WCF Level 2 – Introductory Well Control Certification Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary purpose of well control?
- To improve drilling speed
- To prevent the uncontrolled release of formation fluids
- To reduce drilling costs
- To increase mud circulation
Rationale: Well control ensures that formation fluids do not flow into
the wellbore uncontrollably, preventing blowouts.
- What is hydrostatic pressure?
- Pressure caused by gas expansion
- Pressure exerted by rotating equipment
- Pressure exerted by the column of fluid in the wellbore 1 / 4
- Pressure from surface pumps
Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure is created by the weight of the
drilling fluid in the wellbore.
- What is the unit used to measure pressure in well control operations?
- Feet
- Barrels
- Pounds per square inch (psi)
- Gallons
Rationale: Pressure in drilling operations is commonly measured in
psi.
- What does BOP stand for?
- Blowout Pipe
- Bottom of Pipe
- Blowout Preventer
- Bit Operating Pressure
Rationale: A Blowout Preventer is a safety device that seals, controls,
and monitors well pressure.
- What is formation pressure?
- Pressure at the surface
- Mud pump discharge pressure
- Pressure exerted by fluids within the formation pores
- Casing pressure 2 / 4
Rationale: Formation pressure is the natural pressure exerted by
subsurface fluids in rock formations.
- What happens when formation pressure is greater than hydrostatic
- The well becomes overbalanced
- No change occurs
- The well kicks
- The mud weight is too high
pressure?
Rationale: When formation pressure exceeds hydrostatic pressure,
fluids can flow into the wellbore, causing a kick.
- What is a “kick”?
- Drill pipe vibration
- Influx of formation fluid into the wellbore
- Pressure drop in the mud
- Loss of circulation
Rationale: A kick occurs when formation fluids enter the well due to
an imbalance in pressures.
- What is used to circulate out a kick?
- Air
- Drilling mud
- Cement
- Brine 3 / 4
Rationale: Drilling mud is circulated through the well to remove
formation fluids and restore pressure balance.
- What is the main function of drilling mud in well control?
- To lubricate the drill bit
- To clean the hole
- To provide hydrostatic pressure to control formation fluids
- To cool the rig
Rationale: The hydrostatic pressure of drilling mud helps prevent
formation fluids from entering the well.
- What is overbalance condition?
- Formation pressure equals hydrostatic pressure
- Hydrostatic pressure is greater than formation pressure
- Formation pressure exceeds hydrostatic pressure
- Mud density is too low
Rationale: Overbalance keeps formation fluids from flowing into the
well.
- What device closes the well in case of a kick?
- Choke manifold
- Mud pump
- Blowout Preventer (BOP)
- Diverter
Rationale: The BOP seals the well to control pressure and prevent
blowouts.
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