First Time IWCF Level 3 Candidates
When Damir and I started WellEngIQ, we had one simple belief: Every person working in the oil and gas industry deserves exceptional Well Control training. That belief is especially true for First Time IWCF Level 3 candidates.
By the time you’re invited to complete your first IWCF Well Control course, you’ve already earned your place. You’ve spent years working in the field, learning from experienced crews, proving yourself in each position and demonstrating that you’re ready for the next step in your career.
Your first Well Control certificate means something.
It shouldn’t be treated as just another training course to tick off. It deserves to be taught properly.
We believe you deserve to understand what is actually happening downhole. You deserve an instructor who takes the time to answer every question, explain every concept and make sure you understand the why behind Well Control.
Our job isn’t simply to prepare you for an assessment.
Our job is to help you become a safer, more capable oilfield professional.
Our first time IWCF level 3 Results
Since opening in July 2025, 17 first-time Level 3 candidates have completed their course with WellEngIQ.
14 achieved their IWCF Level 3 certificate on their first attempt.
That’s an 82% first-time pass rate.
While we’re proud of those results, we’ve learned just as much from the candidates who didn’t pass first time.
What We’ve Learned from first time IWCF level 3 candidates
The biggest lesson is simple.
You cannot rush Well Control.
In a world where everything seems to move faster every year, Well Control knowledge is built slowly.
The candidates who try to memorise everything in a few days often struggle.
The candidates who invest time understanding the concepts almost always perform better.
Pre-course preparation is one of the biggest predictors of success.
You’ll never finish the course thinking,
“I wish I hadn’t spent so much time studying.”
But candidates who don’t prepare almost always say afterwards,
“I wish I’d done more before the course.”
A Fail Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Do It
This is something we’re passionate about.
Not passing first time doesn’t mean you’re not capable.
It simply means you need more time to develop your understanding.
Some of the strongest candidates we’ve taught didn’t pass on their first attempt. They went away, filled the gaps in their knowledge, asked questions, completed additional work and came back to succeed.
That’s not failure.
That’s learning.
What Successful Candidates Have in Common
Although every candidate is different, the first time IWCF level 3 students who succeed first time usually have similar habits.
They:
- Complete their pre-course study.
- Arrive already comfortable with Kill Sheets.
- Stay engaged throughout the week.
- Participate in class discussions.
- Complete their homework each evening.
- Ask questions whenever something isn’t clear.
- Turn up each day ready to learn.
They stay “on” all week.
Our Advice for First Time IWCF Level 3 Candidates
There are a few things completely within your control.
- Complete at least 10 hours of pre-course study (more is even better). At a minimum, arrive comfortable completing Kill Sheets.
- Stay engaged throughout the week. Every discussion helps build understanding.
- Complete your homework each evening.
- Ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, keep asking until it does.
- Book accommodation close to the training centre so you can maximise your study time and minimise unnecessary travel.
- Prioritise sleep, good nutrition and looking after yourself. Your brain performs best when you do.
- Believe you can do it.
That last point might sound unusual, but we’ve seen it make a real difference.
One Derrickman came into the course saying,
“If I get this ticket, I’ll be promoted.”
We challenged him to change one word.
“Don’t say if. Say when.”
He walked away with his certificate on his first attempt.
Confidence doesn’t replace preparation.
But preparation combined with belief is incredibly powerful.
We’re Here to Help You Win
Nothing compares to watching a first time IWCF level 3 candidate receive their IWCF certificate.
It never gets old.
At WellEngIQ, we genuinely want every first-time candidate to succeed on their first attempt.
We’ll bring the knowledge, experience, patience and support.
You bring the preparation, commitment and willingness to learn.
Together, that’s where the magic happens.
A quick resource to get you started
If you are looking for some materials to get you started, IWCF has a free resource called Well Control and Pressure Control Calculations.
This is a great place to get started if you are still waiting for your first course.
Looking to get booked in with WellEngIQ please click on the link to our calendar.
