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Nebraska Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

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Well Drilling Contractor

Department drilling license category; any additional pump-installation or monitoring category requires its own examination.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Addition of a category to an active license
Active license
Hold an active Department license and provide its license number when adding a license category. Register for the category examination being added; previously passed currently offered examinations remain requirements, with retaking governed by the Department.
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Reapplication after denial
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Reapply no sooner than 30 days after denial and satisfy initial licensure requirements.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Reinstatement after expiration exceeding 60 days
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Expiration
License expired for more than 60 days and is invalid; meet all initial licensure requirements and pass all needed examinations.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Late fees
Pay the $400 initial fee and $200 late fee. Continuing education cannot replace the required examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Initial licensure by examination
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Late renewal within the 60 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a Department renewal application by the expiration date, December 31 of each even-numbered year, and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 Board-approved continuing education hours during the preceding 24 months and submit completion documentation. Persons first licensed within the preceding 24 months are exempt.
Expiration
License expired no more than 60 days ago. The licensee may still practice during the 60-day renewal period.
Hardship education waiver
The Department may fully or partly waive continuing competency upon documentation that circumstances beyond the licensee's control prevented completion.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Late application
Use WAT313; late renewals cannot be completed in the credentialing portal.
Late fee
Pay the renewal fee and $200 late fee.
Military waiver
Submit acceptable evidence of regular armed-forces service during the preceding licensing period or current military service for waiver of the renewal fee and continuing competency requirements.
Records
Maintain continuing education attendance documentation for at least three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after other discipline exceeding 24 months
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet the terms of the disciplinary action and all requirements of an initial licensee because the disciplinary term exceeds 24 months.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Reinstatement after other discipline of no more than 24 months
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet all terms of the disciplinary action before reapplying. Pass an examination if ordered as a disciplinary condition; the Department format describes the applicable category reinstatement examinations. The order governs any individual excuse.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a Department renewal application by the expiration date, December 31 of each even-numbered year, and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 Board-approved continuing education hours during the preceding 24 months and submit completion documentation. Persons first licensed within the preceding 24 months are exempt.
Hardship education waiver
The Department may fully or partly waive continuing competency upon documentation that circumstances beyond the licensee's control prevented completion.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Military waiver
Submit acceptable evidence of regular armed-forces service during the preceding licensing period or current military service for waiver of the renewal fee and continuing competency requirements.
Records
Maintain continuing education attendance documentation for at least three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after revocation
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Wait two years after revocation and meet all requirements of an initial licensee.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Upgrade from supervisor to contractor
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Existing license
Hold the corresponding active supervisor license and provide the current license number.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Upgrade fee waiver
WAT310 waives the fee for upgrading from supervisor to contractor; provide an active certificate of insurance for at least $100,000. Applicants remain required to pass all exams needed for licensing; prior passing scores are examination leaves.
Reinstatement after suspension exceeding 24 months
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet the terms of the suspension and all requirements of an initial licensee because the suspension exceeds 24 months.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Reinstatement after suspension of no more than 24 months
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet all terms of the suspension before reapplying. When an examination is ordered as a condition of discipline, pass it; the Department examination-format document describes reinstatement examinations for the applicable license category. The order governs any individual excuse.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.

Temporary Hardship License

Temporary hardship form of the requested drilling license, subject to Board finding and Department issuance.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Temporary hardship issuance without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit a completed license application and written description of the hardship to the Board.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Hardship
The Board must find that a business is operating under a deceased contractor's license or other good cause exists. Issuance is discretionary on Board recommendation to the Department.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Qualifications
Meet every other qualification for the requested license; the approved temporary hardship license is issued without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Hardship Well Drilling Contractor/Water Well Monitoring Technician

Temporary hardship form of the requested drilling license, subject to Board finding and Department issuance.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Temporary hardship issuance without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit a completed license application and written description of the hardship to the Board.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Hardship
The Board must find that a business is operating under a deceased contractor's license or other good cause exists. Issuance is discretionary on Board recommendation to the Department.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Qualifications
Meet every other qualification for the requested license; the approved temporary hardship license is issued without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Hardship License

Temporary hardship form of the requested drilling license, subject to Board finding and Department issuance.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Temporary hardship issuance without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed license application and written description of the hardship to the Board.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Hardship
The Board must find that a business is operating under a deceased contractor's license or other good cause exists. Issuance is discretionary on Board recommendation to the Department.
Qualifications
Meet every other qualification for the requested license; the approved temporary hardship license is issued without examination.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Hardship Well Drilling/Pump Installation Contractor

Temporary hardship form of the requested drilling license, subject to Board finding and Department issuance.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Temporary hardship issuance without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
Be at least 19 years old.
Application
Submit a completed license application and written description of the hardship to the Board.
Business role
Be a principal officer, director, manager, or owner-operator of a business engaged in water well construction or decommissioning.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Hardship
The Board must find that a business is operating under a deceased contractor's license or other good cause exists. Issuance is discretionary on Board recommendation to the Department.
Insurance
Furnish public liability and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; maintain proof and submit it annually while the license is active.
Qualifications
Meet every other qualification for the requested license; the approved temporary hardship license is issued without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Hardship Well Drilling/Pump Installation Supervisor

Temporary hardship form of the requested drilling license, subject to Board finding and Department issuance.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Temporary hardship issuance without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed license application and written description of the hardship to the Board.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Hardship
The Board must find that a business is operating under a deceased contractor's license or other good cause exists. Issuance is discretionary on Board recommendation to the Department.
Qualifications
Meet every other qualification for the requested license; the approved temporary hardship license is issued without examination.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Well Drilling Supervisor

Department drilling license category; any additional pump-installation or monitoring category requires its own examination.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Addition of a category to an active license
Active license
Hold an active Department license and provide its license number when adding a license category. Register for the category examination being added; previously passed currently offered examinations remain requirements, with retaking governed by the Department.
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Reapplication after denial
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Reapply no sooner than 30 days after denial and satisfy initial licensure requirements.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Reinstatement after expiration exceeding 60 days
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Expiration
License expired for more than 60 days and is invalid; meet all initial licensure requirements and pass all needed examinations.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Late fees
Pay the $400 initial fee and $200 late fee. Continuing education cannot replace the required examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Late renewal within the 60 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a Department renewal application by the expiration date, December 31 of each even-numbered year, and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 Board-approved continuing education hours during the preceding 24 months and submit completion documentation. Persons first licensed within the preceding 24 months are exempt.
Expiration
License expired no more than 60 days ago. The licensee may still practice during the 60-day renewal period.
Hardship education waiver
The Department may fully or partly waive continuing competency upon documentation that circumstances beyond the licensee's control prevented completion.
Late application
Use WAT313; late renewals cannot be completed in the credentialing portal.
Late fee
Pay the renewal fee and $200 late fee.
Military waiver
Submit acceptable evidence of regular armed-forces service during the preceding licensing period or current military service for waiver of the renewal fee and continuing competency requirements.
Records
Maintain continuing education attendance documentation for at least three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after other discipline exceeding 24 months
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet the terms of the disciplinary action and all requirements of an initial licensee because the disciplinary term exceeds 24 months.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Reinstatement after other discipline of no more than 24 months
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet all terms of the disciplinary action before reapplying. Pass an examination if ordered as a disciplinary condition; the Department format describes the applicable category reinstatement examinations. The order governs any individual excuse.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Timely license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a Department renewal application by the expiration date, December 31 of each even-numbered year, and pay the applicable renewal fee.
Continuing education
Complete at least 12 Board-approved continuing education hours during the preceding 24 months and submit completion documentation. Persons first licensed within the preceding 24 months are exempt.
Hardship education waiver
The Department may fully or partly waive continuing competency upon documentation that circumstances beyond the licensee's control prevented completion.
Military waiver
Submit acceptable evidence of regular armed-forces service during the preceding licensing period or current military service for waiver of the renewal fee and continuing competency requirements.
Records
Maintain continuing education attendance documentation for at least three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after revocation
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Wait two years after revocation and meet all requirements of an initial licensee.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Reinstatement after suspension exceeding 24 months
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet the terms of the suspension and all requirements of an initial licensee because the suspension exceeds 24 months.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.
Reinstatement after suspension of no more than 24 months
Application
Submit the completed Department application, payment and required documentation at least 14 days before the scheduled examination. A late application is scheduled for the next examination.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Disciplinary status
Meet all terms of the suspension before reapplying. When an examination is ordered as a condition of discipline, pass it; the Department examination-format document describes reinstatement examinations for the applicable license category. The order governs any individual excuse.
Examination period
WAT310 permits four examination dates within 12 months of the initial application fee. After 12 months without passing every needed exam, submit a new initial application and pay the initial fee again.
Fees
The initial fee is $400. WAT310 permits fee waivers for qualifying young workers, low-income individuals, military family members, and supervisor-to-contractor upgrades. A fee waiver does not waive examinations.
Lawful presence
WAT310 Section F requests an attestation of United States citizenship or qualified-alien status and agreement to provide USCIS documentation on request; the form cites section 38-129.
Passing score
Pass each required examination with at least 70%. A section already passed need not be retaken during the remaining 12-month period.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.

Temporary Hardship Well Drilling Supervisor

Temporary hardship form of the requested drilling license, subject to Board finding and Department issuance.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment · Application information

Temporary hardship issuance without examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a completed license application and written description of the hardship to the Board.
Compliance
Comply with the Water Well Standards and Contractors' Practice Act and its implementing standards, rules, and regulations.
Hardship
The Board must find that a business is operating under a deceased contractor's license or other good cause exists. Issuance is discretionary on Board recommendation to the Department.
Qualifications
Meet every other qualification for the requested license; the approved temporary hardship license is issued without examination.
Supervision
Work under the supervision of the appropriately licensed contractor; supervisory authority extends to nonlicensed employees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General Drilling

Provider
Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
Format
Written, unless an examination accommodation is provided
Time limit
1 1/2 hours
Passing score
At least 70% on each required examination
Examination outline
  • General Drilling
    • Current drilling practices and techniques
    • Know what a confined aquifer is
    • Know what can cause volatiles
    • Know when to consider drilling fluids acidic
    • Know what bentonite drilling fluid is used for
    • Know what type of water bentonite mixes better in
    • Know what can cause a cone of depression
    • Know how much of the US population relies on ground water
    • Know what a flowing artesian well is
    • Know what MCL means
    • Know what porosity means
    • Know what hard water is
    • Know what a coliform count is
    • Know what the maximum contaminant level for nitrate/nitrogen is (mg/l)
    • Know what permeability measures
    • Know what coliform bacteria is
    • Know what pH is and what it measures
    • Know what artesian pressure is
    • Know how jetted wells are constructed
    • Know why wells are purged
    • Know what viscosity means
    • Know what a filter cake is
    • Know what reverse rotary is
    • Know what top head drive rotary is
    • Know the procedure for decommissioning a well
    • Know what cable tool drilling is
    • Know what a water table is
    • Know who to report the decommissioning of a well to
    • Know the purpose of a well seal
    • Know when to measure the water level in a well exhibiting head pressure
    • Know what galvanic corrosion is
    • Know what a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is
    • Know the purpose of a reamer
    • Know what specific capacity of a well means
    • Know the purpose of a monitoring well
    • Know why ground water pollution has become a problem
    • Know how drilling mud should be prepared
    • Know the purpose of driller collars
    • Know what cross contamination is
    • Know when to calibrate field instruments
    • Know what aliquot means
    • Know what an aquifer is
    • Know the purpose of chain-of-custody
Examination sources

Nebraska Section

Provider
Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
Format
Written, unless an examination accommodation is provided
Time limit
1 1/2 hours
Passing score
At least 70% on each required examination
Examination outline
  • Nebraska Section
    • Nebraska minimum standards for water wells and water well pumps and pumping equipment
    • The geological characteristics of the State of Nebraska
    • The Act, rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Act and such other laws and regulations as may apply to groundwater and the water well industry
    • Know how many sections a standard township is made up of
    • Know each type of approved grouting material by the Board
    • Know how many ground water/topographic regions there are in Nebraska
    • Define porosity
    • Define transmissivity
    • Know and describe a confined aquifer
    • Know how to decommission a well
    • Define an unconfined aquifer
    • Know who needs public liability and property damage insurance and how much
    • Know what to do when a well is contaminated with hazardous materials to human health
    • Describe the characteristics of a chalk/limestone aquifer
    • Know the amount of continuing education hours
    • Know where the majority of ground water in Nebraska’s aquifers came from
    • Describe what a pump installation contractor does
    • Describe what a water well monitoring technician does
    • Describe what a water well drilling supervisor does
    • Define drawdown
    • Know what an applicant needs to do when they fail the exam(s)
    • Know who reports the decommissioning of wells to the Dept of Natural Resources
    • Know how to decommission a well that was constructed without enough surface seal
    • Know the age of rocks in the Ogallala group
    • Know what information is in the Groundwater Atlas of Nebraska
    • Know what bedrock is commonly used a source of wells in much of central and western Nebraska
    • Define a confined aquifer
    • Know and describe the Dakota group aquifer located in Nebraska
    • Define an aquifer
    • Know and describe the Nebraska Glacial Drift ground water region
    • Know where the High Plains aquifer is located
    • Define permeability
    • Describe what water table contour lines are
    • Know how many days you have to report the decommissioning of wells to the Dept of Natural Resources
    • Know what the Quaternary Alluvium aquifer is
    • Know what a declaratory order is and when to request one
    • Know the purpose of a benchmark on a map
    • Know what can cause your license to be denied/revoked
    • Know when a temporary hardship license can be provided
    • Know when to hire a professional engineer or geologist when locating a closed loop heat pump
    • Know when to renew your license
    • Know what sources of contamination means
    • Know what Natural Resource Districts do, and why
Examination sources