Header

Sub Navigation

Main Content

Article

Water Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing and Continuing Education

Due to the current restriction of in-person continuing education trainings, the requirement to submit your continuing education hours by the end of 2020 in order to renew your license for 2021 has been deferred. This deferral will allow licensed contractors to obtain and submit their continuing education hours for 2021 license renewal by the end of 2022. Licensed contractors will still be required to obtain their continuing education hours during the 2021-2022 cycle in order to renew their licenses for 2023. To account up for this deferral, in order to renew their licenses for 2023, licensed contractors will be required to demonstrate double the amount of their required continuing education hours obtained during 2019 to 2022.

No other license requirements have been deferred.

Water Well Driller and Water Well Pump Installer Licensing and Continuing Education Required by Senate Enrolled Act 356

Drilling a water wellIndiana Code 25-39 requires the licensing of all water well drillers and water well pump installers. The code requires that individuals “who operate well drilling or driving equipment, or engage in the drilling or driving of wells” or “a person who installs or repairs water well pumping equipment” in Indiana be licensed through the Department of Natural Resources.

The corresponding rule, 312 IAC 13 regulates the drilling, casing, and grouting of new wells, the plugging of old wells and sets standards for pump installation.

The IDNR, Division of Water issues a single license card that specifies whether an individual is a water well driller, water well pump installer, or both. The annual fee for an original license, or for license renewal (driller, pump installer, or both) is legislatively set at $100. All licenses expire on December 31st of the year in which they are issued. A license that has been expired for more than a year is considered lapsed and cannot be renewed by paying the fee. An individual with a license that has lapsed is required to re-take and pass the competency exam, and complete the requirement for six hours of continuing education before being eligible for renewal.

Individuals are required to meet the following qualifications in order to obtain a water well driller or water well pump installer license:
1) Be at least 18 years of age;
2) Furnish evidence from three (3) references, two (2) of whom are water well drillers, water well pump installers or licensed plumbing contractors familiar with the applicant’s work experience and professional competency;
3) Have successfully completed a competency examination prepared and administered by the department; and
4) Pay a $100 license fee.

The Division of Water sends applicants a free packet that includes the study materials (Indiana statute and rules), the required application and reference forms, and additional information sheets. The Division offers five scheduled exams during the year. Please contact Division staff to receive these materials, and register for an exam. Dates and locations of water well drilling and water well pump installer exams and continuing education opportunities are also listed below.

Beginning with the 2011 license year, a person who has held a well driller and/or pump installer license for at least one (1) calendar year must complete at least six (6) hours of approved continuing education during each two year cycle to be eligible for license renewal. A minimum of six (6) hours of continuing education is required for each license; therefore, a combination water well driller and pump installer license will require a minimum of twelve (12) total hours of approved continuing education. Each ‘cycle’ for continuing education is two years in duration, including one odd and one even numbered year. Hours are due by December 31 of the second (even numbered) year of the cycle in order for a licensed individual to be eligible to renew a license for the following year.

Well driller and pump installer licenses continue to require renewal on an annual basis; however, a license holder may not renew a license until the requirement for continuing education hours has been satisfied.

Remember to regularly check this webpage for additional opportunities for approved continuing education, as the list is updated frequently.

For updates or additional information regarding the water well driller and water well pump installer licensing and continuing education programs, please contact Mark Basch or Vanessa Gonzalez of the Division of Water.
Mark Basch; (317) 232-0154 or mbasch@dnr.in.gov
Vanessa Gonzalez; (317) 234-1085 or vgonzalez@dnr.in.gov

LICENSE APPLICATION AND REFERENCE STATEMENTS

WELL DRILLER AND PUMP INSTALLER EXAM DATES AND LOCATIONS

Limit of 12 spots per exam.

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Driller's Bits Newsletter