MD Well Driller study guide
MD Well Driller · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Maryland Well Driller credential is a state-issued license for people who construct, alter, and abandon water wells in Maryland. It is aimed at working drillers, drilling contractors, and field staff who need legal standing to run well-construction work, and at newcomers preparing to enter the trade under supervision. This independent study page organizes preparation around four equally weighted domains: water supply and well construction; drilling methods and equipment; well development, testing, and disinfection; and Maryland well regulations and licensing law. Expect the regulatory domain to reward careful reading rather than field experience - licensing requirements, permitting, construction standards, and reporting obligations are tested as written rules, so know where each requirement comes from and what it obliges the driller to do. The MD Well Driller study guide has 4 sections and about 1,222 words.
01Water Supply and Well Construction
This domain tests whether you can plan and build a well that protects the water supply: correct siting, casing and grout, screen selection, and sealing of abandoned wells. Maryland splits authority: the county approving authority (usually the health department) issues the construction permit, while MDE oversees the licensed driller and the statewide well-construction rules.
337 words, about 2 min02Well Drilling Methods and Equipment
This domain tests method selection: matching the drilling technique to Maryland geology, hole stability, depth, and intended use. Expect questions on cable tool, mud rotary, air rotary, auger, and driven or jetted wells.
288 words, about 1 min03Well Development, Testing, and Disinfection
This domain tests what happens after drilling: removing drilling fines, measuring yield and drawdown, and disinfecting the well before it is placed in service. Development removes mud, silt, and fines from the screen and filter pack.
294 words, about 1 min04Maryland Well Regulations and Licensing Law
This domain tests the legal chain: license, permit, construction, reporting, and abandonment. Maryland regulates well drillers through MDE and the Well Drillers Advisory Board, while county approving authorities issue construction permits.
303 words, about 2 min