CO Well Driller study plan
CO Well Driller · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Well Construction
Map the well construction domain into a checklist of every construction stage from site assessment through grouting and completion
Explain annular seal placement and grout mix requirements in writing without notes
Sketch a typical well cross-section labeling casing, screen, filter pack, grout, and surface seal
List the casing and screen material selection criteria used for different formation types
Your checkpoint
A one-page well construction checklist with a labeled hand-drawn cross-section covering all five stages
Well Construction
Calculate grout volume for a given borehole and casing diameter and verify the arithmetic twice
Diagnose three common construction defects (improper seal, misaligned screen, inadequate casing depth) and state the corrective action for each
Compare state well construction code requirements for setbacks and sealing against field practice
Write a short inspection sequence for a newly drilled well
Your checkpoint
A worked grout-volume problem set of five calculations plus a defect-and-correction table
Ground Heat Exchanger Construction
Describe the sequence for installing a vertical borehole ground heat exchanger from drilling through grouting and header connection
Explain the purpose and required properties of thermally enhanced grout and identify when it is specified
Calculate required loop length or borehole count for a simple heating and cooling load scenario
Outline pressure testing and flushing procedures for a closed-loop system before backfill
Your checkpoint
A ground heat exchanger installation sequence document with one worked loop-sizing calculation and a pressure-test checklist
Ground Heat Exchanger Construction & Well Construction
Identify the differences between open-loop and closed-loop systems and the well construction implications of each
Explain borehole spacing, thermal interference, and setback considerations for a multi-bore field
Review all Domain 1 and Domain 2 notes and close any gaps flagged during self-testing
Complete a timed mixed set of construction questions and score it
Your checkpoint
A scored practice set of at least 40 mixed Domain 1 and 2 questions with a written review of every missed item
Pump Installation
Match pump type (submersible, jet, variable frequency) to well conditions and explain the selection rationale
Read a pump curve and determine operating point against a system head curve
Calculate total dynamic head for a given lift, drawdown, and discharge pressure scenario
Explain pump setting depth, motor cooling flow, and the consequences of setting a pump too shallow or too deep
Your checkpoint
A pump selection worksheet with a pump curve operating-point exercise and a total dynamic head calculation shown step by step
Pump Installation & Licensing Administration and Financial Responsibility
Outline the steps to install, wire, and start up a submersible pump including controls and protection devices
Diagnose three pump performance faults (cavitation, cycling, sand damage) and state the cause and remedy for each
Summarize the licensing administration requirements covering license categories, renewal, and scope of practice
Explain the financial responsibility requirements including bonding or insurance and how they apply to a working driller
Your checkpoint
A two-part summary sheet: pump troubleshooting matrix plus a licensing and financial responsibility reference page
Licensing Administration and Financial Responsibility & Continuing Education and Remedial Action
Describe the continuing education hour requirements and acceptable activity categories for license renewal
Outline the remedial action process including causes for discipline, notification, and corrective steps
Identify recordkeeping and reporting obligations that accompany well completion and pump installation
Compare the consequences of lapsed versus revoked licensure and the path back to good standing
Your checkpoint
A compliance timeline showing renewal, CE deadlines, and the remedial action sequence from complaint to resolution
Well Construction & Ground Heat Exchanger Construction & Pump Installation & Licensing Administration and Financial Responsibility & Continuing Education and Remedial Action
Complete two full-length timed practice exams and score each against a passing target
Rank the five domains by missed-question count and re-study the two weakest areas
Recite the key formulas for grout volume, loop sizing, and total dynamic head from memory
Write a one-page exam-day strategy covering pacing, question triage, and calculation double-checks
Your checkpoint
Two scored full-length practice exams with an error log and a final one-page formula and strategy sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain annular sealing and grouting requirements and correctly solve a grout-volume calculation without reference material
Week 4: Scores at least 75 percent on the 40-question mixed Domain 1 and Domain 2 practice set and has reviewed every missed item
Week 6: Can determine a pump operating point from a curve and calculate total dynamic head, and can state the license renewal and financial responsibility requirements from memory
Week 8: Scores at or above the target on both full-length practice exams and has a completed error log showing improvement in the weakest domain