MDS Academy delivers internationally recognised IWCF and IADC WellSharp Well Control training programmes for drilling and well operations personnel worldwide.
Our courses are available across multiple certification levels, covering both Surface and Combined (Surface + Subsea) operations, and are designed for personnel progressing from operational roles to supervisory positions.
Candidates must successfully complete a recertification programme before expiry to maintain their certification status.
Assessment Methods
Before each course, candidates receive a pre-course Evaluation Assessment, delivered through our CAT (Continuous Adaptive Training) platform, to confirm readiness and tailor the learning experience.
Final certification exams differ by accreditation body:
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IWCF — assessed in two parts:
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Equipment and Principles & Procedures (P&P).
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IADC WellSharp — assessed in a single examination.
From Level 2 onwards (Levels 2, 3 and 4), both the training and the examinations are role-specific — delivered and assessed according to the candidate's chosen role: Surface or Combined (Surface + Subsea).
IWCF Well Control
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Level 1 — Awareness · Duration: Self-guided online
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Level 2 — Introductory · Duration: 4 days · Format: Face-to-Face · Role: Surface or Combined
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Level 3 — Driller · Duration: 5 days · Role: Surface or Combined · Format: Face-to-Face / Virtual Instructor-Led
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Level 4 — Supervisor · Duration: 5 days · Role: Surface or Combined · Format: Face-to-Face / Virtual Instructor-Led
IADC WellSharp
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Introductory · Foundational well control awareness Duration: 4 days · Format: Face-to-Face · Role: Surface or Combined
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Driller · Duration: 5 days · Role: Surface or Combined · Format: Face-to-Face / Virtual Instructor-Led
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Supervisor · Duration: 5 days · Role: Surface or Combined · Format: Face-to-Face / Virtual Instructor-Led
Delivery Formats
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Face-to-Face Training
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Virtual Instructor-Led Training
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Corporate In-House Programmes
Certification Pathways
IWCF Level 2 → IWCF Level 3 Driller → IWCF Level 4 Supervisor
or
IADC WellSharp Introductory → Driller → Supervisor
…allowing candidates to progress through internationally recognised competency levels aligned with their operational responsibilities.

