NGWA General Drilling Exam: Study
Questions and Review Guide|| GRADED
A+|| LATEST UPDATE 2026
Artesian Pressure -CORRECTANSWER Pressure from confined groundwater due to
gravity.
Sandstones -CORRECTANSWER Rocks formed from ancient sand deposits.
Limestones -CORRECTANSWER Rocks containing fossils from shallow seas.
Shales -CORRECTANSWER Rocks formed from ancient clay beds.
Sedimentary Formations -CORRECTANSWER Rock layers that can exceed one mile
deep.
Chain and Drive Shaft Guards -CORRECTANSWER Safety devices that must remain in
place.
Drilling Fluid Functions -CORRECTANSWER Cool bits, remove cuttings, stabilize
holes.
, Preventative Maintenance Program -CORRECTANSWER Enhances operators'
understanding of equipment.
Drilling Rig Fueling -CORRECTANSWER Should occur each morning before drilling.
Engine Start Protocol -CORRECTANSWER Engines must be neutral and clutches
disengaged.
Drilling Mud Design -CORRECTANSWER Tailored for specific well conditions.
Wire Rope Wear Causes -CORRECTANSWER Overloading, jerking, and kinking
damage ropes.
Large Column Screen Well -CORRECTANSWER Requires sample analysis for proper
construction.
Pipe Diameter Increase -CORRECTANSWER Allows larger pumping equipment for
better yield.
Qualified Well Designer -CORRECTANSWER Hydrogeologist is most qualified for
design.
Well Screen Intake Velocity -CORRECTANSWER Should be less than 1 foot/second.
Questions and Review Guide|| GRADED
A+|| LATEST UPDATE 2026
Artesian Pressure -CORRECTANSWER Pressure from confined groundwater due to
gravity.
Sandstones -CORRECTANSWER Rocks formed from ancient sand deposits.
Limestones -CORRECTANSWER Rocks containing fossils from shallow seas.
Shales -CORRECTANSWER Rocks formed from ancient clay beds.
Sedimentary Formations -CORRECTANSWER Rock layers that can exceed one mile
deep.
Chain and Drive Shaft Guards -CORRECTANSWER Safety devices that must remain in
place.
Drilling Fluid Functions -CORRECTANSWER Cool bits, remove cuttings, stabilize
holes.
, Preventative Maintenance Program -CORRECTANSWER Enhances operators'
understanding of equipment.
Drilling Rig Fueling -CORRECTANSWER Should occur each morning before drilling.
Engine Start Protocol -CORRECTANSWER Engines must be neutral and clutches
disengaged.
Drilling Mud Design -CORRECTANSWER Tailored for specific well conditions.
Wire Rope Wear Causes -CORRECTANSWER Overloading, jerking, and kinking
damage ropes.
Large Column Screen Well -CORRECTANSWER Requires sample analysis for proper
construction.
Pipe Diameter Increase -CORRECTANSWER Allows larger pumping equipment for
better yield.
Qualified Well Designer -CORRECTANSWER Hydrogeologist is most qualified for
design.
Well Screen Intake Velocity -CORRECTANSWER Should be less than 1 foot/second.
