IWCF Well Control & Well Intervention Certification for Oil & Gas Professionals

The IWCF Well Control and Well Intervention Certification is a globally recognised qualification designed for oil and gas professionals involved in drilling, completion, and well intervention operations. This certification helps personnel understand critical well control principles, respond effectively to well incidents, and meet international competency requirements. Moreover, the IWCF programme combines structured written examinations and practical assessments, enabling organisations to improve safety performance, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability.

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About the International Well Control Forum (IWCF)

The International Well Control Forum (IWCF) is an internationally recognised organisation responsible for developing well control training and assessment standards for the oil and gas industry. Today, IWCF certifications are widely accepted by operators, drilling contractors, and service companies worldwide as a benchmark of professional competence.

Through structured curricula, rigorous examinations, and accredited training centres, IWCF ensures consistency, fairness, and global recognition of personnel competency. As a result, certified professionals are trusted to operate safely in high-risk well environments.

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IWCF Certification Programmes

To address different operational needs, IWCF offers two primary certification programmes covering both drilling and well intervention activities:

• IWCF Drilling Well Control Programme (DWC)

• IWCF Well Intervention Pressure Control Programme (WIPC)

Both programmes are designed to support a wide range of job roles, from operational personnel to supervisory and leadership positions.

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IWCF Drilling Well Control Programme (DWC)

Programme Overview

The IWCF Drilling Well Control Programme (DWC) is intended for personnel involved in drilling operations who hold critical responsibilities related to well control, both onshore and offshore. The programme focuses on strengthening technical knowledge, improving decision-making skills, and increasing preparedness for well control incidents.

Initially, candidates attend IWCF-accredited training based on the official syllabus. After completing the training, they must pass formal assessments conducted at an IWCF-accredited training centre.

Depending on operational responsibilities, participants may select:

• Surface BOP Operations, or

• Combined Surface and Subsea Operations

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DWC Certification Levels

IWCF Level 2 – Well Control Awareness

This level is suitable for well-site personnel whose actions may influence well control safety.

• Minimum duration: 20 hours

• Theory learning may be delivered online

• Assessment conducted at an accredited training centre

• Certificate validity: 5 years

Therefore, this level helps personnel recognise risks early and prevent escalation.

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IWCF Level 3 – Equipment Operator (Driller Level)

This level prepares drillers and equipment operators to respond effectively to well control events.

• Minimum duration: 32 hours

• Theory and simulator-based practical assessments

• Certificate validity: 2 years

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IWCF Level 4 – Supervisory Level

This level targets supervisors responsible for managing and overseeing well control operations.

• Strong emphasis on leadership and decision-making under pressure

• Practical simulator-based assessments

• Certificate validity: 2 years

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DWC Practical Assessments (Levels 3 & 4)

At Levels 3 and 4, candidates are required to complete simulator-based practical assessments to demonstrate operational competence.

Level 3 – Driller Role

Candidates must be able to:

• Set up the drill floor in accordance with procedures

• Detect drilling breaks and influx situations

• Respond to well control events within acceptable timeframes

• Communicate effectively with supervisors

Level 4 – Supervisor Role

At this level, candidates are expected to:

• Collect and analyse shut-in data

• Select and instruct appropriate kill methods

• Control well kill operations safely

• Identify problems and determine subsequent actions

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IWCF Well Intervention Pressure Control Programme (WIPC)

Programme Overview

The IWCF Well Intervention Pressure Control Programme (WIPC) is designed for personnel involved in completion and well intervention activities. It focuses on pressure control competence, operational safety, and risk reduction during well intervention operations.

Before certification, candidates must complete IWCF-accredited training and pass formal assessments at approved training centres.

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WIPC Certification Structure

The WIPC programme consists of compulsory and optional modules, allowing flexibility based on operational roles.

Compulsory Modules:

• Completion Operations

• Completion Equipment

Optional Modules:

• Wireline Operations

• Coiled Tubing Operations

• Snubbing Operations

• Subsea Operations (optional or standalone)

To obtain a combined certificate, candidates must complete both compulsory modules and at least one optional module.

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WIPC Certification Levels

Level 2 – Assistant Operator

• Intended for assistant operators supporting well intervention activities

• Minimum duration: 20–28 hours (depending on modules)

• Assessment: Multiple-choice examination (60 minutes per module)

• Certificate validity: 5 years

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Level 3 – Equipment Operator

• Intended for wireline, coiled tubing, and snubbing operators

• Minimum duration: 20–28 hours

• Assessment: Multiple-choice examination

• Certificate validity: 2 years

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Level 4 – Supervisory Level

• Intended for well services supervisors and service leaders

• Minimum duration: 20–28 hours

• Assessment: Multiple-choice examination

• Certificate validity: 2 years

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Subsea Module – Well Intervention Pressure Control

The Subsea Module focuses on pressure control during subsea well intervention operations and aligns with recognised industry standards such as API STD 17G.

• Minimum duration: 8 hours

• Mandatory completion of Wireline and Coiled Tubing modules

• Assessment: 60 minutes, multiple-choice format

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IWCF Examination Structure and Timings

Drilling Well Control (DWC)

• Minimum pass mark: 70% in each module

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Well Intervention Pressure Control (WIPC)

• Each module duration: 60 minutes

• Question format: Multiple choice, multiple response, and calculations

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IWCF Certification Validity

• Level 2: 5 years

• Level 3 & Level 4: 2 years

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Why Choose IWCF Certification with PT Neotek Inovasi Global (NIG)?

IWCF certification represents a global benchmark for well control and well intervention competence. By adopting these standards, organisations can strengthen safety culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve operational readiness.

Furthermore, PT Neotek Inovasi Global (NIG) supports structured training pathways aligned with IWCF requirements. As a result, professionals gain internationally recognised certification while developing practical competence to handle real-world operational challenges safely and effectively.