NGWA exams are computerized
NGWA Voluntary Certification exams, as well as state licensure exams, are available via computer at more than 1,000 testing centers across the United States and Canada, plus 30 international sites. Using this option, test takers get immediate test score results.
LaserGrade, the largest U.S.-owned and -operated test center network in North America, administers the exams. Most centers are open six days a week for your added convenience. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, LaserGrade offers proctored computer-based test administration for licensure and certification examinations using its own secure network and software.
For more information and to find a test center near you, visit
LaserGrade online. To reserve a time slot, call
800 211.2754 if calling from within North America; if calling from outside North America, phone 360 896.9111.
Pricing is the same whether taking the computerized version or the paper version:
- $75 for each state licensing exam (test takers are responsible for providing their respective states with a copy of exam scores)
- $75 per test for NGWA members taking it for certification
- $275 for one general (water systems or drilling) and one additional test for nonmembers, with $75 for each additional exam.
To read what your peers are saying about taking the exams at LaserGrade, click here.
Already certified? Don't forget to renew!
All certified contractors are
required to renew their certification by December 31 each year. In September, you will receive your certification packet, which contains all the forms necessary to renew your certification.
Complete the affidavit, submit at least seven continuing education points (CEPs), and pay your annual recertification fee.
Avoid the hassle of a late fee. Don't delay when you receive your packet!
Need to contact your state agency?
If you have questions for your state agency, NGWA can help. NGWA.org features a listing of
state licensing/regulation agencies.
Know a good exam question? Send it in!
NGWA
accepts questions for its certification exams. You must send in the question, answer, three wrong alternate choices and the exam in which you think the question should be included. Get all of the
exam question submittal information.
Retired in Good Standing designation
NGWA's Voluntary Certification Program has a designation
for certified individuals who have retired from the ground water industry. To participate, a
retired declaration form must be received at NGWA headquarters by
December 31. Print a
retired declaration form.
Medical leave available for certified contractors
Certified individuals
can be placed on an "inactive" status for up to 12 consecutive months
due to injury or long-term illness.
Print a medical leave form.
Maintain the pride—stay certified!
Remember that
all recertification forms must be received at NGWA headquarters by
December 31 every year. Print a
CEP form. Print an
affidavit form.