NGWA Augering and Monitoring Wells
Certification Exam (Exam M) – Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a monitoring well?
a) To extract large volumes of groundwater
b) To provide drinking water
c) To collect groundwater samples for quality and level monitoring
d) To dewater construction sites
Rationale: Monitoring wells are specifically designed to observe
groundwater levels and quality, not for extraction.
2. Which type of well is typically installed using augering methods?
a) Dug wells
b) Shallow monitoring wells
, c) Artesian wells
d) Drilled production wells
Rationale: Augering is suitable for shallow wells and soils that are
not too hard, commonly used for monitoring wells.
3. What is the main difference between a monitoring well and a
production well?
a) Depth
b) Diameter
c) Purpose and usage
d) Type of pump installed
Rationale: Monitoring wells are designed for sampling and
observation, whereas production wells are intended for water supply
or extraction.
4. When installing a monitoring well, what is the recommended
minimum distance from potential contamination sources?
a) 1 foot
b) 5 feet
c) 50 feet
d) 500 feet
Rationale: A minimum setback of 50 feet helps prevent
contamination from nearby sources affecting the well data.
5. Which type of auger is commonly used for soft to medium soils?
a) Diamond-core auger
, b) Hollow-stem auger
c) Cable tool auger
d) Rotary tricone bit
Rationale: Hollow-stem augers allow soil removal while protecting
the borehole, suitable for soft to medium soils.
6. How should the borehole be stabilized during auger installation in
loose soils?
a) Leave it open and unlined
b) Fill with gravel immediately
c) Use temporary casing
d) Pump water continuously
Rationale: Temporary casing prevents collapse of loose soils during
well installation.
7. What is the standard screen length for a monitoring well in shallow
aquifers?
a) 2–4 feet
b) 5–10 feet
c) 15–20 feet
d) 20–30 feet
Rationale: A screen length of 5–10 feet ensures adequate water
sampling while minimizing sediment intrusion.
8. What material is commonly used for monitoring well casings?
a) Wood
, b) Steel
c) PVC
d) Aluminum
Rationale: PVC is resistant to corrosion, lightweight, and suitable for
long-term monitoring wells.
9. Why is sand pack used around a monitoring well screen?
a) To prevent water entry
b) To increase the well diameter
c) To filter sediments and stabilize the borehole
d) To add nutrients to the aquifer
Rationale: Sand pack supports the borehole and filters fine materials,
preventing clogging of the screen.
10. What is the purpose of a bentonite seal in monitoring well
construction?
a) To improve water flow
b) To support the casing
c) To prevent surface contamination from entering the well
d) To increase groundwater recharge
Rationale: Bentonite seals create a low-permeability barrier that
blocks surface water or contaminants from entering the well.
11. When is it appropriate to use a solid-stem auger instead of a
hollow-stem auger?
a) In loose sand only
Certification Exam (Exam M) – Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a monitoring well?
a) To extract large volumes of groundwater
b) To provide drinking water
c) To collect groundwater samples for quality and level monitoring
d) To dewater construction sites
Rationale: Monitoring wells are specifically designed to observe
groundwater levels and quality, not for extraction.
2. Which type of well is typically installed using augering methods?
a) Dug wells
b) Shallow monitoring wells
, c) Artesian wells
d) Drilled production wells
Rationale: Augering is suitable for shallow wells and soils that are
not too hard, commonly used for monitoring wells.
3. What is the main difference between a monitoring well and a
production well?
a) Depth
b) Diameter
c) Purpose and usage
d) Type of pump installed
Rationale: Monitoring wells are designed for sampling and
observation, whereas production wells are intended for water supply
or extraction.
4. When installing a monitoring well, what is the recommended
minimum distance from potential contamination sources?
a) 1 foot
b) 5 feet
c) 50 feet
d) 500 feet
Rationale: A minimum setback of 50 feet helps prevent
contamination from nearby sources affecting the well data.
5. Which type of auger is commonly used for soft to medium soils?
a) Diamond-core auger
, b) Hollow-stem auger
c) Cable tool auger
d) Rotary tricone bit
Rationale: Hollow-stem augers allow soil removal while protecting
the borehole, suitable for soft to medium soils.
6. How should the borehole be stabilized during auger installation in
loose soils?
a) Leave it open and unlined
b) Fill with gravel immediately
c) Use temporary casing
d) Pump water continuously
Rationale: Temporary casing prevents collapse of loose soils during
well installation.
7. What is the standard screen length for a monitoring well in shallow
aquifers?
a) 2–4 feet
b) 5–10 feet
c) 15–20 feet
d) 20–30 feet
Rationale: A screen length of 5–10 feet ensures adequate water
sampling while minimizing sediment intrusion.
8. What material is commonly used for monitoring well casings?
a) Wood
, b) Steel
c) PVC
d) Aluminum
Rationale: PVC is resistant to corrosion, lightweight, and suitable for
long-term monitoring wells.
9. Why is sand pack used around a monitoring well screen?
a) To prevent water entry
b) To increase the well diameter
c) To filter sediments and stabilize the borehole
d) To add nutrients to the aquifer
Rationale: Sand pack supports the borehole and filters fine materials,
preventing clogging of the screen.
10. What is the purpose of a bentonite seal in monitoring well
construction?
a) To improve water flow
b) To support the casing
c) To prevent surface contamination from entering the well
d) To increase groundwater recharge
Rationale: Bentonite seals create a low-permeability barrier that
blocks surface water or contaminants from entering the well.
11. When is it appropriate to use a solid-stem auger instead of a
hollow-stem auger?
a) In loose sand only
