CWD Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CWD facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Why is it important to use drilling mud during rotary drilling? → To cool the bit and stabilize the borehole
2. What is the PDCA cycle in CWD quality management? → Plan-Do-Check-Act: an iterative continuous improvement method
3. What should be done before starting drilling equipment? → Check equipment, surroundings, and perform safety checks
4. Why is ground stability important at a drilling site? → To prevent ground-related hazards and equipment instability
5. When rehabilitating an old well, which test should be performed BEFORE chemical treatment to establish a baseline? → All of the above
6. What does confined aquifer mean? → An aquifer under pressure between impermeable layers
7. What is the function of a drilling rig’s mud pump? → To circulate drilling fluid through the system
8. Why is nitrate considered a major groundwater contaminant? → They pose health risks, especially to infants
9. What does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate regarding groundwater? → Regulates groundwater protection and contamination prevention
10. A step-drawdown test is used primarily to: → Evaluate well efficiency and identify non-linear head losses
11. General liability insurance for a well drilling contractor primarily protects against: → Third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
12. Which of the following is a secondary water quality standard? → Iron concentration
13. When placing annular grout using the tremie method, in which direction should grout be pumped to ensure a void-free seal? → From the bottom of the annular space upward, displacing drilling fluids
14. What should a CWD professional do upon discovering a colleague's unethical conduct? → Report through appropriate channels with proper documentation
15. Which surging method uses a tight-fitting piston to alternately push and pull water through the screen? → Mechanical surging with a surge block
16. What is change management in CWD technology? → A structured process for evaluating and implementing changes safely
17. What does benchmarking mean in CWD quality improvement? → Comparing performance against recognized standards of excellence
18. For tax purposes, a well drilling company's heavy equipment is typically depreciated using which method under US tax law? → MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System) with Section 179 expensing options
19. What does residual risk mean in CWD practice? → Risk remaining after all controls are implemented
20. What is stakeholder mapping in CWD practice? → Identifying parties with project interest and assessing their influence
21. What is a milestone in CWD project management? → A significant event marking progress at a key point in the timeline
22. What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics in CWD practice? → To establish professional conduct standards and guide ethical decision-making
23. A well driller operating without a required state license may face which of the following consequences? → Civil fines, stop-work orders, contract voiding, and criminal charges in some states
24. Why is it necessary to develop a well after drilling? → To improve well efficiency and water quality
25. Which hazard is most associated with confined spaces in well drilling? → Presence of toxic gases or low oxygen levels
26. Why is it important to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) during well drilling? → To reduce exposure to hazards and prevent injuries
27. Why is written communication important in CWD practice? → It creates permanent records and ensures clarity for future reference
28. What is the role of a well screen in a drilled well? → To allow water entry while filtering out sediments
29. What is the primary concern of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)? → Ensuring safe public drinking water
30. How do regulations differ from standards in CWD practice? → Regulations are legally binding; standards are typically voluntary