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Exam information

Certified Well Driller and Certified Pump Installer

The Certified Well Driller (CWD) and Certified Pump Installer (CPI) exams are designed to test your knowledge of specialized equipment use, geologic formations, and troubleshooting skills within each certification area. Each exam consists of 50 questions.

To earn the CWD designation, you must pass the general drilling exam and at least one other specialized drilling exam.

To earn the CPI designation, you must pass the water systems general exam and at least one other specialized pump/water systems exam.

You must pass both required exams within one 12-month period with scores of 70 percent or better to become certified. Those who fail an exam must wait 90 days before retesting in that category.

Exam categories

Drilling categories (as of November 1, 2009):

General drilling exam
Exam A/B: Cable tool drilling
Exam C/D: Air rotary drilling
Exam E/F: Mud rotary drilling
Exam G: Reverse circulation drilling
Exam H: Jetting and driving wells
Exam M: Augering and monitoring

Pump categories (as of November 1, 2009):

Water systems general exam
Exam K: Water systems less than 100 gpm
Exam L: Water systems more than 100 gpm

Specialty exam category:

Exam N: Well servicing and maintenance

Preparing for the exams

NGWA has designed a Voluntary Certification Exam Study Guide that covers study materials for all exams currently offered by NGWA. Recent additions to this guide include a glossary of terms, test-taking tips, and sample exam questions. The guide can be purchased through the NGWA online store. For more information about other NGWA recommended study materials, call customer service at 800 551.7379 (614 898.7791).

CWD and CPI exam fees

NGWA members: $75 per exam
Nonmembers: $275 for two exams; $75 for each additional exam

When and where can I take the exams?

You can take the exams at your convenience year-round at any one of more than 1,000 locations nationwide. PSI LaserGrade, one of the largest test center networks in North America, administers the online exams. Visit PSI LaserGrade's Website to find exam scheduling information. If you cannot locate what you need, call PSI LaserGrade at 800 211.2754 (360 896.9111 from outside the United States). The program is easy to use and does not require any computer skills.

Once you are certified...

Once you achieve the certification status, you must commit to annual continuing education to maintain it. You must report your continuing education points, submit your signed affidavit, and pay recertification fees to be recognized as certified.

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National Ground Water Association
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USA
800 551.7379
(614 898.7791 outside the US)
fax 614 898.7786
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