Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 534 establishes the application process, minimum qualifications, and testing requirements for obtaining a well drilling license in Nevada.
Applying for a License
To be eligible for licensure, an applicant must electronically submit an application and pay a $100 application fee to the Division of Water Resources using the Well Drilling Management System. All applicants must: be at least 18 years old, demonstrate proof of a minimum of 2 years of full-time experience in the last 5 years, and include a minimum of 4 professional references. The Division will assess if the experience and references are suitable for the intended license.
Testing
After the complete application has been accepted, the applicant will be scheduled to begin the 3-part examination process:
- Part 1 - A written exam on which the applicant must obtain a passing score of at least 80 percent.
- Part 2 - Tests the applicant’s ability to use a standard 7.5 minute topographic map from the United States Geological Survey to provide the public land survey description of the location of a well, scored on a pass or fail basis.
- Part 3 - An oral interview conducted by the Well Drillers' Advisory Board.
Parts 1 and 2 are conducted on the same day with Part 2 only being administered if the applicant passes Part 1. After both parts 1 and 2 are passed and the Division has received all required references, the applicant will be scheduled to take Part 3 of the examination. All parts of the examination must be passed for the applicant to obtain a well driller's license.
Resources
- Testing Guide
- Testing Schedule
- Workshop Notice (testing and class dates)
| Testing Locations | |
|---|---|
| Carson City | Nevada Division of Water Resources 901 South Stewart Street, Ste. 2002 Carson City, Nevada 89701 Contact: Kayla Dunn (775) 684-2813 |
| Elko | Nevada Division of Water Resources 1250 Lamoille Highway, Ste. 1047 Elko, Nevada 89801 Contact: Sunshine Morgan (775) 753-3553 |
| Las Vegas |
(Parts 1 and 2 only) Part 3 (Board Interviews) |