For more than 50 years, the NGWA Voluntary Certification Program has provided a nationally recognized credential for groundwater contractors and pump installers. Established in 1970, the program is designed and governed by groundwater professionals who understand the knowledge, skills and responsibilities required in the field.
NGWA certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, continuing education and excellence in the groundwater industry. It gives customers, regulatory officials and other industry professionals confidence in your knowledge and experience.
NGWA certification exams are also used by numerous state agencies as part of their licensing requirements.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for certification if you:
- Are at least 20 years old
- Have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling/pump installation experience
- Pass two exams — the drilling general exam and one other specialized drilling exam, or the water systems general exam and one other specialized pump exam, within one 12-month period with a 70 percent or better score on each
- Submit the following requirements —
- Written references verifying your experience from two professional contacts who are not affiliated with your current company
- An agreement form
- An affidavit for the current year.
Application materials must be received within 12 months of the qualifying exam session.
Why Become NGWA Certified?
NGWA certification can help you:
- Build customer confidence by demonstrating your knowledge and commitment to professional standards.
- Stand out in the marketplace with a nationally recognized professional credential.
- Demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to quality workmanship and industry best practices.
- Keep your knowledge current through continuing education requirements.
- Advance your professional reputation among customers, regulatory officials and other groundwater professionals.
NGWA Certification and State Licensing
NGWA certification is voluntary and does not replace state or local licensing requirements. However, numerous state agencies use NGWA certification exams as part of their own licensing programs.
Because licensing requirements vary by state, applicants should contact their state licensing authority for specific requirements.
Program Governance
NGWA establishes and maintains the requirements for its Voluntary Certification Program and oversees the development and revision of its certification examinations. The program is designed to reflect the knowledge, skills and practices required of groundwater professionals in the field.
NGWA certified professionals and other industry experts are encouraged to provide feedback and recommend improvements to help ensure the program continues to reflect current groundwater industry practices. Feedback may be sent to
certification@ngwa.org.