Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-45-09-.05 - EXAMINATIONS

(1) All applicants who meet the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) of Rule 0400-45-09-.02 will be required to take a written examination and thereafter appear before the Board for an interview.

(2) Written examinations to be given to applicants shall be approved by the Board.

(3) Applicants admitted to the written examination will be required to take a general examination related to borehole construction standards and related subjects including basic ground water hydrology. Closed loop installer applicants are not required to take a general exam. All applicants will be required to take one or more specialty examinations designed to test the competence and ability of the applicant to perform the work of a driller or installer. The specialty examinations may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) For Driller applicants:

1. Cable tool drilling;

2. Air rotary drilling;

3. Mud rotary drilling;

4. Reverse Circulation;

5. Monitor well;

6. Geothermal well drilling for closed loop geothermal boreholes; and

7. Well closure and abandonment.

(b) For Installer applicants:

1. Pump installation for water wells;

2. Installation of water treatment devices; and

3. Closed loop installation for closed loop geothermal boreholes.

(4) Examinations shall be offered at least four times annually in a manner and at a time and place prescribed by the Director. Applicants will not be allowed to carry any reference materials into either the written examination room or oral interview area. Each examination shall be monitored by such person(s) as may be designated by the Director, or by one or more members of the Board. No persons, other than members of the Board, monitors, and examinees will be permitted in the room while the written examination is being administered.

(5) The grade scored by each applicant on the written examination shall be posted in the space provided upon the examinee's application form. Each applicant will be notified of his or her grade scored on the examination by first-class mail, sent to the address appearing on the application.

(6) A minimum grade of seventy (70) percent on the general and seventy (70) percent on any other specialty exam category is required to pass the written exam, and be eligible for an interview with the Board. Individuals whose license or combination of licenses have been revoked, refused to renew or suspended must retake and pass all applicable exams.

(7) A person failing an examination may apply for reexamination the next time examinations are offered by the Department, but no sooner than thirty (30) days from the date of the previous examination.

(8) Interviews of applicants will be conducted in accordance with paragraph (2) of Rule 0400-45-10-.05.

(9) Based on the applicant's answers to the questions in the interview, each Board member will vote for or against issuance of a license to the applicant. An applicant must receive a passing vote from a majority of the quorum present to be recommended for licensing.

(10) Applicants who pass both the written exam and interview with the Board will be recommended for licensing to the Commissioner.

(11) Holders of Tennessee Water Well Driller License who apply for a monitor or geothermal driller license before January 1, 2004, will not be required to appear for an oral interview provided they pass the required geothermal or monitor specialty exam.

(12) Experience as required in Rule 0400-45-09-.03 obtained in monitor well drilling or water well drilling by all applicants will satisfy the requirements of experience required for a geothermal well driller's license.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-45-09-.05

Original rule filed October 16, 2012; effective January 14, 2013. Rule renumbered from 1200-04-09. Amendment filed June 19, 2015; effective 9/17/2015.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 69-10-101 et seq. and 4-5-201 et seq.