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Licenses and registrations

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2024 In-Person Paper Exam: 

The Operator Certification program will be hosting in-person exam sessions in 2024. Exams will be held throughout the state roughly two days each month beginning in March 2024. Once dates and locations are finalized, more information about the in-person paper exams and updated exam application forms can be found on the Operator Certification Exams Page under the DNR Applications tab within the DNR In-Person Paper Exam Application Forms subsection.

In Wisconsin, a license or registration is required to engage in the business of pump installing, water well drilling and heat exchange drilling. Licensing authority is established under s. 280.15, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR]. Licensing laws are promulgated through ch. NR 146, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR]. The Private Water Supply Section of the department's Drinking Water and Groundwater Program administers licensing requirements. License requirements ensure proper experience, knowledge, training and credentials are held by individuals who are responsible for protecting Wisconsin's valuable groundwater resource while engaging in pump installing, water well drilling and heat exchange drilling professions.

Application process

Prerequisite requirements vary by license type. Refer to pertinent sections on this page before applying for a license or submitting a license exam application.

License exams

Ch. NR 146 Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR] requires pump installers, and drillers to pass an exam before obtaining a license to engage in the business of water well drilling, heat exchange drilling or pump installing. The license exam evaluates an individual’s knowledge of current regulations and industry practices. Exams are proctored in-person by the DNR’s Operator Certification program. An overview of the exam application process is provided here: DNR Test Center: on-paper.

More detailed information is available in the following subsections and at the DNR’s Operator Certification Exams webpage.

Accessing the exam application form:

Pump installers download the exam application form from the Operator Certification Exams webpage. Drillers will need to request an application by email to: DNRDGLicensing@wisconsin.gov. Only water well drillers and heat exchange drillers who have met license application requirements and have been granted exam eligibility by the department will be provided an exam application.

Exam applications must be mailed to the DNR Operator Certification – EA/7 address provided on the form. Include an application fee of $25 for pump installer and $50 for driller exam applications.

Exam open code reference

Private Water Supply exams are "open-code." Prior to the exam, a code reference packet containing Chapters NR 146, NR 812 and NR 811 is provided sealed in plastic wrap. This packet is for exam use only and must remain unopened until the start of the exam. The reference packet is provided at the DNR test center when you check in for the exam.

On the day of the exam

The code reference packet provided by the DNR can be used during the exam. No other open-book references are allowed.

  • A hand-held calculator is provided.
  • A sheet of paper and a pencil will be provided.
  • A current photo ID will be required.
  • The time allowed for completion is three hours.
  • A score of 75% or higher is needed to pass.
  • You may bring a beverage to the exam.

License term and renewal

Private Water license and registration credentials expire on December 31 each calendar year and must be renewed regardless of when in the calendar year the credentials were issued. Online renewals must be processed on or before Jan. 1 to avoid late fees and maintain current and active credential status without lapse. Renewal applications submitted by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31 to avoid late fees and continue without lapse. A license that lapses and remains expired for one calendar year or more cannot be renewed. A passing grade on the license exam will be required to reinstate the license.

Continuing education

Six credit hours of attendance at department-approved continuing education is required each calendar year to be eligible to renew license and registration credentials for the upcoming year. Continuing education attendance status and three-year attendance history can be accessed at the Continuing Education Status Portal. Refer to the continuing education page for more information.

Note: If you have trouble opening, saving or submitting fillable PDF forms in your web browser, please see the DNR PDF guidance for help.

Pump installer license
  • Qualifications: A pump installer must pass an exam for license credentials to be issued. A score of 75% or higher is needed to pass. See the LICENSE EXAMS section at the top of this page for details. A study guide is available to assist in preparing for the exam. The study guide includes a practice exam with a few examples of questions one might expect to see on the exam.
  • Applying for the exam: When ready to take the exam, refer to the LICENSE EXAMS section at the top of this page and go to the “DNR Exam Applications” tab at the Operator Certification Exams page to download the pump installer exam application form. Submit the application with fee payment by mail to the DNR Operator Certification -  EA/7 address provided on the form.
  • Preparing for the pump installer license exam: See the Exam open-code reference subsection on this page for code reference packet related information. Multiple-choice and true/false exam questions are taken from study guide objectives. Study Guide Part 1 lists key knowledge objectives taken from Chs. NR 146, NR 812 and NR 811 Wis. Adm. Code. What is in the code references and why it is important is covered. Study Guide Part 1 and the code references cited here are the only materials needed to prepare for code related exam questions. Study Guide Part 2 lists general knowledge objectives that a Wisconsin licensed pump installer is expected to know. These objectives are not code related and should be committed to memory. Study Guide Part 2 is the only reference needed to prepare for general knowledge related exam questions. The study guide cannot be used as an open-book reference during the exam. Exam results will be available within 2 to 4 weeks of exam completion. Links to needed exam preparation references are listed below:
  • How the license is issued: The pump installer license card and certificate are issued by mail within 10 business days of passing the exam.
  • For more information on pump installer licensing:
    • Submit an email request to DNROPCERT@wisconsin.gov for information related to:
      • Applying for the exam and exam administration
      • Changes to personal or business contact information
      • License renewal
      • License cards and certificates
    • Submit an email request to DNRDGLICENSING@wisconsin.gov for information related to:
      • Personal and business contact information updates
      • Business registration and changes in designated supervisor
      • Continuing education attendance approval
      • Continuing education attendance and status
      • Code related pump installer licensing issues
Water well driller license
  • Qualifications: To be granted a Wisconsin water well driller license:
    1. Register: A rig operator must register and work under the supervision of a Wisconsin licensed water well driller before well drilling experience accrues and is applicable towards NR 146.04(2) experience requirements. See the rig operator registrations tab on this page for information on how to apply for registration. .
    2. Submit license application form: 3300-014I.
    3. Submit experience voucher form: 3300-093.
    4. Attain license exam eligibility by completing NR 146.04(2) requirements. (See also Water Well Driller License Application Flow Chart)
    5. Request a water well driller license exam application by email DNRDGLicensing@wisconsin.gov.
    6. Pass the water well driller license exam with a score of 75% or higher.
  • Applying for the exam: When ready to take the exam, refer to the LICENSE EXAMS section at the top of this page. The water well driller exam application is available by email request to DNRDGLicensing@wisconsin.gov. Submit the exam application and fee payment by mail to the DNR Operator Certification - EA/7 address provided on the form.
  • Preparing for the water well driller license exam: See the "Exam open-code reference " subsection on this page for code reference packet related information. Multiple choice and true/false exam questions are taken from study guide objectives. Study Guide Part 1 lists key knowledge objectives taken from Chs. NR 146, NR 812 and NR 811 Wis. Adm. Code. What is in the code references and why it is important is covered. Study Guide Part 1 and the code references cited here are the only materials needed to prepare for code related exam questions. Study Guide Part 2 lists general knowledge objectives that a Wisconsin licensed water well driller is expected to know. These objectives are not code related and should be committed to memory. Study Guide Part 2 is the only reference needed to prepare for general knowledge related exam questions. The study guide cannot be used as an open-book reference during the exam. Exam results will be available within 2 to 4 weeks of exam completion. Links to needed exam preparation references are listed below:
  • How the license is issued: Credentials for newly licensed well drillers are issued in-person by regional DNR field staff. A list of compliance expectations is reviewed before the license is issued.
  • Applicants who hold a water well driller license in another state may qualify for a license in Wisconsin. For more information on the out-of-state license application process, inquire by email to: DNRDGLICENSING@wisconsin.gov.
Required training for rig operator/water well driller license applicants
  • NR 146.04(2)(h) requires rig operators who apply for a Wisconsin Water Well Driller License to complete the following training before license exam eligibility is granted:
    1. Cement or Bentonite Grouting of Wells — six hours
    2. Drilling Fluids — six hours
    3. Geology of Wisconsin — three hours
    4. The Well Codes — six hours
    5. Well Filling & Sealing — three hours
    6. Safety & First Aid — three hours
    7. Welding — six hours
  • Available training: The department continues to monitor available rig operator training for water well driller license applicants. Refer back to this section periodically for updates on training availability. The department may also provide email notifications to all registered rig operators on record as additional training becomes available.
    1. Cement or Bentonite Grouting of Wells, Drilling Fluids, Well Filling and Sealing:
      • WYO-BEN Mud School: WYO-BEN offers annual Mud School training at its facility in Billings, MT. The next offering is September 9, 2024. Openings are limited. For more information, visit the WYO-BEN website. Attendance fulfills training requirements for Cement or Bentonite Grouting of Wells, Drilling Fluids and Well Filling and Sealing.
      • Baroid Industrial Drilling Products offers mud school training at the Baroid IDP facility in Houston, TX. For more information visit Mud School and contact Wisconsin Baroid IDP Field Service Representative Andrew Bailey at 903-312-0959 or email Andrew.Bailey@Halliburton.com. Attendance fulfills training requirements for Cement or Bentonite Grouting of Wells, Drilling Fluids and Well Filling and Sealing.
      • GEFCO Drilling School: Attendance fulfills training requirements for Cement or Bentonite Grouting of Wells, Drilling Fluids and Well Filling and Sealing. 2024 offerings will be at the BAUER Training Center in Conroe, Texas on February 26 and again on April 29. Openings are limited. For more information visit the GEFCO website.
    2. Drilling Fluids:
      • NGWA Rotary Mud and Rotary Air Drilling Exams: In lieu of completing six hours of training in drilling fluids, an applicant may pass NGWA Exam C/D: Air rotary drilling and Exam E/F: Mud rotary drilling. Exams are proctored by third party administrator PSI.
        • NGWA member cost: $75 per exam
        • Nonmember cost: $275 for both exams
        • Exam registration
    3. Wisconsin Well Codes:
      • Six hours of Wisconsin Well Codes training is available online at no cost to Wisconsin registered drilling rig operators. This training is available for attendance through three on-demand sessions.
      • Register for the sessions below (Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge browser needed):
        • Session I: NR 146 & NR 812 Subchapter I (allow 2 hours for presentation and quiz) - register here
        • Session II: NR 812 Subchapter II (allow 2 hours for presentation and quiz) - register here
        • Session III: NR 812 Subchapter III – VIII/ NR 809 & NR 810/ NR 811/ NR 845/ NR 123/ NR 140/ NR 141 (allow 2 hours for presentation and quiz) - register here
    4. Geology of Wisconsin:
      • Three hours of Geology of Wisconsin training is available online at no cost to Wisconsin registered drilling rig operators. Training is presented on-demand:
        • Register for the sessions below. (Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge browser needed):
          • Session I: Basic Geology presented by Carsyn Aymes – WGNHS Curator (allow 1.5 hours for presentation and quiz) - register here
          • Session II: Hydrogeology of Wisconsin presented by Kenneth Bradbury – WGNHS Director and State Geologist (allow 1 hour for presentation and quiz) - register here
          • Session III: Practical Applications presented by Pete Chase – WGNHS Hydrogeologist (allow 1 hour for presentation and qui) - register here
    5. Safety & First Aid:
    6. Welding
      • Successful completion of a performance qualification test conducted by a certified welding instructor will fulfill the 6-hour training requirement for welding. The qualification test will be conducted to the following parameters:
        1. 2G vertical pipe welding position;
        2. NR 812.18 welding procedures
        3. Any NR 812.11(6) steel pipe material standard
      • More information on pipe welding positions is available at: Pipe Welding Positions: 1G, 2G, 5G and 6G - Make Piping Easy.
      • Locate a certified welding instructor in your area: Welding Schools in Wisconsin at GoWelding.org.
      • Other prior training in welding or a welding certification may also fulfill the required six hours of training.
  • For more information on how to get started with rig operator training requirements, email an information request to DNRDGLICENSING@wisconsin.gov or call (920) 946-1149.
Heat exchange driller license
  • Qualifications: To be granted a Wisconsin heat exchange driller license:
    1. Register: A rig operator must register and work under the supervision of a Wisconsin licensed heat exchange driller before drilling experience accrues and is applicable towards NR 146.04(9)(a) experience requirements. See the rig operator registrations tab for information on how to apply.
    2. Submit license application form 3300-300.
    3. Submit experience voucher for 3300-301.
    4. 4. Attain license exam eligibility by completing NR 146.04(9a) [exit DNR] requirements. (See also Heat Exchange Driller License Application Flow Char])
    5. Pass the heat exchange driller license exam with a score of 75% or higher.
  • Applying for the exam: When ready to take the exam, refer to the LICENSE EXAMS section at the top of this page. The heat exchange driller exam application is available by email request to DNRDGLicensing@wisconsin.gov. Submit the exam application and fee payment by mail to the DNR Operator Certification - EA/7 address provided on the form.
  • Preparing for the heat exchange driller license exam: See the "Exam open code reference " subsection on this page for code reference packet related information. Multiple choice and true/false exam questions are taken from the study guide chapter objectives. Study Guide Part 1 lists key knowledge objectives taken from Chs. NR 146 and NR 812 Wis. Adm. Code. What is in these code references and why it is important is covered. Study Guide Part 1 and the code references cited here are the only materials needed to prepare for code related exam questions. Study Guide Part 2 lists general knowledge objectives that a Wisconsin licensed heat exchange driller is expected to know. These objectives are not code related and should be committed to memory. Study Guide Part 2 is the only reference needed to prepare for general knowledge related exam questions. The study guide cannot be used as an open-book reference during the exam. Exam results will be available within 2 to 4 weeks of exam completion. Links to needed exam preparation references are listed below:
  • How the license is issued: Credentials for newly licensed heat exchange drillers are issued in-person by regional DNR field staff.
  • Heat exchange drilling (geothermal systems) resources: Refer to the Heat exchange drilling (geothermal systems) page for supplemental information on heat exchange drilling.
  • Questions related to the Wisconsin water well driller license application process can be directed by email DNRDGLICENSING@wisconsin.gov
  • Applicants who hold a heat exchange driller license in another state may qualify for a license in Wisconsin. For more information on the out-of-state license application process, inquire by email DNRDGLICENSING@wisconsin.gov.
Business registrations
Drilling rig operator registrations
Licenses to perform well filling and sealing
  • Requirement: To perform well filling and sealing, an individual must either hold a pump installer or water well driller license in Wisconsin or be employed by and working under the supervision of a Wisconsin license holder. To perform heat exchange drillhole filling and sealing, an individual must either hold a Wisconsin heat exchange driller license or be employed by and working under the supervision of a Wisconsin licensed heat exchange driller.
Licenses to perform property transfer well inspections
  • Requirement: To perform property transfer well inspections, an individual must either hold a pump installer or water well driller license in Wisconsin. It is not permissible to perform inspections under the supervision of a licensed individual. For more information, see Property Transfer Well Inspections.
Monitoring well construction or filling and sealing
  • No license is required to construct or fill and seal monitoring wells in Wisconsin. The work must be performed in accordance with NR 141, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR] and any approvals issued by DNR.