ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control is a comprehensive three-year, 360-credit programme designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in drilling engineering, well design, well control, and offshore/onshore operations. This internationally recognised qualification equips learners to manage complex drilling projects, implement safety protocols, and optimise operational efficiency in line with global industry standards.
This course is ideal for fresh learners entering the drilling and well control sector as well as experienced professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in well engineering, drilling operations, and safety management. Learners explore critical areas such as directional and horizontal drilling, well control techniques, drilling fluids and pressure management, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and emerging technologies in drilling operations.
Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical exercises, case studies, and project-based learning, learners develop the ability to plan, design, and manage drilling operations effectively. The course emphasises operational safety, crisis management, and process optimisation, ensuring that learners can minimise risks, improve well performance, and maintain environmental and regulatory compliance.
Graduates of Drilling & Well Control programme are prepared for professional roles in drilling engineering, well control, offshore and onshore project management, and technical consultancy. The qualification reflects ICTQual AB’s commitment to delivering high-quality, internationally recognised education, ensuring that learners acquire the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the highly specialised drilling and energy sector.
With its learner-focused approach, practical application, and emphasis on safety and innovation, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control empowers learners to advance their careers, lead drilling projects, and contribute to the sustainable and efficient development of global energy resources.
Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation in Drilling & Well Control
- Principles of Drilling & Well Control
- Introduction to Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Drilling Rig Components and Operations
- Construction Materials and Methods in Drilling Projects
- Drilling Fluids and Wellbore Stability
- Project Planning and Scheduling in Drilling Operations
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness in Drilling
- Communication and Stakeholder Management in Drilling Projects
- Digital Tools and Simulation Software in Drilling
- Financial Management in Drilling Projects
- Quality Assurance and Control in Well Operations
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Drilling
Year 2 – Intermediate Drilling & Well Control Practices
- Advanced Drilling Techniques and Directional Drilling
- Well Design and Engineering Principles
- Pressure Control and Well Control Methods
- Casing, Cementing, and Well Completion Techniques
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Drilling Projects
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Drilling Operations
- Leadership and Team Management in Drilling Projects
- Offshore and Onshore Operations Management
- Sustainability and Environmental Management in Drilling
- Project Monitoring and Reporting in Drilling Projects
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Well Operations
- Communication and Negotiation Skills in Drilling Projects
Year 3 – Advanced Drilling & Well Control and Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Project Management in Drilling Operations
- Advanced Well Engineering and Production Optimisation
- Reservoir and Formation Evaluation for Drilling Projects
- Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Drilling
- Advanced Risk and Crisis Management in Well Control
- Contract Management and Legal Compliance in Drilling Projects
- Leadership in Drilling and Well Control Operations
- Advanced Project Control and Performance Measurement
- Project Governance and Compliance in Well Operations
- Research Methods and Project Analysis in Drilling
- Capstone Project in Drilling & Well Control
- Professional Development and Career Planning
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control:
Year 1 – Foundation in Drilling & Well Control
Principles of Drilling & Well Control
- Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of Drilling & Well Control.
- Explain the role of well control in maintaining operational safety.
- Identify the key processes and techniques used in drilling operations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of drilling terminology, tools, and equipment.
Introduction to Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Describe the stages of petroleum exploration and production.
- Identify different types of oil and gas reservoirs and their characteristics.
- Understand the basic geology and geophysics related to hydrocarbon extraction.
- Recognise the operational challenges in exploration and production projects.
Drilling Rig Components and Operations
- Identify the main components of drilling rigs and their functions.
- Explain standard rig operations for onshore and offshore projects.
- Understand rig safety protocols and operational workflows.
- Apply basic operational planning for drilling activities.
Construction Materials and Methods in Drilling Projects
- Describe common materials used in drilling operations.
- Understand construction methods for well sites and associated infrastructure.
- Evaluate material selection based on project requirements.
- Apply knowledge of construction techniques to drilling project planning.
Drilling Fluids and Wellbore Stability
- Explain the role and types of drilling fluids in well operations.
- Assess wellbore stability and techniques to prevent collapse.
- Understand fluid properties and their impact on drilling performance.
- Apply basic calculations for mud weight, flow rate, and pressure control.
Project Planning and Scheduling in Drilling Operations
- Develop basic project plans for drilling operations.
- Use scheduling tools to sequence drilling activities effectively.
- Identify milestones and critical paths in drilling projects.
- Monitor project timelines and adjust plans to maintain efficiency.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness in Drilling
- Demonstrate awareness of drilling HSE regulations and standards.
- Identify common hazards in drilling operations and mitigation strategies.
- Apply safety protocols during practical exercises.
- Promote environmental responsibility in well operations.
Communication and Stakeholder Management in Drilling Projects
- Identify key stakeholders and their roles in drilling projects.
- Develop effective communication strategies for project teams.
- Prepare reports and documentation for operational updates.
- Manage stakeholder expectations through structured engagement.
Digital Tools and Simulation Software in Drilling
- Use drilling simulation software to model well operations.
- Analyse data to support planning and operational decisions.
- Apply digital tools to optimise drilling performance.
- Understand emerging technologies in digital drilling operations.
Financial Management in Drilling Projects
- Interpret project budgets, cost reports, and financial statements.
- Apply cost estimation and control techniques in drilling projects.
- Evaluate the financial implications of operational decisions.
- Implement cost-effective strategies for resource allocation.
Quality Assurance and Control in Well Operations
- Understand quality standards and procedures in Drilling & Well Control projects.
- Apply QA/QC techniques to ensure operational compliance.
- Monitor well performance and operational outcomes.
- Identify non-conformities and implement corrective actions.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Drilling
- Understand local and international drilling regulations.
- Recognise contractual obligations and industry compliance standards.
- Apply legal frameworks to project planning and execution.
- Ensure operations adhere to statutory and regulatory requirements.
Year 2 – Intermediate Drilling & Well Control Practices
Advanced Drilling Techniques and Directional Drilling
- Apply directional and horizontal drilling methods to complex wells.
- Optimise drilling performance through advanced techniques.
- Analyse well trajectories and subsurface conditions.
- Implement safety and efficiency strategies during advanced drilling operations.
Well Design and Engineering Principles
- Develop comprehensive well designs for production and exploration wells.
- Apply engineering principles to ensure structural integrity and operational efficiency.
- Select appropriate casing, tubing, and completion strategies.
- Evaluate well design for safety, cost, and performance metrics.
Pressure Control and Well Control Methods
- Implement primary, secondary, and tertiary well control techniques.
- Analyse well pressure data and prevent blowouts.
- Apply best practices for drilling under high-pressure conditions.
- Ensure safety and regulatory compliance in well control operations.
Casing, Cementing, and Well Completion Techniques
- Design and plan casing and cementing operations.
- Select materials and methods for efficient well completion.
- Monitor and evaluate well integrity during completion.
- Apply operational best practices for casing and cementing in diverse environments.
Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Drilling Projects
- Manage procurement processes for drilling equipment and materials.
- Evaluate suppliers and contract terms for efficiency and reliability.
- Optimise supply chain logistics to reduce downtime.
- Monitor procurement performance to ensure project objectives are met.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Drilling Operations
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for Drilling & Well Control projects.
- Identify operational hazards and develop mitigation strategies.
- Apply risk management frameworks to offshore and onshore operations.
- Monitor and review risk controls for continuous improvement.
Leadership and Team Management in Drilling Projects
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in drilling operations.
- Manage team dynamics, performance, and communication.
- Apply leadership principles to ensure operational efficiency.
- Resolve conflicts and foster a collaborative work environment.
Offshore and Onshore Operations Management
- Plan and supervise offshore and onshore drilling operations.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
- Coordinate equipment, resources, and personnel effectively.
- Optimise operational workflows to meet project deadlines.
Sustainability and Environmental Management in Drilling
- Apply sustainable practices in drilling and well operations.
- Monitor environmental impacts and implement mitigation strategies.
- Evaluate alternative technologies for energy-efficient drilling.
- Promote environmental responsibility within operational teams.
Project Monitoring and Reporting in Drilling Projects
- Track project progress against milestones and KPIs.
- Prepare comprehensive reports for stakeholders and management.
- Analyse data to inform decision-making and project adjustments.
- Apply digital tools for monitoring and reporting efficiency.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Well Operations
- Identify technical and operational challenges in drilling projects.
- Apply analytical techniques to resolve complex issues.
- Make informed decisions under high-pressure scenarios.
- Implement corrective actions to ensure project success.
Communication and Negotiation Skills in Drilling Projects
- Develop clear and effective written and verbal communication.
- Negotiate contracts, resources, and stakeholder agreements.
- Apply communication strategies for cross-functional teams.
- Manage information flow during critical project phases.
Year 3 – Advanced Drilling & Well Control and Strategic Leadership
Strategic Project Management in Drilling Operations
- Develop long-term strategies for complex drilling projects.
- Align project goals with organisational objectives.
- Plan resource allocation, budgeting, and timelines strategically.
- Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies accordingly.
Advanced Well Engineering and Production Optimisation
- Analyse well performance and optimise production rates.
- Apply advanced engineering techniques to maximise hydrocarbon recovery.
- Monitor reservoir behaviour and well integrity.
- Implement strategies for cost-effective and efficient production.
Reservoir and Formation Evaluation for Drilling Projects
- Conduct detailed reservoir and formation analysis.
- Apply geological and geophysical data for drilling decisions.
- Assess reservoir potential and production feasibility.
- Recommend drilling adjustments based on formation evaluations.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Drilling
- Identify and apply innovative technologies in drilling operations.
- Evaluate digital tools, automation, and IoT applications in well control.
- Implement solutions to improve operational efficiency and safety.
- Stay updated with emerging trends in the global oil and gas industry.
Advanced Risk and Crisis Management in Well Control
- Develop contingency plans for high-risk scenarios.
- Analyse potential crises and implement proactive measures.
- Manage emergency responses during well control incidents.
- Ensure operational continuity and safety under extreme conditions.
Contract Management and Legal Compliance in Drilling Projects
- Understand contractual obligations and legal frameworks in drilling.
- Manage supplier, contractor, and stakeholder agreements effectively.
- Ensure regulatory compliance throughout project lifecycle.
- Resolve contractual disputes with minimal operational impact.
Leadership in Drilling and Well Control Operations
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments.
- Foster accountability, collaboration, and performance culture.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers and technical staff.
- Apply leadership strategies to complex operational challenges.
Advanced Project Control and Performance Measurement
- Implement advanced control techniques to monitor project performance.
- Analyse KPIs and benchmarks to optimise drilling operations.
- Identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
- Apply project control tools to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Project Governance and Compliance in Well Operations
- Apply governance frameworks to ensure project accountability.
- Monitor compliance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
- Implement quality assurance measures across drilling projects.
- Ensure transparency and ethical standards in all operational decisions.
Research Methods and Project Analysis in Drilling
- Conduct research to support operational decision-making.
- Analyse project data for performance improvement.
- Apply scientific and engineering methodologies to well control challenges.
- Present research findings to support strategic planning.
Capstone Project in Drilling & Well Control
- Integrate knowledge and skills from all units into a practical project.
- Demonstrate problem-solving, planning, and leadership in a real-world scenario.
- Apply advanced drilling and well control techniques.
- Produce a comprehensive report and presentation for assessment.
Professional Development and Career Planning
- Develop a personalised career plan aligned with drilling and well control roles.
- Identify opportunities for lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Enhance leadership, project management, and technical skills.
- Prepare for senior roles in drilling, well engineering, and energy operations.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control equips learners with the advanced technical knowledge, leadership skills, and operational expertise required to excel in the global oil and gas industry. Graduates of this programme are prepared to take on senior roles in drilling operations, well engineering, and project management, combining practical experience with strategic decision-making capabilities. This qualification opens up a wide range of career opportunities in both upstream and midstream sectors, offshore and onshore operations, and energy project management.
Career Pathways and Opportunities
- Senior Drilling Engineer: Lead and manage complex drilling projects, optimise well performance, and implement advanced drilling techniques.
- Well Control Specialist: Oversee well control operations, manage pressure and blowout prevention strategies, and ensure safety compliance.
- Reservoir and Production Engineer: Analyse reservoir performance, design production strategies, and maximise hydrocarbon recovery.
- Offshore/Onshore Operations Manager: Coordinate drilling operations, manage rig personnel, and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
- Project Manager in Energy Sector: Plan, execute, and control drilling and well projects, monitor budgets, and ensure timely delivery.
- Technical Consultant in Drilling & Well Control: Provide expert guidance on well engineering, drilling optimisation, and emerging technologies.
- Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Advisor: Develop and implement HSE strategies to minimise operational risks in drilling projects.
- Innovation and Technology Specialist: Implement digital solutions, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance drilling efficiency and safety.
Professional Development
Graduates are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development, including specialised training in advanced well control, offshore operations, risk management, and digital drilling technologies. This ensures long-term career growth and positions learners for leadership roles within multinational oil and gas organisations.
The Drilling & Well Control diploma empowers learners to progress in technical, operational, and strategic roles, contributing to safer, more efficient, and sustainable drilling and energy operations worldwide.
To successfully deliver the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control, centres must meet rigorous standards that ensure high-quality teaching, practical training, and learner support. These requirements are designed to maintain academic integrity, provide learners with access to industry-relevant resources, and uphold ICTQual AB’s commitment to excellence in vocational education and professional development. Centres adhering to these standards ensure that learners gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in drilling, well control, and energy sector operations.
Accreditation and Approval
- Centres must hold valid approval from ICTQual AB to deliver the Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control.
- Approval ensures that the centre meets all academic, administrative, and quality assurance standards required for high-level vocational training.
- Centres must maintain updated certification and comply with ICTQual AB’s policies and procedures.
Facilities and Infrastructure
- Centres must provide adequate classrooms, training facilities, and practical workshop spaces suitable for drilling and well control instruction.
- Access to simulation software, digital tools, and drilling equipment is required for hands-on learning and practical exercises.
- Centres should ensure reliable internet access and computer labs to support online resources and digital learning platforms.
Teaching Staff
- Instructors must have relevant qualifications and substantial experience in drilling, well control, or petroleum engineering.
- Staff should be trained in contemporary teaching methods, assessment strategies, and the use of digital tools for drilling education.
- Continuous professional development for teaching staff is recommended to ensure alignment with industry best practices.
Learner Support
- Centres must provide guidance, mentoring, and academic support to learners throughout the three-year programme.
- Support services should include access to study resources, simulation software guidance, and project supervision.
- Centres must have systems for tracking learner progress, managing assessments, and providing feedback.
Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Centres are required to implement internal quality assurance processes to ensure consistent and reliable delivery of the programme.
- Centres must comply with ICTQual AB’s assessment, certification, and moderation requirements.
- Regular audits, reviews, and continuous improvement measures should be in place to maintain high standards of training delivery.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to the Drilling & Well Control and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: Learners enrol in the programme at an ICTQual AB Approved Training Centre.Entry requirements, including minimum age, educational background, and language proficiency, must be met.
- Training: Learners undergo formal training covering all theoretical and practical study units over the three-year programme.
- Assessment: Learners complete assignments, practical exercises, and project work designed to test understanding and application of course material.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all assessments and requirements, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For candidates who already have relevant work experience in the Drilling & Well Control, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: Learners with at least 6 years of verified experience in drilling, well control, or related energy sectors may follow this route.
- Assessment of Competence: Experienced learners are assessed to determine if their existing knowledge and skills meet the learning outcomes of the programme.
- Evidence Submission: Documentation of work experience, including job roles, responsibilities, and tasks aligned with course outcomes, must be provided.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres may conduct a skills gap assessment to identify any additional learning requirements.
- Certification: Learners demonstrating competency and meeting the programme standards are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma without completing the full training programme.
This dual-route approach ensures accessibility for both new learners and seasoned professionals, enabling them to achieve industry-recognised qualifications and advance in their drilling and well control careers.