IL Well Driller study plan

Map the four exam domains against the Illinois Water Well Construction Code and identify which code sections govern drilling methods versus siting versus sealing.

List the major drilling methods (rotary air, rotary mud, cable tool, hollow-stem auger, sonic) and write one paragraph each on the formations and depth ranges where each is used in Illinois.

Define the licensed well driller and pump installer scope of practice and note which tasks require a licensed contractor versus an apprentice under supervision.

Build a personal glossary of 40 equipment and code terms with a one-line definition for each.

Trace the sequence of a rotary mud well from site prep through casing setting, grouting, and development, and annotate where inspection points fall.

Compare casing and screen materials and specify when each is appropriate based on formation and water chemistry.

Calculate annular volume for a given borehole and casing diameter, and use that to estimate grout and filter pack quantities.

Diagnose three common drilling problems (lost circulation, stuck pipe, formation collapse) and write the corrective action for each.

State the setback distances from potential contamination sources (septic systems, privies, animal lots, property lines, buildings) and cite the code basis for each.

Explain the purpose of the sanitary seal and describe the grouting methods used for the annular space in different borehole conditions.

Identify when a variance or alternative construction is needed and describe the documentation a driller must submit.

Sketch a cross-section of a properly sealed well showing casing, grout, seal, and pitless adapter placement.

Describe development methods (surging, bailing, jetting, air lift, overpumping) and match each to the formation and screen type where it works best.

Write the disinfection procedure for a new well, including chlorine concentration, contact time, and how to verify the residual.

Explain pump selection variables (static level, drawdown, pumping rate, total dynamic head) and size a pump for a simple scenario.

List the steps and documentation required to abandon a well, including sealing materials and what must be recorded.

Outline the licensing pathway in Illinois: application, examination, continuing education, and renewal requirements.

Summarize the enforcement and penalty provisions that apply to unlicensed practice and code violations.

Explain how well construction records, logs, and water quality test results feed into public health protection and reporting obligations.

Identify the roles of state and local health authorities and the circumstances that trigger notification.

Review water quality parameters commonly tested (nitrate, bacteria, arsenic, hardness) and state the action level or standard for each.

Describe pump installation, wiring, and pressure system components, and identify common failure modes and troubleshooting steps.

Explain well rehabilitation options for declining yield or water quality and when abandonment is the better choice.

Connect sampling and reporting requirements to the driller's recordkeeping duties under the code.

Complete a timed 100-question mixed practice set and log every missed item by domain and topic.

Re-study the two weakest topics using the glossary, code citations, and worked calculations already built.

Redo all calculation problems from weeks 2 and 4 without notes and compare results to the originals.

Write out the setback, sealing, and disinfection requirements from memory and check against your reference tables.

Take a second timed practice exam and target a score improvement over week 7.

Review the error log and confirm every previously missed item can now be explained aloud in under a minute.

Recite the key numeric requirements (setbacks, grout depths, chlorine concentrations, contact times) from memory.

Finalize exam-day logistics: identification, testing location, permitted reference materials, and time allocation per question.