $50 fee; a current heat exchange driller license excuses the additional fee under NR 146.04(2)(dm) and (i); the veterans waiver may apply to the first-time application fee.
- Incompetency
- If revoked for incompetency, demonstrate competency in the deficient activity by working under the direct supervision of an individual licensed for it for at least two years without violations; DNR may instead issue the conditional form restricting that activity.
- Issuance meeting
- Meet DNR staff to review and sign compliance expectations; the license is issued at the conclusion of that meeting.
- License conditions
- Under NR 146.05(1), DNR may restrict methods, equipment or geologic formations or require advance notification based on applicant qualifications and compliance history.
- Ngwa training alternative
- NR 146.04(2)(j) permits passing both NGWA Rotary Mud (E/F) and Rotary Air (C/D) exams instead of the drilling-fluids coursework. These leaves are optional when that coursework is completed; both are needed when using the examination substitute.
- Restricted authority
- DNR may grant a conditional license restricting the activity for which the applicant was deemed incompetent instead of waiting for demonstration of competence in that activity; the knowledge examination remains required by the same paragraph.
- Revocation
- Apply for a new license at least one year after revocation; this is not renewal.
- Rig registration
- Hold water well drilling rig operator registration and attend DNR-sponsored or sanctioned well-driller continuing education throughout the two- to three-year experience period.
- Training
- DNR-approved or sponsored coursework: grouting and filling/sealing 6 hours; drilling fluids 3 hours; Wisconsin geology 3 hours; well codes 4 hours; safety and first aid 3 hours; welding 6 hours.
- Welding alternative
- Instead of welding coursework, provide verification of welding certification within the last five years or pass a CWI-administered 2G butt-joint pipe-to-pipe performance qualification test to AWS B2.1-1-201:2019. This welding assessment is a qualification condition, not an examination of the water-well-driller profession.
Annual renewal of a conditional license
- Application
- Submit a true and complete renewal online or by mail on or before January 1; provide continuing education proof if DNR requests it.
- Continuing education
- Six hours of DNR-sponsored or sanctioned attendance each calendar year, credited by December 31. First-time licensees are exempt in their first calendar year under NR 146.07(3)(c)1.
- Eligibility
- No disqualifying expiration or unresolved renewal hold under NR 146.07(2)(b).
- Fee
- $50 annually; only one $50 fee is required when both water well and heat exchange driller licenses are held. Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(d) sets a $15 late fee after January 1.
- Future rule dates
- The mandatory online-renewal requirement first applies following March 2, 2027; the six-month continuing-education grace period and specified topic allocations start in calendar year 2027 and do not apply on the evaluation date.
- Restriction
- Continue to comply with all restrictions imposed on the conditional license.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-03-01.
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(1)(a)
NR 146.07(1)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(2)(a)
NR 146.07(2)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.07(3)(a)
NR 146.07(3)(a)
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.09(3)(c)
NR 146.09(3)(c)
Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling
- Provider
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
- Format
- Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
- Exam questions
- 50 questions
- Time limit
- 1 hour
- Passing score
- 70% (minimum passing score)
- Exam fee
- $75 per exam
Examination outline
- Mobilize for the Site (6 of 50 items)
- Construct Water Well (34 of 50 items)
- Develop Wells (7 of 50 items)
- Decommission Wells (2 of 50 items)
- Demobilize the Site (1 of 50 items)
Examination sources
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, heading "EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINES AND PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAMINATION(S)"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, heading of the NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling content-outline block
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Mobilize for the Site"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Construct Water Well"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Develop Wells"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Decommission Wells"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Demobilize the Site"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, heading at foot of page 5 right column; table continued at top of page 6 left column, NGWA Exam C/D: Air Rotary Drilling summary row (# of Questions / Minimum Passing Score / Cost / Time Allowed)
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, "TAKING THE EXAMINATION BY COMPUTER"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 4, "SECURITY PROCEDURES"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, "SCORE REPORTING" (pass/fail on screen)
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, "SCORE REPORTING" (diagnostic report)
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, introductory paragraph on exam length
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, "Exam categories" list, drilling exams entry
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 2, "Pay and Schedule for your examination"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 2, "CHECKLIST BEFORE SCHEDULING"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 1, "Exam Fees" for Voluntary Certification Program Exams
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, "CWD and CPI exam fees"
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, "When and where can I take the exams?"
- NGWA Certification for contractors web page
NGWA contractor certification page, program governance paragraph
Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling
- Provider
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA); administered by PSI Services at PSI test centers
- Format
- Computer-based, closed-book examination taken at a PSI test center; pass/fail status on screen at completion, with a diagnostic score report by section for candidates who do not pass
- Exam questions
- 50 questions
- Time limit
- 1 hour
- Passing score
- 70% (minimum passing score)
- Exam fee
- $75 per exam
Examination outline
- Mobilize for the Site (9 of 50 items)
- Construct Water Well (18 of 50 items)
- Prepare/Manage Drilling Fluids (17 of 50 items)
- Develop Wells (5 of 50 items)
- Demobilize the Site (1 of 50 items)
Examination sources
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, heading "EXAMINATION CONTENT OUTLINES AND PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAMINATION(S)"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, heading of the NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling content-outline block
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Mobilize for the Site"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Construct Water Well"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Prepare/Manage Drilling Fluids"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Develop Wells"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling "Content Outline" table (Subject Area / # of Items), row "Demobilize the Site"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 6, left column, NGWA Exam E/F: Mud Rotary Drilling summary row (# of Questions / Minimum Passing Score / Cost / Time Allowed)
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, "TAKING THE EXAMINATION BY COMPUTER"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 4, "SECURITY PROCEDURES"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, "SCORE REPORTING" (pass/fail on screen)
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 5, "SCORE REPORTING" (diagnostic report)
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, introductory paragraph on exam length
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, "Exam categories" list, drilling exams entry
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 2, "Pay and Schedule for your examination"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 2, "CHECKLIST BEFORE SCHEDULING"
- NGWA Voluntary Certification Program Exams Candidate Information Bulletin (PSI)
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for NGWA exams, page 1, "Exam Fees" for Voluntary Certification Program Exams
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, "CWD and CPI exam fees"
- NGWA Certification exams web page
NGWA Certification Exams page, "When and where can I take the exams?"
- NGWA Certification for contractors web page
NGWA contractor certification page, program governance paragraph
Water Well Driller
- Provider
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Format
- In-person paper examination; open code; multiple-choice and true/false questions.
- Exam questions
- 100
- Time limit
- Up to three hours in a DNR examination session.
- Passing score
- 75%
- Exam fee
- $50
Practice scope
The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.
Professional Licensing and Responsibilities
- 1.1.1 Purpose and applicability
- 1.2.1 Definitions
- 1.3.1 Exceptions to individual water well driller license requirements
- 1.4.1 Water well driller business registration
- 1.4.2 Exceptions to water well driller business registration requirements
- 1.5.1 Supervisory water well driller responsibilities
- 1.6.1 Well filling and sealing license and registration requirements
- 1.7.1 Conditions
- 1.8.1 License and registration renewal application process
- 1.8.2 License and registration renewal eligibility
- 1.8.3 Continuing education requirements
- 1.9.1 Responsibilities
- 1.10.1 Basis for suspension or revocation
- 1.10.2 Limitations on suspended or revoked credentials
- 1.10.3 Reinstatement
- 1.11.1 Well filling and sealing requirements
- 1.12.1 Property transfer well inspections
- 1.13.1 Appropriate action and stepped enforcement
Community Water System Scope and Approval
- 2.1.1 When a water system is a community well
- 2.2.1 Approval requirements
Well Construction and Compliance
- 3.1.1 Applicability to water systems and drillholes
- 3.2.1 Cooperation with the department
- 3.3.1 Conforming work and exceptions
- 3.4.1 Well and water system definitions
- 3.5.1 Location requirements and Table A
- 3.6.1 Activities requiring approvals
- 3.6.2 Application submission and approval
- 3.7.1 Product and component approvals
- 3.8.1 Preconstruction responsibilities
- 3.8.2 Water samples and well construction reports
- 3.8.3 Post-construction correction responsibilities
- 3.9.1 Well construction equipment and materials
- 3.10.1 Preconstruction planning
- 3.10.2 Construction during drilling
- 3.10.3 Post-drilling construction
- 3.10.4 Finishing operations
- 3.11.1 Unconsolidated drillhole diameter and casing depth
- 3.11.2 Casing, screens and gravel packs
- 3.11.3 Upper enlarged drillholes and grouting
- 3.12.1 Bedrock drillhole diameter and casing depth
- 3.12.2 Bedrock casing materials and driving restrictions
- 3.12.3 Upper enlarged and lower drillholes
- 3.12.4 Bedrock grouting
- 3.13.1 General flowing-well construction
- 3.13.2 Flowing wells in unconsolidated formations
- 3.13.3 Flowing wells in bedrock
- 3.14.1 Potable high-capacity well dimensions and casing
- 3.14.2 High-capacity well grouting and casing advancement
- 3.14.3 High-capacity well screens and gravel packs
- 3.14.4 High-capacity well geologic samples
- 3.15.1 Screened wells with gravel packs
- 3.15.2 Gravel-pack placement
- 3.16.1 Welding procedures
- 3.17.1 Plumbness and alignment
- 3.18.1 Grouting and sealing annular spaces
- 3.19.1 Liners
- 3.20.1 Well rehabilitation
- 3.20.2 Batch chlorination
- 3.21.1 Driven point wells
- 3.22.1 Dug wells
- 3.23.1 Springs as potable sources
- 3.24.1 When filling and sealing is required
- 3.24.2 Filling and sealing methods
- 3.24.3 Filling and sealing reports
- 3.25.1 Vermin-proof caps and seals
- 3.26.1 Pits and driveway ramps
- 3.27.1 Water treatment
- 3.28.1 Existing location and construction
- 3.28.2 Existing water quality
- 3.28.3 Existing pits and alcoves
- 3.28.4 Existing reservoirs
- 3.28.5 Existing dug wells
- 3.28.6 Pump and discharge piping evaluation
- 3.28.7 Casing height and extensions
- 3.28.8 Existing caps and seals
- 3.28.9 Basement wells
- 3.28.10 Work on existing installations
- 3.29.1 Variance applicant responsibilities
- 3.29.2 Department variance authority
- 3.29.3 Landfill variances
- 3.29.4 Bedrock casing-depth variance
- 3.30.1 Property-transfer inspection scope
- 3.30.2 Property-transfer inspector licensing
- 3.30.3 Inspection forms and sampling
- 3.30.4 Evaluation criteria
- 3.31.1 Citations
- 3.32.1 Sampling, analysis and reporting
Wisconsin Geologic Conditions
- 4.1.1 Glacial geology
- 4.2.1 Bedrock geology
- 4.2.2 Stratigraphic bedrock units
- 4.2.3 Limestone and dolomite
- 4.2.4 Sandstone
- 4.2.5 Shale
- 4.2.6 Precambrian basement rock
- 4.3.1 Importance of drill cuttings
- 4.3.2 Cuttings collection methods
- 4.4.1 Aquifer
- 4.4.2 Specific capacity and well yield
- 4.4.3 Groundwater flow
- 4.4.4 Groundwater flow map
Drilling, Development, and Reporting
- 5.1.1 Siting a well
- 5.2.1 Mud rotary
- 5.2.2 Air rotary
- 5.2.3 Cable-tool advantages
- 5.2.4 Power chisel
- 5.2.5 Bailer
- 5.2.6 Pile driver
- 5.2.7 Casing hammer
- 5.2.8 Dual rotary
- 5.2.9 Screen installation
- 5.2.10 Well development
- 5.2.11 Overpumping
- 5.2.12 Surging
- 5.2.13 Jetting
- 5.2.14 Blasting
- 5.2.15 Acidification
- 5.2.16 Hydrofracturing
- 5.3.1 Flowing wells
- 5.3.2 Jetting methods
- 5.4.1 Special casing-depth areas
- 5.5.1 Water as drilling fluid
- 5.5.2 Sodium bentonite slurry
- 5.5.3 Drilling foam
- 5.5.4 Other additives
- 5.6.1 Fluid and additive selection
- 5.7.1 Make-up water
- 5.8.1 Well construction reporting
- 5.8.2 Filling and sealing reporting
- 5.8.3 Sampling reporting
- 5.8.4 Compliance inspection report
- 5.8.5 Property-transfer report
- 5.9.1 Public Land Survey System
- 5.10.1 GPS location reporting
- 5.10.2 Well Driller Viewer
- 5.11.1 Disinfection
- 5.11.2 Bleach concentration and pH
- 5.12.1 Removing residual chlorine
- 5.12.2 Arsenic and metals sampling
- 5.13.1 Why filling and sealing matters
- 5.13.2 Stuck pump removal
- 5.13.3 Bentonite chip volume
Annular Sealing Methods
- 6.1.1 Grout uses and characteristics
- 6.2.1 Straight and in-gage drillhole
- 6.3.1 Sealant materials
- 6.4.1 Tremie pipe method
- 6.4.2 Bradenhead method
- 6.4.3 Grout shoe method
Field Calculations
- 7.1.1 Grout calculation
Examination sources
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.04(2)(im), Note — examination subject matter
NR 146.04(2)(im), Note — examination subject matter
- Wisconsin DNR licenses
License exams — Preparation: code reference list
- Wisconsin Legislature Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(f)1m.a.
Wis. Stat. 280.15(2m)(f)1m.a.
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.01(1) — statutory licensing authority
NR 146.01(1) — statutory licensing authority
- Wisconsin DNR licenses
License exams — Taking the exam: question format
- Wisconsin DNR exams
Exam Information — Water Well Driller question count
- Wisconsin DNR exams
Private Water Licenses — Driller Applicants
- Wisconsin Legislature NR 146.04(2)(im)
NR 146.04(2)(im)
- Wisconsin DNR process
Submit exam application — WDP examination fee