NGWA Certification and Exams (Draft)

NGWA's Voluntary Certification Program has set the national standard for groundwater contractors and pump installers. Certification validates your expertise, builds customer confidence, and demonstrates your commitment to continuing education and industry best practices. Whether you're earning your first certification, adding specialty certifications, or maintaining an existing credential, NGWA provides the resources and support you need throughout your career.

Ready to earn your NGWA Certified Well Driller (CWD) or Certified Pump Installer (CPI) designation? Follow these steps to choose your required exams, prepare, register, take your exams and complete your certification application. If you have questions or need assistance with the exam or certification process, contact NGWA at certification@ngwa.org or 800-551-7379.

Before You Begin

Make sure you meet the age and experience eligibility requirements. You must pass the required qualifying exams with a score of 70% or higher. Both qualifying exams must be passed within a 12-month period.

Once you pass your qualifying exams, you must submit your certification application and required documentation within 12 months of passing your second qualifying exam.

Step 1: Choose Your Certification

To earn the Certified Well Driller (CWD) designation, you must pass:

  • General Drilling exam – required
  • One or more specialized drilling exam

To earn the Certified Pump Installer (CPI) designation, you must pass:

  • Water Systems General exam – required
  • One or more specialized pump/water systems exams

Step 2: Select Two Qualifying Exams

Select the two qualifying exams required for your certification. You must pass the general exam and at least one specialized exam within a 12-month period.

Drilling Exams

  • General Drilling - required
  • 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 — 75 questions

Pump/Water Systems Exams

  • General Water Systems - required
  • Exam K: Water Systems — Less Than 100 GPM
  • Exam L: Water Systems — More Than 100 GPM

Specialty Exam

  • Exam N: Well Servicing and Maintenance

Step 3: Prepare for Your Exams

Start by reviewing the Professional Designations Information and Study Guide for your exams, then use the additional resources below to strengthen your preparation.

Exam Study Reference Guides

    Webinars & Practice ExamsStrengthen your exam preparation with NGWA resources, including:

    • Exam preparation webinars
    • Practice exams

      • View Online Exam Preparation Resources

      DACUM Job Task Analysis Charts

      Use DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) job task analysis charts to identify the knowledge and skills associated with groundwater industry professions and focus your exam preparation.

      The charts identify major duties and related tasks for:

    • Drilling Contractors and Operators
    • Pump Installers
    • Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pump Contractors and Operators


      • Step 4: Register for Your Exams

      Visit NGWA’s exam vendor, PSI, to:

    • Create an account
    • Register for your exam
    • Find a testing center
    • View available test dates and times
    • Review the Candidate Bulletin for important information about registration, scheduling and testing procedures.

      • Certification exams are administered online through PSI at more than 400 testing centers nationwide. Each exam costs $75, regardless of NGWA membership status. If you have difficulty scheduling your exam, contact NGWA and we will work with PSI to resolve the issue.

      Need Testing Accommodations? All PSI testing centers are ADA compliant. If you require testing accommodations, contact NGWA before scheduling your exam so we can coordinate your approved accommodations with PSI.

      Step 5: Take Your Exams and Receive Your Results

      Arrive at your testing center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time to check in. Bring your driver’s license or photo ID. Each exam is one hour long and consists of 50 questions, unless otherwise noted. Exams are closed book and consist of multiple-choice questions.

      You must earn a score of 70% or higher on each qualifying exam. You will receive your exam score immediately after completing your exam. Be sure to collect your score report before leaving the testing center. If you need another copy of your score report, contact NGWA. A fee may apply. Exam scores are not provided by phone.

      What should I do if I fail the exam?

      Step 6: Submit Your Certification Application

      After you pass the required exams, submit your certification enrollment application and all required documentation to NGWA.

      Apply for Certification

      Step 7: Maintain Your Certification

      Once you earn your NGWA certification, maintain your credential by completing the annual renewal requirements, including 7 hours of continuing education, a renewal affidavit and the renewal fee.

      Learn more about maintaining your NGWA certification.

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