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
A person holding a valid license in another state, or jurisdiction of the United States, which has requirements for obtaining a license that is comparable to or exceeds those of Nevada, may be eligible for reciprocity in Nevada. To apply for reciprocity, in addition to the above requirements, 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 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) |