Practice Exam Questions And Correct

IWCF Level 3 Driller Well Control Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a blowout preventer (BOP)?
• To increase drilling speed
• To control unexpected wellbore pressure
• To circulate drilling fluid faster
• To monitor formation temperature

Rationale: The BOP is installed to control unexpected wellbore

pressures and prevent blowouts.

2. When using a drillstring float valve, its main function is to:

• Prevent gas from entering the mud pits
• Prevent backflow of fluids into the drillstring 1 / 4

• Increase drilling efficiency
• Stabilize the drill bit

Rationale: The float valve is a one-way valve designed to prevent

backflow of well fluids into the drillstring.

3. A kick is defined as:

• Rapid drilling progress
• Sudden increase in mud weight
• Uncontrolled influx of formation fluids into the wellbore
• Drillstring vibration

Rationale: A kick occurs when formation fluids enter the wellbore

due to insufficient hydrostatic pressure.

• What is the main hazard of a gas influx in a well?
• Drillstring wear
• Loss of circulation
• Blowout risk
• Equipment overheating

Rationale: Gas influx can reduce hydrostatic pressure, potentially

leading to a blowout.

• What is the function of choke and kill lines?
• To clean the mud pits
• To control wellbore pressure during a well control operation
• To circulate drilling mud faster
• To increase pump efficiency 2 / 4

Rationale: Choke and kill lines allow controlled circulation and

pressure management during well control.

6. The correct action if a kick is detected at the flow line is:

• Ignore it
• Increase pump rate immediately
• Shut in the well following the kick detection procedures
• Open the choke fully

Rationale: The well should be shut in using proper procedures to

prevent escalation.

• What is the primary purpose of the mud weight in drilling operations?
• To lubricate the drill bit
• To provide hydrostatic pressure to balance formation pressure
• To reduce friction
• To cool equipment

Rationale: Mud weight creates hydrostatic pressure to prevent influx

of formation fluids.

• Which of the following indicates a possible kick?
• Low pump pressure only
• Flow rate increase at the flow line
• Drillstring vibration only
• Normal pit volume

Rationale: An increase in flow rate at the flow line is one of the first

signs of a kick. 3 / 4

• What is the purpose of a diverter system?
• To increase drilling speed
• To divert wellbore fluids away from the rig in shallow gas

situations

• To monitor mud density
• To reduce torque on the drillstring

Rationale: Diverters are used on wells with shallow gas to protect

personnel and equipment.

• During a well control situation, what is the function of a choke?
• To speed up drilling
• To control the flow of wellbore fluids and maintain desired

pressure

• To divert mud to pits
• To measure mud density

Rationale: Chokes regulate flow from the wellbore to maintain

control of pressure during a kick.

11. The term “driller method” in well control refers to:

• Using only the mud pumps
• Closing the BOP, monitoring pressures, and manually controlling

the well

• Circulating gas out of the well
• Using automated equipment only
• / 4