Top 10 Drilling Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a drilling engineer in the job market because they demonstrate mastery of specific skills and knowledge. They certify that an individual has the necessary experience, qualifications, and expertise to work in the field. Certifications also show employers that an individual is committed to their profession and has taken the initiative to further their knowledge. Additionally, certifications can help open doors to higher-level positions, as well as provide access to more competitive salaries.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Drilling Engineers and explains how they can help to advance a drilling engineer's career.

What are Drilling Engineer Certifications?

Drilling engineer certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and experience of individuals in the field of drilling engineering. This certification is awarded by certifying bodies such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE). It demonstrates a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field, which can be beneficial to those seeking employment or advancement within their organization.

The certification process requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, well control, drilling operations, reservoir engineering, and well design. In addition, applicants must demonstrate experience working in the industry for at least two years prior to applying for certification. Once certified, individuals are eligible for higher salaries and greater job responsibilities. They may also become more attractive candidates for higher-level positions within the petroleum industry.

Furthermore, having this credential could give holders an advantage when competing for jobs in a competitive market. It may also open up opportunities to work with larger companies or on larger projects due to their increased expertise and credentials. Additionally, certified drilling engineers can use their status as a way to network with other professionals in the field and gain access to additional resources that could help them further their career goals. Ultimately, having this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of being hired or promoted within the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a drilling engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications of the certifying body, as well as any prerequisites that may be necessary for obtaining the certification. Additionally, look into the cost of the certification and any continuing education requirements that may be associated with it.

Related: What does a Drilling Engineer do?

Top 10 Drilling Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Drilling Engineers today.

1. Certified Petroleum Engineer (CPE)

Certified Petroleum Engineer (CPE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the field of petroleum engineering. It is awarded by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), an international organization for oil and gas professionals. The CPE credential is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in the field of petroleum engineering.

To become a Certified Petroleum Engineer, an individual must have at least five years of experience in the field and pass a rigorous exam administered by SPE. The exam covers topics such as reservoir engineering, drilling and completion operations, production operations, and safety management.

The cost to take the exam is $650 for members of SPE and $850 for non-members. The exam fee includes access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help prepare for the test.

The process to become certified typically takes several months from registration to completion. After passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience in order to receive their certification.

2. Certified Drilling Engineer (CDE)

Certified Drilling Engineer (CDE) is a professional certification program that recognizes the achievements of experienced drilling engineers. The certification is administered by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).

To become certified, an individual must have at least five years of experience in the drilling industry, demonstrate knowledge and skills in several core competencies related to drilling engineering, and pass a two-part exam. The exam consists of a written portion and a practical portion.

The written portion consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as well design, operations management, safety management, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. The practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to solve problems related to well design and operations.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the country or region where it is taken. In the United States, for example, the cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 USD. It typically takes around six months to complete all requirements for certification.

3. Well Control Certification

Well Control Certification is a certification program for personnel working in the oil and gas industry. This certification is intended to ensure that personnel are knowledgeable about the principles of well control and safety. It covers topics such as well design, drilling operations, blowout prevention, and emergency response.

The length of time it takes to get Well Control Certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. For example, the IWCF (International Well Control Forum) offers three levels of certification: Level 1 (Basic), Level 2 (Intermediate) and Level 3 (Supervisor). Each level requires different levels of training and experience before taking the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all the necessary requirements for each level.

In order to obtain Well Control Certification, individuals must first complete an approved training course. These courses are offered by a variety of organizations including universities, technical institutes, and specialized training centers. After completing the coursework, individuals must then pass a written exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining Well Control Certification also varies depending on the type of certification being sought and where it is obtained from. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2000 USD for each level of certification.

4. American Petroleum Institute’s Drilling Engineering Certification (API-DEC)

The American Petroleum Institute’s Drilling Engineering Certification (API-DEC) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry. It is an internationally recognized certification that provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of drilling engineering principles, practices, and technologies.

The API-DEC certification requires candidates to complete a three-level program consisting of an online course, a written exam, and an onsite practical assessment. The online course consists of both theory and practical components and covers topics such as well design, drilling operations, safety systems, environmental protection, and operational economics. The written exam is administered by the API and tests knowledge gained from the online course. Finally, the onsite practical assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The entire process takes approximately one year to complete depending on how quickly the candidate can complete each step. Candidates must pass all three levels in order to receive their certification.

The cost for obtaining API-DEC certification varies depending on where you take your courses and exams but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 USD.

5. International Association of Drilling Contractors’ Drilling Engineering Certification (IADC-DEC)

The International Association of Drilling Contractors’ (IADC) Drilling Engineering Certification (DEC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the areas of drilling engineering and operations. The DEC program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires passing an exam that covers topics such as well planning, drilling operations, borehole stability, casing design, and well control.

To obtain the DEC certification, applicants must first pass the IADC-administered Basic Drilling Engineering Exam. This exam is offered twice per year at various locations around the world. The cost of the exam is $500 USD for members and $750 USD for non-members. After passing this exam, applicants must then complete a minimum of two years of experience in drilling operations or engineering before they can take the Intermediate or Advanced exams.

Once these requirements are met, applicants may take the Intermediate or Advanced exams at any time by registering with IADC and paying an additional fee ($500 USD for members and $750 USD for non-members). Successful completion of all three levels results in full DEC certification from IADC.

In total, obtaining full DEC certification from IADC typically takes between two to four years depending on experience level and availability of exams. The cost for each exam is $500 USD for members and $750 USD for non-members; therefore, the total cost to obtain full DEC certification ranges from $1500 - $3000 USD depending on membership status.

6. Offshore Technology Conference’s Drilling Engineering Certification (OTC-DEC)

The Offshore Technology Conference’s Drilling Engineering Certification (OTC-DEC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of drilling engineers. The OTC-DEC provides an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of the principles, practices, and technologies used in the offshore drilling industry.

The OTC-DEC is offered by the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), which is a global organization dedicated to advancing safety and responsible development in the offshore energy industry. The OTC-DEC program was developed with input from leading experts in the field of drilling engineering and is based on best practices for safe and efficient operations.

To obtain an OTC-DEC certification, applicants must complete a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as well design, well control systems, subsea equipment, drilling operations, and safety management systems. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must have at least five years of experience working in the offshore drilling industry to be eligible for certification.

The cost for taking the OTC-DEC exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official OTC-DEC certificate along with a digital badge to display on their professional profiles or websites.

7. Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Drilling Engineering Certification (SPE-DEC)

The Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Drilling Engineering Certification (SPE-DEC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of drilling engineers in the oil and gas industry. The program is intended to provide an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to drilling engineering.

The SPE-DEC certification consists of four parts: a written exam, an oral examination, a practical exam, and a portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as well design and construction, drilling operations, well control systems and equipment, safety management systems, risk assessment and management processes, and environmental regulations. The oral examination consists of questions related to the written exam topics as well as more complex problem solving scenarios. The practical examination requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a simulated drill rig environment. Finally, the portfolio review assesses the candidate’s experience in drilling engineering through interviews with industry experts.

It typically takes between 6-12 months for candidates to complete all four parts of the SPE-DEC certification process. Candidates must first register with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) before they can begin studying for the exams or applying for the practical portion of the certification. Once registered, candidates can purchase study materials from SPE or other sources that will help them prepare for each part of the certification process.

The cost for obtaining SPE-DEC certification varies depending on which part(s) of the process are completed and how many attempts are made at each part. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $1,000-$2,000 USD per attempt at each part (written exam fee is $500). Additionally there may be additional fees associated with purchasing study materials or registering for courses related to SPE-DEC preparation.

8. International Well Control Forum’s Well Control Certification (IWCF-WCC)

The International Well Control Forum (IWCF) is a not-for-profit organization that provides well control certification and training to the oil and gas industry. The IWCF Well Control Certification (IWCF-WCC) is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates competence in well control operations. It is designed to ensure that personnel involved in drilling operations are competent and can safely manage well control situations.

The IWCF-WCC consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level has its own set of requirements for knowledge, skills, and experience. To obtain the certification, individuals must pass a written exam as well as a practical assessment.

The length of time required to obtain the certification depends on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge base. For those with no prior experience or knowledge, it can take up to two weeks to complete all three levels of the certification process. For those with some prior experience or knowledge, it may take less time.

To get the IWCF-WCC, individuals must first register with an approved training provider who will provide them with the necessary materials for their studies. Once they have completed their studies they must then attend an assessment centre where they will sit both written exams and practical assessments which will be marked by an independent assessor from IWCF.

The cost of obtaining the IWCF-WCC varies depending on the level being obtained and can range from $500-$2000 USD per person depending on location and type of course taken.

9. International Association of Oil and Gas Producers’ Drilling Engineering Certification (OGP-DEC)

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers’ Drilling Engineering Certification (OGP-DEC) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of drilling engineering principles, practices, and processes. It is designed to help drilling engineers develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage drilling operations. The certification requires successful completion of a series of courses and exams, which are offered through IOGP member companies or accredited training providers.

The OGP-DEC program consists of three levels: Level 1 – Introduction to Drilling Engineering; Level 2 – Advanced Drilling Engineering; and Level 3 – Expert Drilling Engineering. Each level has its own set of courses and exams that must be completed before progressing to the next level. The program typically takes between two and four years to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience and how quickly they progress through the courses.

To get started with the OGP-DEC program, individuals must first register with IOGP as an Associate Member. This will provide access to the OGP-DEC course materials, as well as other resources such as webinars, discussion forums, and mentoring opportunities. After registering for membership, individuals can then register for the appropriate courses at their chosen training provider or through their employer's training program.

The cost of enrolling in the OGP-DEC program varies depending on where you take your courses and exams. Most training providers charge a fee per course or exam taken, while some employers may offer discounted rates for their employees who are enrolled in the program. In addition to course fees, there is also an annual membership fee associated with being an IOGP member which must be paid each year in order to maintain access to all OGP resources.

10. National Association of Corrosion Engineers’ Corrosion Prevention and Control Certification (NACE-CPCC).

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers’ Corrosion Prevention and Control Certification (NACE-CPCC) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in corrosion prevention, control, and management. It is designed to recognize the technical proficiency of individuals who have achieved a high level of understanding in the field of corrosion prevention.

To obtain the NACE-CPCC certification, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions related to corrosion prevention, control, and management. Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field or have completed an approved training program in corrosion prevention and control.

The entire process typically takes about three months to complete. The cost for the exam varies depending on the applicant’s location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. In addition to the exam fee, applicants may need to purchase additional materials or attend workshops in order to prepare for the exam.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses or attending conferences every two years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with current industry standards and practices related to corrosion prevention and control.

Do You Really Need a Drilling Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a drilling engineer certificate to work in the field of drilling engineering. However, having a certificate can certainly help to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, and may give you an advantage over other applicants who don't have one.

Having a certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career or gain more knowledge in the field of drilling engineering. It can also help to show employers that you have taken the time to obtain additional education and training in order to become more qualified for a position.

If you are considering obtaining a drilling engineer certificate, it is important to research the available courses and certifications that are available in your area. It is also important to understand what type of job roles you may be qualified for after completion of the certification program. Additionally, it is important to understand if there are any prerequisites or prior experience required before signing up for a course or certification program.

Overall, obtaining a drilling engineer certificate can be beneficial if it helps you to achieve your desired career goals. However, it is not necessary for success in this field and ultimately depends on each individual's unique situation and career goals.

Related: Drilling Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Drilling Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a drilling engineer certification?

A1. A drilling engineer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of drilling engineering. This type of certification typically requires passing an exam and/or completing certain coursework related to the field.

Q2. Who can become certified as a drilling engineer?

A2. Generally, individuals must have at least two years of experience in the field of drilling engineering to be eligible for a drilling engineer certification. Additionally, many certifying bodies require applicants to have either an associate's degree or higher education in engineering or a related field.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a drilling engineer?

A3. The amount of time it takes to become certified as a drilling engineer depends on several factors such as the certifying body, the individual’s prior experience, and any prerequisites that need to be met before taking the exam. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to over two years to obtain a certification in this field.

Q4. What are some benefits of becoming certified as a drilling engineer?

A4: Becoming certified as a drilling engineer can provide several benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and improved credibility among peers and employers in the industry. Additionally, having this type of certification may also provide greater access to specialized training opportunities or advanced positions within organizations that require specialized expertise in the field of drilling engineering.

Q5: Are there any other types of certifications available for professionals in this field?

A5: Yes, there are other types of certifications available for professionals working in this field such as offshore Drilling Manager (ODM) or Well Control Professional (WCP). These certifications may provide additional job opportunities or advancement options within organizations requiring more specialized expertise in these areas.