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NV C-23 Drilling Wells Contractor Exam
Practice Questions & RATIONALES LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
NV C-23 Drilling Wells Contractor Exam – Summarized Point-Form Coverage
Regulatory Framework & Licensing – NRS 534 (underground water/well construction), NRS 624
(contractor licensing, scope & limitations of C-23), NAC 534 (well construction standards), NAC
624.400 (C-23 scope of work: drilling wells, installing pumps, pressure tanks, storage tanks
integral to water wells)
Licensing Requirements – 4 years of experience within past 10 years
(journeyman/foreman/supervising employee/contractor), passing trade exam + Management
Survey Exam, background check, 4 reference certificates, financial statements, license renewal
every 3 years
Permitting & Agency Authority – Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR) regulates
groundwater use and issues well drilling permits; Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues
C-23 license
Drilling Methods – Rotary drilling (most common for unconsolidated formations, uses drilling
fluid to cool bit, stabilize borehole, transport cuttings); Cable tool drilling (continuous casing
advancement for contamination control); Auger drilling (effective in unconsolidated materials);
Air rotary, jetting, diamond coring
Well Construction Standards – Casing requirements (minimum 18 inches above ground in non-
flooding areas per NAC 534.367); casing/screen installation; slot size selection based on aquifer
grain size distribution
Grouting & Sealing – Annular space grouting prevents contaminant migration by creating
permanent impermeable seal
Setback Requirements – Minimum distances from contamination sources (e.g., 100 feet from
septic tank per NAC 534.130)
Drilling Fluids & Hydraulics – Functions of drilling mud: cool/lubricate bit, stabilize borehole,
transport cuttings
Pump Systems – Installation of pumps, pressure tanks, storage tanks; pressure tank function:
maintain system pressure and reduce pump cycling
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Safety & OSHA – OSHA 29 CFR 1926 requirements (trench protection, competent person
inspections, ladders for trenches ≥5 feet)
Well Development & Disinfection – Disinfection procedures per NDWR standards
Well Abandonment – Proper sealing and abandonment procedures
Groundwater & Hydrogeology – Aquifer types (confined/unconfined), groundwater principles,
site evaluation
Environmental Protection – Contamination prevention, wellhead protection, Notice of Intent
(NOI) filing with State Engineer prior to ground disturbance
Bonding & Financial Requirements – Performance bond equal to at least 10% of estimated
project cost
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & LICENSING (Questions 1-50)
Question 1: A contractor who has been operating without a valid C-23 license for six months
submits a bid for a municipal water well project. What is the most critical licensing principle this
contractor has violated under Nevada law?
A) The contractor may still bid if they apply for a license before beginning work
B) The contractor must hold the proper license classification before offering to perform work
for compensation
C) The contractor can use another licensed contractor's number with written permission
D) The contractor is exempt if the project is publicly funded
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Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nevada law requires contractors to hold the proper license classification before
offering to perform work for compensation under NRS 624. Operating without a license
constitutes a violation and can result in penalties, regardless of intent to apply later.
Question 2: A C-23 licensee receives a notice that their license is about to expire. According to
Nevada law, how frequently must a C-23 Drilling Wells license be renewed?
A) Every 1 year with a renewal fee of $200
B) Every 2 years with proof of continuing education
C) Every 3 years as required by state law
D) Every 5 years with a new background check
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nevada law mandates that C-23 licenses be renewed on a three-year cycle. Licensees
must complete the renewal process within the specified timeframe to maintain active status.
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Question 3: A prospective C-23 applicant has 3 years of experience as a well driller's assistant
and 1 year as a supervising foreman. What is the minimum experience requirement to qualify
for the C-23 license examination?
A) 2 years of any well-related experience
B) 4 years of experience within the past 10 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising
employee, or contractor
C) 5 years of experience with at least 2 years as a licensed operator
D) 10 years of experience regardless of role
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applicants must document a minimum of four years of experience within the past ten
years, working as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor. Education may
satisfy a portion of this requirement.
NV C-23 Drilling Wells Contractor Exam
Practice Questions & RATIONALES LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
NV C-23 Drilling Wells Contractor Exam – Summarized Point-Form Coverage
Regulatory Framework & Licensing – NRS 534 (underground water/well construction), NRS 624
(contractor licensing, scope & limitations of C-23), NAC 534 (well construction standards), NAC
624.400 (C-23 scope of work: drilling wells, installing pumps, pressure tanks, storage tanks
integral to water wells)
Licensing Requirements – 4 years of experience within past 10 years
(journeyman/foreman/supervising employee/contractor), passing trade exam + Management
Survey Exam, background check, 4 reference certificates, financial statements, license renewal
every 3 years
Permitting & Agency Authority – Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR) regulates
groundwater use and issues well drilling permits; Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) issues
C-23 license
Drilling Methods – Rotary drilling (most common for unconsolidated formations, uses drilling
fluid to cool bit, stabilize borehole, transport cuttings); Cable tool drilling (continuous casing
advancement for contamination control); Auger drilling (effective in unconsolidated materials);
Air rotary, jetting, diamond coring
Well Construction Standards – Casing requirements (minimum 18 inches above ground in non-
flooding areas per NAC 534.367); casing/screen installation; slot size selection based on aquifer
grain size distribution
Grouting & Sealing – Annular space grouting prevents contaminant migration by creating
permanent impermeable seal
Setback Requirements – Minimum distances from contamination sources (e.g., 100 feet from
septic tank per NAC 534.130)
Drilling Fluids & Hydraulics – Functions of drilling mud: cool/lubricate bit, stabilize borehole,
transport cuttings
Pump Systems – Installation of pumps, pressure tanks, storage tanks; pressure tank function:
maintain system pressure and reduce pump cycling
,Page 2 of 194
Safety & OSHA – OSHA 29 CFR 1926 requirements (trench protection, competent person
inspections, ladders for trenches ≥5 feet)
Well Development & Disinfection – Disinfection procedures per NDWR standards
Well Abandonment – Proper sealing and abandonment procedures
Groundwater & Hydrogeology – Aquifer types (confined/unconfined), groundwater principles,
site evaluation
Environmental Protection – Contamination prevention, wellhead protection, Notice of Intent
(NOI) filing with State Engineer prior to ground disturbance
Bonding & Financial Requirements – Performance bond equal to at least 10% of estimated
project cost
SECTION 1: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK & LICENSING (Questions 1-50)
Question 1: A contractor who has been operating without a valid C-23 license for six months
submits a bid for a municipal water well project. What is the most critical licensing principle this
contractor has violated under Nevada law?
A) The contractor may still bid if they apply for a license before beginning work
B) The contractor must hold the proper license classification before offering to perform work
for compensation
C) The contractor can use another licensed contractor's number with written permission
D) The contractor is exempt if the project is publicly funded
,Page 3 of 194
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nevada law requires contractors to hold the proper license classification before
offering to perform work for compensation under NRS 624. Operating without a license
constitutes a violation and can result in penalties, regardless of intent to apply later.
Question 2: A C-23 licensee receives a notice that their license is about to expire. According to
Nevada law, how frequently must a C-23 Drilling Wells license be renewed?
A) Every 1 year with a renewal fee of $200
B) Every 2 years with proof of continuing education
C) Every 3 years as required by state law
D) Every 5 years with a new background check
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nevada law mandates that C-23 licenses be renewed on a three-year cycle. Licensees
must complete the renewal process within the specified timeframe to maintain active status.
, Page 4 of 194
Question 3: A prospective C-23 applicant has 3 years of experience as a well driller's assistant
and 1 year as a supervising foreman. What is the minimum experience requirement to qualify
for the C-23 license examination?
A) 2 years of any well-related experience
B) 4 years of experience within the past 10 years as a journeyman, foreman, supervising
employee, or contractor
C) 5 years of experience with at least 2 years as a licensed operator
D) 10 years of experience regardless of role
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applicants must document a minimum of four years of experience within the past ten
years, working as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor. Education may
satisfy a portion of this requirement.
