Control Certification Exam Level 2

IADC WellSharp Introductory Level Well Control Certification Exam (Level 2) Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the main purpose of well control?

a) To increase drilling speed

b) To prevent loss of drilling mud

c) To prevent uncontrolled flow of formation fluids

d) To reduce casing pressure

Rationale: Well control prevents the uncontrolled release of

formation fluids to the surface, protecting people, the environment, and equipment.

• What is the hydrostatic pressure in a well primarily determined by?

a) Formation permeability

b) Casing depth

c) Mud weight and true vertical depth 1 / 4

d) Drilling rate

Rationale: Hydrostatic pressure depends on the density (mud weight)

and the vertical height of the fluid column.

• What is the most common cause of a kick?

a) Lost circulation

b) Insufficient mud weight

c) Excessive pump pressure

d) Pipe sticking

Rationale: If the mud weight is too low to balance formation

pressure, fluids enter the wellbore, causing a kick.

• What is the first indication of a kick while drilling?

a) Increase in mud weight

b) Decrease in pump strokes

c) Pit gain

d) Increase in hook load

Rationale: A pit gain indicates more fluid entering the surface pits

due to influx of formation fluids.

• What is a “kick”?

a) The loss of circulation

b) The entry of formation fluids into the wellbore

c) A sudden pressure increase at the pump

d) The failure of the BOP 2 / 4

Rationale: A kick occurs when formation fluids flow into the wellbore

because formation pressure exceeds hydrostatic pressure.

• Which equipment closes the well to prevent flow at surface?

a) Kelly cock

b) Mud pump

c) Blowout preventer (BOP)

d) Choke manifold

Rationale: The BOP seals the well at the surface to prevent

uncontrolled flow.

• What is the primary function of drilling mud in well control?

a) Cooling the bit

b) Lubricating the drill string

c) Providing hydrostatic pressure to control formation fluids

d) Cleaning the pits

Rationale: The mud weight generates hydrostatic pressure that helps

control formation pressures.

• What does the term “bottom hole pressure” refer to?

a) Pressure at the surface

b) Pressure at the bottom of the wellbore

c) Pressure in the choke line

d) Pressure inside the drill pipe

Rationale: Bottom hole pressure is the total pressure exerted at the

bottom of the wellbore. 3 / 4

• What unit is commonly used to express mud weight?
• psi
• gallons
• pounds per gallon (ppg)
• cubic feet

Rationale: Mud weight is measured in pounds per gallon, indicating

the fluid’s density.

• What is the primary safety device used during wireline

operations to control well pressure?

a) Safety valve

b) Choke manifold

c) Wireline BOP

d) Kill line

Rationale: A wireline BOP allows the operator to seal the well around

the wireline to prevent flow.

• What happens if the hydrostatic pressure equals the formation

pressure?

a) Kick occurs

b) Blowout

c) Well is balanced

d) Lost circulation

Rationale: A balanced condition exists when hydrostatic and

formation pressures are equal.

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