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South Carolina Water Well Driller — Requirements & Free Practice

US-SC · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Class A Well Driller License

Category and class authorization under S.C. Code Section 40-23-320; Class A covers environmental, coastal and rock wells.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Environmental Certification Board · Application information

Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Payment
Pay the required fee and penalties after notification of suspension for a dishonored payment instrument.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conditional renewal or reinstatement for unpaid disciplinary costs
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Financial hardship
Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid costs within one year; the Board may conditionally renew or reinstate for no more than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within 365 days through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after an adjudication of mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Obtain adjudication by a competent court or restoration to mental capacity in another manner provided by law; the statutory automatic suspension lasts until that restoration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal while serving on active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active service
Be serving on active military duty. Section 40-1-610 exempts CE during active service and Section 40-1-620 exempts the licence fee for a calendar year with any active service. Notify Board staff as provided in the deployment policy.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with an approved age and licensed experience CE waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Waiver
Be at least 62 years old with at least 30 years of licensed experience and submit the CE waiver form with the renewal form and fee. Approval of the requested waiver is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Administrative reinstatement after return from active military duty using CE
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
On the CE branch, complete delinquent CE and other applicable requirements within one year from return from military service or practice under the licence, whichever is earlier. The Board policy permits this makeup period and cancels the licence if it is not satisfied.
Notification
Notify the Board in writing of return from active military service and obtain reinstatement before resuming practice.
Payment
The Board policy requests appropriate renewal fees without late fees or penalties; Section 40-1-620 controls any calendar-year active-service fee exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Immediate reinstatement after a conviction is reversed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate
File a certificate establishing reversal of the conviction that triggered immediate suspension. Pending disciplinary action is not terminated by reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a certificate revoked for cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
Only the Board may reinstate a certificate revoked for cause. Satisfy the conditions of its decision; the governing rule identifies no particular examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
The Board must reinstate by majority vote; satisfy its imposed conditions before practice resumes. A pending disciplinary proceeding may continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Class D Coastal Well Driller License

Category and class authorization under S.C. Code Section 40-23-320; Class A covers environmental, coastal and rock wells.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Environmental Certification Board · Application information

Initial issuance through a qualifying Board approved apprenticeship
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Apprenticeship
Complete a United States Department of Labor registered or industry-recognized apprenticeship approved by the Board with a similar scope of practice. Section 40-1-77 requires the same examinations and other state-law requirements as other applicants. Applicability depends on a Board-approved program and the exclusions in Section 40-1-77(J).
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is coastal.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Payment
Pay the required fee and penalties after notification of suspension for a dishonored payment instrument.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is coastal.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for unpaid disciplinary costs
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Financial hardship
Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid costs within one year; the Board may conditionally renew or reinstate for no more than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within 365 days through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement through the grade examination alternative
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Continuing education alternative
Elect to pass the appropriate examination for the existing licence grade in lieu of twelve hours of CE; the Board identifies the current cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Restoration after an adjudication of mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Obtain adjudication by a competent court or restoration to mental capacity in another manner provided by law; the statutory automatic suspension lasts until that restoration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after a licence becomes nonrenewable
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is coastal.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Previous licence
The previous licence was not renewed within 365 days and cannot be renewed. Submit a new licensure/reinstatement application and satisfy the Board-approved requirements for the requested class and category.
Licensure by individual reciprocity
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Application
Submit the complete reciprocity application and $50 nonrefundable fee, identification, Social Security card and applicable personal-history disclosures.
Current other license
Hold a current, active licence in another United States jurisdiction with no disciplinary action; furnish verification requested by the Board.
Equivalence
Demonstrate substantially equivalent credentials, education and experience to the satisfaction of the Board under Section 40-23-240(B) and R.51-8.
Examination discretion
The Board examination page states: Reciprocity for licensure based on licensure in another state is assessed on an individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Board. Operators applying via reciprocity may not have to take an exam depending on previous examinations passed in licensing state. Applicants will be notified of their examination and licensure status after review. The listed examination is carried as a current examination involved in the corresponding category/class; the Board determines whether an applicant must sit it or is excused based on prior examinations. Another jurisdiction's own examination remains applicant evidence, not an examination leaf here.
Military spouse priority
A spouse living with an active-duty member relocated to South Carolina under official orders may request expedited processing through LLR and provide orders, marriage documentation and licence verification.
Renewal while serving on active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active service
Be serving on active military duty. Section 40-1-610 exempts CE during active service and Section 40-1-620 exempts the licence fee for a calendar year with any active service. Notify Board staff as provided in the deployment policy.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with an approved age and licensed experience CE waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Waiver
Be at least 62 years old with at least 30 years of licensed experience and submit the CE waiver form with the renewal form and fee. Approval of the requested waiver is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through the grade examination alternative
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Continuing education alternative
Elect to pass the appropriate examination for the existing licence grade in lieu of twelve hours of CE; the Board identifies the current cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Administrative reinstatement after return from active military duty using CE
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
On the CE branch, complete delinquent CE and other applicable requirements within one year from return from military service or practice under the licence, whichever is earlier. The Board policy permits this makeup period and cancels the licence if it is not satisfied.
Notification
Notify the Board in writing of return from active military service and obtain reinstatement before resuming practice.
Payment
The Board policy requests appropriate renewal fees without late fees or penalties; Section 40-1-620 controls any calendar-year active-service fee exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Immediate reinstatement after a conviction is reversed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate
File a certificate establishing reversal of the conviction that triggered immediate suspension. Pending disciplinary action is not terminated by reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a certificate revoked for cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
Only the Board may reinstate a certificate revoked for cause. Satisfy the conditions of its decision; the governing rule identifies no particular examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
The Board must reinstate by majority vote; satisfy its imposed conditions before practice resumes. A pending disciplinary proceeding may continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Class D Environmental Well Driller License

Category and class authorization under S.C. Code Section 40-23-320; Class A covers environmental, coastal and rock wells.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Environmental Certification Board · Application information

Initial issuance through a qualifying Board approved apprenticeship
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Apprenticeship
Complete a United States Department of Labor registered or industry-recognized apprenticeship approved by the Board with a similar scope of practice. Section 40-1-77 requires the same examinations and other state-law requirements as other applicants. Applicability depends on a Board-approved program and the exclusions in Section 40-1-77(J).
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is environmental.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Payment
Pay the required fee and penalties after notification of suspension for a dishonored payment instrument.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is environmental.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for unpaid disciplinary costs
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Financial hardship
Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid costs within one year; the Board may conditionally renew or reinstate for no more than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within 365 days through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement through the grade examination alternative
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Continuing education alternative
Elect to pass the appropriate examination for the existing licence grade in lieu of twelve hours of CE; the Board identifies the current cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Restoration after an adjudication of mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Obtain adjudication by a competent court or restoration to mental capacity in another manner provided by law; the statutory automatic suspension lasts until that restoration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after a licence becomes nonrenewable
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is environmental.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Previous licence
The previous licence was not renewed within 365 days and cannot be renewed. Submit a new licensure/reinstatement application and satisfy the Board-approved requirements for the requested class and category.
Licensure by individual reciprocity
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Application
Submit the complete reciprocity application and $50 nonrefundable fee, identification, Social Security card and applicable personal-history disclosures.
Current other license
Hold a current, active licence in another United States jurisdiction with no disciplinary action; furnish verification requested by the Board.
Equivalence
Demonstrate substantially equivalent credentials, education and experience to the satisfaction of the Board under Section 40-23-240(B) and R.51-8.
Examination discretion
The Board examination page states: Reciprocity for licensure based on licensure in another state is assessed on an individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Board. Operators applying via reciprocity may not have to take an exam depending on previous examinations passed in licensing state. Applicants will be notified of their examination and licensure status after review. The listed examination is carried as a current examination involved in the corresponding category/class; the Board determines whether an applicant must sit it or is excused based on prior examinations. Another jurisdiction's own examination remains applicant evidence, not an examination leaf here.
Military spouse priority
A spouse living with an active-duty member relocated to South Carolina under official orders may request expedited processing through LLR and provide orders, marriage documentation and licence verification.
Renewal while serving on active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active service
Be serving on active military duty. Section 40-1-610 exempts CE during active service and Section 40-1-620 exempts the licence fee for a calendar year with any active service. Notify Board staff as provided in the deployment policy.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with an approved age and licensed experience CE waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Waiver
Be at least 62 years old with at least 30 years of licensed experience and submit the CE waiver form with the renewal form and fee. Approval of the requested waiver is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through the grade examination alternative
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Continuing education alternative
Elect to pass the appropriate examination for the existing licence grade in lieu of twelve hours of CE; the Board identifies the current cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Administrative reinstatement after return from active military duty using CE
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
On the CE branch, complete delinquent CE and other applicable requirements within one year from return from military service or practice under the licence, whichever is earlier. The Board policy permits this makeup period and cancels the licence if it is not satisfied.
Notification
Notify the Board in writing of return from active military service and obtain reinstatement before resuming practice.
Payment
The Board policy requests appropriate renewal fees without late fees or penalties; Section 40-1-620 controls any calendar-year active-service fee exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Immediate reinstatement after a conviction is reversed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate
File a certificate establishing reversal of the conviction that triggered immediate suspension. Pending disciplinary action is not terminated by reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a certificate revoked for cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
Only the Board may reinstate a certificate revoked for cause. Satisfy the conditions of its decision; the governing rule identifies no particular examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
The Board must reinstate by majority vote; satisfy its imposed conditions before practice resumes. A pending disciplinary proceeding may continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Class D Rock Well Driller License

Category and class authorization under S.C. Code Section 40-23-320; Class A covers environmental, coastal and rock wells.

Licensing authority: South Carolina Environmental Certification Board · Application information

Initial issuance through a qualifying Board approved apprenticeship
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Apprenticeship
Complete a United States Department of Labor registered or industry-recognized apprenticeship approved by the Board with a similar scope of practice. Section 40-1-77 requires the same examinations and other state-law requirements as other applicants. Applicability depends on a Board-approved program and the exclusions in Section 40-1-77(J).
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is rock.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Reinstatement following suspension for dishonored payment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Payment
Pay the required fee and penalties after notification of suspension for a dishonored payment instrument.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is rock.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Conditional renewal or reinstatement for unpaid disciplinary costs
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Financial hardship
Demonstrate financial hardship and enter a formal agreement to reimburse unpaid costs within one year; the Board may conditionally renew or reinstate for no more than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within 365 days through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement through the grade examination alternative
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Continuing education alternative
Elect to pass the appropriate examination for the existing licence grade in lieu of twelve hours of CE; the Board identifies the current cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Filing
File the renewal application within 365 days of expiration and pay the current renewal fee and $200 reinstatement fee. A licence not renewed within that period is nonrenewable.
Practice
Meet the prior-period CE requirement, or complete it after renewal without engaging in licensed activity until it is completed.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Restoration after an adjudication of mental incompetence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Obtain adjudication by a competent court or restoration to mental capacity in another manner provided by law; the statutory automatic suspension lasts until that restoration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after a licence becomes nonrenewable
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Age
At least eighteen years old.
Application
Submit the Board-approved application and prescribed fee. Provide identification, Social Security card, any applicable name-change documentation, personal-history explanations and criminal-background information, and the affidavit of lawful presence required by the application.
Application window
The application must be completed within twelve months. The well-driller application requires passing the applicable exam within one year, otherwise a new application and retesting are required.
Bond
The Board application and licensure instructions require proof of a $25,000 surety bond, individually or through a covered employer under Section 40-23-280(B). The statute expressly lists equipment and bonding as issuance conditions for Classes C, B and A; the Board also requests bonding for Class D.
Category
The requested and authorized drilling category is rock.
Education credit
The Board may consider qualifying education, military experience, approved certification or apprenticeship programs as experience substitutions. Its verification form requires one year of actual experience and the appropriate examinations before educational credit is considered.
Employment and supervision
Practice only as a bona fide employee of a Class A or B driller and under direct supervision of an A, B or C driller licensed in the same drilling category, under Section 40-23-340(B)(1).
Equipment
Show possession of, or access to, the drilling equipment required for the category and class.
Military education
Under Section 40-1-640, satisfactory evidence of military education, training and experience is applied toward qualifications; it does not automatically waive testing.
Previous licence
The previous licence was not renewed within 365 days and cannot be renewed. Submit a new licensure/reinstatement application and satisfy the Board-approved requirements for the requested class and category.
Licensure by individual reciprocity
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Application
Submit the complete reciprocity application and $50 nonrefundable fee, identification, Social Security card and applicable personal-history disclosures.
Current other license
Hold a current, active licence in another United States jurisdiction with no disciplinary action; furnish verification requested by the Board.
Equivalence
Demonstrate substantially equivalent credentials, education and experience to the satisfaction of the Board under Section 40-23-240(B) and R.51-8.
Examination discretion
The Board examination page states: Reciprocity for licensure based on licensure in another state is assessed on an individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Board. Operators applying via reciprocity may not have to take an exam depending on previous examinations passed in licensing state. Applicants will be notified of their examination and licensure status after review. The listed examination is carried as a current examination involved in the corresponding category/class; the Board determines whether an applicant must sit it or is excused based on prior examinations. Another jurisdiction's own examination remains applicant evidence, not an examination leaf here.
Military spouse priority
A spouse living with an active-duty member relocated to South Carolina under official orders may request expedited processing through LLR and provide orders, marriage documentation and licence verification.
Renewal while serving on active military duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active service
Be serving on active military duty. Section 40-1-610 exempts CE during active service and Section 40-1-620 exempts the licence fee for a calendar year with any active service. Notify Board staff as provided in the deployment policy.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
For this route, satisfy the twelve-hour relevant continuing education requirement rather than electing the grade examination alternative. The current Board instructions identify the CE cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Maintain written proof for a possible Board audit.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with an approved age and licensed experience CE waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Waiver
Be at least 62 years old with at least 30 years of licensed experience and submit the CE waiver form with the renewal form and fee. Approval of the requested waiver is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal through the grade examination alternative
South Carolina Well Driller Level D
Continuing education alternative
Elect to pass the appropriate examination for the existing licence grade in lieu of twelve hours of CE; the Board identifies the current cycle as July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by June 30; current well-driller renewal instructions state a $50 fee. Each licence is renewed separately.
Administrative reinstatement after return from active military duty using CE
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
On the CE branch, complete delinquent CE and other applicable requirements within one year from return from military service or practice under the licence, whichever is earlier. The Board policy permits this makeup period and cancels the licence if it is not satisfied.
Notification
Notify the Board in writing of return from active military service and obtain reinstatement before resuming practice.
Payment
The Board policy requests appropriate renewal fees without late fees or penalties; Section 40-1-620 controls any calendar-year active-service fee exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Immediate reinstatement after a conviction is reversed
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate
File a certificate establishing reversal of the conviction that triggered immediate suspension. Pending disciplinary action is not terminated by reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a certificate revoked for cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
Only the Board may reinstate a certificate revoked for cause. Satisfy the conditions of its decision; the governing rule identifies no particular examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after voluntary surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board action
The Board must reinstate by majority vote; satisfy its imposed conditions before practice resumes. A pending disciplinary proceeding may continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

South Carolina Well Driller Level D

Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Title 40, Chapter 23 — Environmental Certification Board
  • South Carolina Environmental Certification Board — R.51-1 through R.51-7
  • Regulation 61-71 — Well Standards
  • Regulation 61-44 — Individual Residential Well and Irrigation Well Permitting
Examination sources