Level 3 Diploma in Directional Drilling

1. Directional Drilling Fundamentals : Introduces directional-drilling principles, wellbore terminology, reasons for deviated and horizontal wells, common well profiles, directional objectives, rigsite roles and the relationship between drilling, subsurface and directional-service teams.

2. Well Planning and Trajectory : Covers target definition, kickoff concepts, build and drop sections, hold sections, trajectory planning, inclination, azimuth, dogleg severity, planned well paths and the relationship between surface location and downhole targets. IADC's directional-drilling reference specifically includes target definition, trajectory design, well profiles and deviation control.

3. Surveying and Well Positioning : Develops knowledge of directional surveys, magnetic and gyroscopic surveying, inclination and azimuth measurements, survey stations, positional uncertainty, survey quality and basic wellbore-positioning principles. Energistics' WITSML trajectory model identifies directional survey data as the information used to define the wellbore trajectory, while the ISCWSA/SPE Wellbore Positioning Technical Section develops industry standards and practices for survey accuracy and error modelling.

4. BHA and Steering Tools : Examines bottom-hole assemblies, stabilisers, drill collars, drill bits, bent-housing mud motors, steerable motors, rotary steerable systems and the basic effects of BHA configuration on directional response. API Spec 7-1:2023 addresses technical delivery requirements for rotary drill-stem elements including drill collars, heavy-weight drill pipe, subs and stabilisers.

5. MWD, LWD and Geosteering : Covers MWD and LWD functions, directional measurements, telemetry, real-time data, formation evaluation concepts and the use of downhole information to support trajectory decisions and geosteering. Current industry systems use MWD for continuous direction and inclination measurements and combine directional control with formation-evaluation information.

6. Anti-Collision and Wellbore Integrity : Develops awareness of wellbore separation, survey uncertainty, collision-risk management, proximity monitoring, wellbore integrity, tortuosity and the consequences of inaccurate well-position information. ISCWSA/SPE identifies survey accuracy, error models, survey QA/QC and collision avoidance as important elements of wellbore positioning.

7. Drilling Performance and Well Control : Examines drilling parameters, rate of penetration, torque and drag awareness, vibration, hole cleaning, trajectory quality, operational troubleshooting and fundamental well-control principles relevant to directional operations. IADC's current WellSharp programme provides role-specific well-control education for drilling personnel, while modern directional-drilling operations increasingly integrate real-time monitoring and drilling optimisation.

8. Directional Drilling Operations and Safety : Integrates well planning, surveys, steering tools, MWD/LWD information, anti-collision controls, drilling performance, communication, risk management and safe operational practices through a practical directional-drilling project and final competency assessment.

Successful learners can develop:

• Practical knowledge of directional-drilling operations.

• Understanding of well profiles and trajectory planning.

• Knowledge of inclination, azimuth and dogleg severity.

• Awareness of directional survey methods and positional uncertainty.

• Understanding of BHA behaviour and steering tools.

• Knowledge of mud motors and rotary steerable systems.

• MWD/LWD and real-time drilling-data awareness.

• Introduction to geosteering.

• Anti-collision and wellbore-positioning awareness.

• Drilling-performance and troubleshooting skills.

• Fundamental well-control awareness.

• Directional-drilling safety and communication skills.

Modern directional-drilling technology combines steering systems, measurement technologies and real-time data to maintain trajectory and improve well placement.

The qualification is suitable for:

• Directional-drilling trainees.

• Junior Directional Drillers.

• MWD/LWD support personnel.

• Drilling technicians.

• Wellsite drilling personnel.

• Drilling engineers developing field-based directional knowledge.

• Rig personnel progressing toward directional-drilling responsibilities.

• Oil and gas drilling-service personnel.

• Well-planning support personnel.

• Learners preparing for specialist drilling and well-control training.

Assessment Format: Written knowledge examination combined with trajectory-planning exercises, directional-survey calculations, BHA and steering-tool assessments, MWD/LWD interpretation, anti-collision scenarios, drilling-performance case studies and an integrated directional-drilling practical project.

Total Questions: 60 Questions

Passing Score: 70%

Duration: 120 Minutes

Certification: Successful learners receive the HiQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Directional Drilling, subject to the qualification's approved assessment and quality-assurance requirements.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Level 3 Diploma in Directional Drilling may progress to:

• HiQual UK Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in Directional Drilling, Drilling Engineering, Well Engineering, Petroleum Engineering or Oil and Gas Operations.

• Specialist training in MWD/LWD, rotary steerable systems, geosteering, wellbore positioning, anti-collision, drilling optimisation and well control.

• Directional-drilling roles such as Directional Drilling Trainee, Junior Directional Driller, Drilling Technician and Directional Operations Assistant, subject to employer competency requirements.

• Progression toward Directional Driller, Senior Directional Driller, Wellsite Drilling Engineer or Drilling Engineer roles through additional training, field experience and professional development.

• Continuing professional development through industry programmes such as relevant IADC WellSharp courses and specialist technical training.