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 tests 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, the CVCLD and CSP designations require only one exam.
4. Is NGWA membership required to become certified?
No. However, members pay discounted fees for exams, study materials, and the 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 www.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 the certification exam, how long do I have to wait to retake the exam?
You must wait 90 days to retake that exam. 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.
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 the same calendar year as the qualifying test 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 www.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 you are interested in.
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).
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national ground water association
Phone Toll-free 800 551.7379 • 614 898.7791 • Fax 614 898.7786
Web www.ngwa.org and www.wellowner.org
Address 601 Dempsey Road • Westerville, Ohio 43081-8978 USA