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 qualifying well drilling experience, and include a minimum of 4 professional references. The Division will assess if the experience and references are suitable for the intended license.
Reciprocity
To be eligible for reciprocity, an applicant seeking licensure in Nevada must: 1) hold valid license in another state, or jurisdiction of the United States, 2) have held their license for a minimum of two years, and 3) demonstrate that the requirements for obtaining the license similar to or exceeds those in Nevada. To apply for reciprocity, in addition to the requirements detailed above in the "Applying for a License" section, a Request for Reciprocity Form must be submitted to the Division of Water Resources.
Testing
After the complete application has been accepted, the applicant will be scheduled to begin the 2-part examination process:
- Part 1 - A written exam on which the applicant must obtain a passing score of at least 80 percent.*
- Part 2 - An oral interview conducted by the Well Drillers' Advisory Board.
In order to be scheduled to take Part 1 of the examination, the Division must have received and accepted at least 3 of the professional references provided during the initial application. Only after the applicant passes Part 1 will they be scheduled to take Part 2 of the examination. Both parts of the examination must be passed for the applicant to obtain a well driller's license.
*An applicant seeking reciprocity, whose request has been reviewed and accepted by the Division, will be exempt from taking the oral examination if the applicant obtains a passing score of at least 87 percent of the written exam.
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 Williamson (775) 684-2813 |
| Elko | Part 1 - Written Examination Only Nevada Division of Water Resources 1250 Lamoille Highway, Ste. 1047 Elko, Nevada 89801 Contact: Sunshine Morgan (775) 753-3553 |
| Las Vegas |
Part 1 - Written Exam Part 2 - Oral Interview |