NGWA AUGERING & MONITORING
WELL ADVANCED CERTIFICATION
EXAM
1. Which ASTM standard provides the most comprehensive guidelines for the design and
installation of ground water monitoring wells in aquifers?
A. ASTM D5092
B. ASTM D1586
C. ASTM D6724
D. ASTM D422
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ASTM D5092 is the standard practice for design and installation
of ground water monitoring wells in aquifers.
2. In hollow-stem auger drilling, what is the primary function of the ‘pilot bit’ assembly?
A. To increase the torque capacity of the auger string
B. To provide a mechanism for continuous soil sampling
C. To prevent soil from entering the hollow center of the auger during drilling
,D. To circulate drilling fluids to the bit face
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pilot bit or plug prevents cuttings from entering the hollow
stem while advancing to the desired depth.
3. What is the recommended maximum intake velocity for a monitoring well screen to
minimize turbulent flow during sampling?
A. 2.0 feet per second
B. 0.5 feet per second
C. 1.0 feet per second
D. 0.1 feet per second
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To maintain laminar flow and prevent sample bias, intake
velocity should ideally be kept below 0.1 ft/s.
4. When selecting a filter pack, the grain size should generally be how many times larger than
the D-30 size of the formation material?
A. 3 to 6 times
B. 1 to 2 times
C. 10 to 12 times
D. 15 to 20 times
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A common rule of thumb is that the filter pack should be 3 to 6
times the size of the formation materials to ensure stability and permeability.
5. Which of the following materials is most resistant to chemical degradation when
monitoring for chlorinated solvents?
A. Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
B. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
C. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
D. Stainless Steel 316
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PTFE (Teflon) is highly inert and resistant to degradation by
chlorinated solvents compared to plastics or metals.
6. What is the primary purpose of well development?
A. To increase the diameter of the borehole
B. To restore the hydraulic conductivity of the formation and remove fines
C. To remove the filter pack and replace it with natural soil
D. To disinfect the well after construction
Answer: B
WELL ADVANCED CERTIFICATION
EXAM
1. Which ASTM standard provides the most comprehensive guidelines for the design and
installation of ground water monitoring wells in aquifers?
A. ASTM D5092
B. ASTM D1586
C. ASTM D6724
D. ASTM D422
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: ASTM D5092 is the standard practice for design and installation
of ground water monitoring wells in aquifers.
2. In hollow-stem auger drilling, what is the primary function of the ‘pilot bit’ assembly?
A. To increase the torque capacity of the auger string
B. To provide a mechanism for continuous soil sampling
C. To prevent soil from entering the hollow center of the auger during drilling
,D. To circulate drilling fluids to the bit face
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pilot bit or plug prevents cuttings from entering the hollow
stem while advancing to the desired depth.
3. What is the recommended maximum intake velocity for a monitoring well screen to
minimize turbulent flow during sampling?
A. 2.0 feet per second
B. 0.5 feet per second
C. 1.0 feet per second
D. 0.1 feet per second
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To maintain laminar flow and prevent sample bias, intake
velocity should ideally be kept below 0.1 ft/s.
4. When selecting a filter pack, the grain size should generally be how many times larger than
the D-30 size of the formation material?
A. 3 to 6 times
B. 1 to 2 times
C. 10 to 12 times
D. 15 to 20 times
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A common rule of thumb is that the filter pack should be 3 to 6
times the size of the formation materials to ensure stability and permeability.
5. Which of the following materials is most resistant to chemical degradation when
monitoring for chlorinated solvents?
A. Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)
B. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
C. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
D. Stainless Steel 316
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PTFE (Teflon) is highly inert and resistant to degradation by
chlorinated solvents compared to plastics or metals.
6. What is the primary purpose of well development?
A. To increase the diameter of the borehole
B. To restore the hydraulic conductivity of the formation and remove fines
C. To remove the filter pack and replace it with natural soil
D. To disinfect the well after construction
Answer: B
