NGWA General Drilling Study Guide
Comprehensive Resource To Help You Ace 2026-2027 Exams
Includes Frequently Tested Questions With ELABORATED
100% Correct COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Guaranteed Pass First Attempt!! Current Update!!
1. The primary factor that dictates the type of drilling equipment used at a site
is:
A. Weather conditions
B. Budget
C. Geology
D. Driller preference
Answer: C. Geology
2. A commonly used hollow-stem auger system for monitoring well installation
should include:
A. Mud circulation system
B. Auger head machined to accept installation plate below groundwater
level
C. Dual pump assembly
D. Casing hammer
Answer: B
3. Which of the following is NOT a component of a monitoring well rig?
A. Drill mast
B. Hollow-stem auger
, C. Mud pump
D. Hoist
Answer: C. Mud pump
4. The minimum hollow-stem auger size typically used to install a 2-inch well
is:
A. 3.25 in.
B. 4.25 in.
C. 5.50 in.
D. 6.00 in.
Answer: B. 4.25 in.
5. The best drilling method for a highly toxic contaminated limestone
formation that produces the least fluid management is:
A. Mud rotary
B. Air rotary
C. Cable tool
D. Hollow-stem auger
Answer: C. Cable tool
6. Monitoring wells are commonly installed:
A. Upgradient of contamination
B. Downgradient of a landfill
C. At the highest elevation
D. Inside buildings only
Answer: B. Downgradient of a landfill
7. Which of the following is NOT an impermeable material?
A. Clay
, B. Shale
C. Sand
D. Bentonite
Answer: C. Sand
8. Glacial drift is defined as:
A. Consolidated bedrock
B. Unconsolidated sediment deposited by glaciers
C. Wind-blown sand
D. Volcanic ash
Answer: B
9. The seal placed above the filter pack in monitoring wells is typically made
of:
A. Sand
B. Cement only
C. Bentonite pellets
D. Gravel
Answer: C. Bentonite pellets
10.The most efficient drilling method for bedrock monitoring wells is:
A. Cable tool
B. Hollow-stem auger
C. Air rotary with down-hole hammer
D. Jetting
Answer: C
11.The difference between the flight OD and ID of a hollow-stem auger is
generally:
Comprehensive Resource To Help You Ace 2026-2027 Exams
Includes Frequently Tested Questions With ELABORATED
100% Correct COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Guaranteed Pass First Attempt!! Current Update!!
1. The primary factor that dictates the type of drilling equipment used at a site
is:
A. Weather conditions
B. Budget
C. Geology
D. Driller preference
Answer: C. Geology
2. A commonly used hollow-stem auger system for monitoring well installation
should include:
A. Mud circulation system
B. Auger head machined to accept installation plate below groundwater
level
C. Dual pump assembly
D. Casing hammer
Answer: B
3. Which of the following is NOT a component of a monitoring well rig?
A. Drill mast
B. Hollow-stem auger
, C. Mud pump
D. Hoist
Answer: C. Mud pump
4. The minimum hollow-stem auger size typically used to install a 2-inch well
is:
A. 3.25 in.
B. 4.25 in.
C. 5.50 in.
D. 6.00 in.
Answer: B. 4.25 in.
5. The best drilling method for a highly toxic contaminated limestone
formation that produces the least fluid management is:
A. Mud rotary
B. Air rotary
C. Cable tool
D. Hollow-stem auger
Answer: C. Cable tool
6. Monitoring wells are commonly installed:
A. Upgradient of contamination
B. Downgradient of a landfill
C. At the highest elevation
D. Inside buildings only
Answer: B. Downgradient of a landfill
7. Which of the following is NOT an impermeable material?
A. Clay
, B. Shale
C. Sand
D. Bentonite
Answer: C. Sand
8. Glacial drift is defined as:
A. Consolidated bedrock
B. Unconsolidated sediment deposited by glaciers
C. Wind-blown sand
D. Volcanic ash
Answer: B
9. The seal placed above the filter pack in monitoring wells is typically made
of:
A. Sand
B. Cement only
C. Bentonite pellets
D. Gravel
Answer: C. Bentonite pellets
10.The most efficient drilling method for bedrock monitoring wells is:
A. Cable tool
B. Hollow-stem auger
C. Air rotary with down-hole hammer
D. Jetting
Answer: C
11.The difference between the flight OD and ID of a hollow-stem auger is
generally:
