Directional Driling

1. Introduction to Directional Drilling Reviews the evolution, applications, and advantages of directional drilling.

2. Well Planning and Trajectory Design Covers survey methods, trajectory calculations, and anti‑collision planning.

3. Directional Drilling Tools and Equipment Explains bottom hole assemblies (BHAs), mud motors, rotary steerable systems, and MWD/LWD tools.

4. Drilling Fluids and Hydraulics in Directional Wells Reviews fluid properties, hole cleaning, and hydraulic optimization.

5. Surveying and Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Explains survey techniques, toolface orientation, and real‑time data acquisition.

6. Horizontal and Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) Covers design considerations, operational challenges, and best practices.

7. Wellbore Stability and Torque & Drag Management Reviews geomechanics, friction factors, and mitigation strategies.

8. Directional Drilling Challenges and Troubleshooting Explains stuck pipe, doglegs, tool failures, and corrective actions.

9. Risk Management and Safety in Directional Drilling Focuses on hazard identification, contingency planning, and HSE compliance.

10. Case Studies and Practical Simulations Provides real‑world examples and simulator‑based directional drilling exercises.

• Builds advanced competence in directional and horizontal drilling

• Enhances compliance with IADC, IWCF, and international drilling standards

• Strengthens skills in trajectory design, surveying, and downhole tool operation

• Provides tools for risk management, troubleshooting, and performance optimization

• Offers recognized certification to support career progression in drilling engineering and well planning

• Drilling engineers and well planners

• Rig supervisors and toolpushers

• MWD/LWD engineers and directional drillers

• Contractors and service providers in drilling operations

• Individuals preparing for advanced well control and drilling leadership certifications

• Assessment Type: Written exam + simulation assessment

• Format: MCQs, short answers, applied case study, and simulator‑based directional drilling exercise

• Total Questions: 70 theory + 1 case study + 1 simulation

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 3 hours (written) + 1 day (simulation)

• Certification: Directional Drilling

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.