NGWA CWD
NGWA Voluntary Certification Program - Certified Water Well Driller (CWD)
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The NGWA Voluntary Certification Program, started in 1970, is described by the National Ground Water Association as the only national certification program for contractors and pump installers in the groundwater industry. It is designed and governed by groundwater contractors and is recognized by numerous state agencies, some of which have adopted the NGWA exams for their own licensing programs. The Certified Water Well Driller (CWD) credential is aimed at individuals with at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling or pump installation experience who want to demonstrate professionalism and gain local, state, and national recognition. To become certified, a candidate must be at least 20 years old, pass two exams within one 12-month period with a score of 70 percent or better on each, and submit written references from two professional contacts not affiliated with the candidate’s current company, an agreement form, and an affidavit for the current year. The two exams are the drilling general exam plus one other specialized drilling exam, or the water systems general exam plus one other specialized pump exam. Preparation should focus on the general exam first, then the chosen specialized exam, using NGWA study resources and field experience.
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About NGWA CWD preparation
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for NGWA certification?
You must be at least 20 years old and have at least 24 consecutive months of full-time drilling or pump installation experience. You must also pass two exams within one 12-month period with a 70 percent or better score on each, and submit written references from two professional contacts not affiliated with your current company, an agreement form, and an affidavit for the current year.
Which two exams do I need to pass?
You must pass the drilling general exam and one other specialized drilling exam, or the water systems general exam and one other specialized pump exam. Both exams must be passed within one 12-month period, with a score of 70 percent or better on each.
What is the passing score for each exam?
You need a score of 70 percent or better on each of the two exams. There is no overall combined score; each exam must be passed individually within the 12-month period.
How long do I have to pass both exams?
Both exams must be passed within one 12-month period. If you do not pass both within that window, you will need to retake exams to qualify.
When must I submit my application materials?
Application materials must be received within 12 months of the qualifying exam session. This means after you pass your exams, you have up to 12 months to submit the required references, agreement form, and affidavit.
Who can provide the written references?
You need written references verifying your experience from two professional contacts who are not affiliated with your current company. They should be able to attest to your drilling or pump installation experience.
How should I prepare for the exams?
Focus first on the general exam (drilling or water systems), then on your chosen specialized exam. Use NGWA study materials and field experience. Many state agencies use the same NGWA exams for licensing, so state licensing study guides can also be helpful.
Are the NGWA exams used by state licensing agencies?
Yes. The NGWA Voluntary Certification Program exams are the same exams many state agencies use as part of their licensing requirements. This means preparing for NGWA certification can also help you meet state licensing exam requirements.
What are common reasons candidates fail to complete certification?
Common failure modes include not passing both exams within the 12-month window, scoring below 70 percent on one exam, and missing the 12-month deadline to submit application materials after the qualifying exam session. Ensuring you meet the experience and reference requirements before applying also helps avoid delays.
How can I contact NGWA about certification?
For questions about NGWA certification, contact the NGWA certification coordinator at [email protected] or call (800) 551-7379 or (614) 898-7791 outside the United States.