NGWA
SM
The Groundwater
Association
Frequently Asked Questions
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national ground water association
1. What is NGWA certification?
Since its inception in 1970, the National Ground Water Association Voluntary Certification Program has been
a vital link between the groundwater industry and the general public, ensuring quality and professionalism.
Developed by groundwater professionals for groundwater professionals, the program continues to expand and
build equity. The ultimate goals are to protect public health and to elevate industry professionalism.
2. I would like to have my company certified to do well drilling. How can this be done?
NGWA’s Voluntary Certification Program is for individuals only. There is currently no provision for the certification
of companies.
3. How many exams do I need to take to be certified?
The number of exams required varies with each designation; the CWD and CPI designations require two exams
each, while the CVCLD and CSP designations require only one exam each.
4. Is NGWA membership required to become certified?
No. However, members pay discounted fees for exams, study materials, and annual recertification fees.
5. Will I have to pay a certification fee every year?
Yes. There is an annual recertification fee due December 31 each year. The fee differs, depending on your designation
and NGWA member status. There is also an annual continuing education requirement to maintain certification.
6. Do I have to attend trade shows to earn continuing education?
No. Continuing education can be earned a variety of ways. Attendance at a trade show may be helpful in earning
continuing education, but there are several alternatives. Contact NGWA or go to NGWA.org/Certification for more
information about maintaining certification.
7. Can I become certified in more than one category?
Yes. If you meet the qualifications of any particular designation, it can be obtained regardless of any other designations you
may already have. For example, if you meet the requirements for the CVCLD designation after already having earned the
CWD designation, your new designation would read CWD/CVCLD.
8. I own a well drilling company and employ several drillers. Am I expected to pay recertification fees for all of
them?
NGWA certification is maintained at the individual level, regardless of employer or employment status. It is the
individual’s responsibility to maintain his/her certification.
9. Where and when can I take NGWA’s exams?
You can take exams at computer testing centers across the nation by contacting PSI/LaserGrade. They can be
reached at 800 211.2754 (360 896.9111 outside the United States).
10. If I fail a certification exam, how long do I have to wait to retake it?
There is no longer a waiting period to retake a failed exam for NGWA certification. You have one year from the
time you pass your first exam to pass all of the required exams for certification.
11. What do I need to know to take the exams?
Certification exams are tailored to the topics that they cover. Topics covered generally apply to site-related mobilization,
well construction, well components, well development, rehabilitating wells, decommissioning wells, pumping systems,
and job-site safety practices.
12. I used to be certified and let it lapse two or more years ago. What do I need to do?
You must retake the exams and follow the same procedures as anyone initially entering the program. Any previously
earned category exams will no longer apply until the exams are passed again.
13. I passed the two required exams with a 70 percent or better score. How do I become certified?
You must submit written references from two professionals in the groundwater industry who are not affiliated
with your current company to verify your experience, and you must sign an affidavit stating there is no legal
action pending against you, all within 12 months of your qualifying exam session.
14. I have passed the exams for licensing in my state. I would like to become NGWA certified. What do I do?
Contact NGWA within 12 months of the qualifying exam session. You must submit written references from two
professionals in the groundwater industry who are not affiliated with your current company to verify your
experience, and you must sign an affidavit. These can be found at NGWA.org/Certification.
15. What’s the difference between NGWA certification and state licensing?
They are two separate operations with different requirements. NGWA’s Voluntary Certification Program is administered
and governed by NGWA. The states using NGWA’s certification exams for licensing must adhere to the rules and
regulations approved by their respective state legislatures. In most states, licensure is a legal requirement to be able to
drill wells or install pumps, and is separate from NGWA certification. For information on NGWA’s Voluntary Certification
Program, contact NGWA. For information on state licensing requirements, contact the state in which you are interested.
16. Do I have to be a member of NGWA to take exams for state licensing?
No. You will be charged $75 per exam to take exams for state licensing. If you wish to use the exams for certification
as a nonmember, you may then pay the outstanding difference.
17. How do I receive my scores?
If you take exams through PSI/LaserGrade, the computer testing center, you will receive your scores immediately.
18. I have questions about my certified status. Whom should I contact?
Contact NGWA’s Certification Department. Reach us at certification@ngwa.org or by calling 800 551.7379
(614 898.7791 outside the United States).
ABILITY
EXPERIENCE
KNOWLEDGE
CERTIFIED
national ground water association
NGWA
SM
The Groundwater
Association
Address 601 Dempsey Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081-8978 U.S.A.
Phone 800 551.7379 • 614 898.7791 Fax 614 898.7786
Email ngwa@ngwa.org Websites NGWA.org and WellOwner.org
Current as of 02-2016