IWCF Level 1 study plan

Define well control and explain why formation pressure containment is the central objective, in your own words.

Label a simple well schematic with wellbore, casing, drill string, annulus, BOP stack, choke line, and kill line.

Distinguish between primary and secondary well control barriers and give two examples of each.

List the four common kick indicators and state what each one physically means.

Explain the difference between pore pressure, fracture pressure, and overburden pressure and how they relate.

Describe how hydrostatic pressure is calculated from mud weight and true vertical depth.

Convert between mud weight units (ppg, kg/m3, SG) and pressure gradients without a calculator error.

Explain what equivalent circulating density (ECD) is and why it exceeds static mud weight.

Define formation integrity, leak-off, and fracture tests and state the purpose of each.

Explain how a kick occurs when formation pressure exceeds bottom hole pressure.

Describe the three pressure states: overbalanced, balanced, and underbalanced, with a drilling consequence for each.

Identify which well control parameters are recorded on a daily drilling report.

Name the main components of a BOP stack and state the function of each.

Explain the role of the choke manifold, choke line, and kill line during a kick.

Describe the function of the driller's console and remote BOP controls.

Explain why BOP testing and function testing are scheduled and what a successful test demonstrates.

List the immediate actions a crew takes when a kick is detected, in correct order.

Explain the purpose of shutting in the well and the difference between a hard and soft shut-in.

Describe what casing pressure and drill pipe pressure indicate after shut-in.

Explain why the annular preventer or pipe rams are selected depending on the operation in progress.

Define shut-in drill pipe pressure and shut-in casing pressure and what each is used to determine.

Explain the concept of kill mud weight and how it is derived from shut-in drill pipe pressure.

Describe the purpose of a slow circulating rate pressure and how it is recorded.

Distinguish between the driller's method and the wait-and-weight method at a conceptual level.

Explain the hazards of gas expansion during a kick and why the well must be circulated with the choke held.

Describe the behaviour of a gas influx as it migrates up the annulus with the pumps off.

Identify the roles of the driller, derrickman, and mud logger during a well control event.

Explain why regular kick drills are required and what a drill should demonstrate.

Recite the key well control definitions and formulas from memory without notes.

Complete a full-length timed practice set and review every wrong answer to its root cause.

Explain each of the main well control terms to a non-specialist in plain language.

Identify your three weakest subtopics and write a short revision note for each.