Well intervention

pressure control
Instructor pack
September 2021
Introduction
IWCF will shortly begin the introduction of a new assessment
structure for the Well Intervention Pressure Control (WIPC)
programme. This will impact the assessment content, timings and
number of questions.

This pack has been created to provide background information

and support for all IWCF accredited WIPC instructors.

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Multi-Tier Review Process
Since 2019, IWCF has been reviewing and creating new questions that
are role specific, relevant to the syllabi and incorporate previous
assessment feedback.

A visual of this process is represented below.

All of these initiatives together have given us valuable feedback and

data which we have used to create the new questions, ensuring they
align with the syllabi.

We will continue to use candidate and instructor feedback, as well as

pass rate data to ensure we can monitor, maintain and update new
questions where necessary.

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Assessment Framework
Following on from the review process, we will be introducing changes
to our assessment framework. These changes will be introduced from
Monday 29 November 2021.

Previous feedback indicated that candidates would benefit from

changes to the duration and structure of WIPC assessments.

IWCF must balance the time per question with the overall assessment
length. This means we have had to adjust the previously longer
Completion Operations assessment to allow for the additional time
applied to the optional modules. This also gives candidates the
opportunity to receive a balance of questions across the various
syllabus topics.

Number of Duration Time per

Module
questions (minutes) question

Completion Operations 30 60

Completion Equipment 30 60

Wireline 30 60 2 minutes
Coiled Tubing 30 60

Snubbing 30 60

The new WIPC structure will also apply equal weighting (one point per
question). This was successfully implemented into the drilling
programme in 2017 and feedback suggests candidates and instructors
support this approach. Equal weighting allows candidates a fairer
opportunity to perform well over a balance of syllabus topics
throughout the assessment.

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 Syllabi Updates
Based on feedback, we will be making a few minor changes to the
WIPC syllabi.

IWCF do not expect centres to resubmit training materials – the

changes relate mostly to minor terminology updates to ensure the
syllabus is clear and consistent throughout.

Please find the summary table below.

Syllabus Level Update Reason for update

category
WI-SF-COM- 4 Removal of the term The WIPC syllabus does not require the calculation
02.02.03 ‘calculate’. of MAASP.

Candidates must understand the principles, how to

analyse the source of abnormal annulus pressure
and explain how to bring the pressure back to
normal without compromising well integrity.
WI-SF-COM- 3/4 Additional reference to Instructor feedback indicated this specific type of
02.03.04 quick test subs. equipment could be highlighted.

WI-SF-COM- 3 Quick test subs are commonly used PCE

04.02.01 components improve operational safety.
WI-SF-COM- 2/3/4 Removal of ‘formation Previous text incorrectly indicated that the terms ‘leak
03.04.01 injectivity pressure’ and off pressure’ and ‘formation injectivity pressure’ could
‘leak off pressure’. be used interchangeably.
WI-SF-COM- 4
08.05.02 Updated to ‘formation
injectivity test.’
WI-SF-SNO- 3/4 Change in terminology from Previous text within this syllabus category was
04.03.04 ‘blind/shear’ to ‘shear/seal’. inconsistent.

In line with the rest of the syllabus, this has been

amended to ‘shear/seal’.
WI-SF-SNO- 2/3 Change from ‘stripper BOP’ Feedback suggests the revised text is more
02.02.01 to ‘upper and lower stripper commonly used terminology.
rams’
WI-SF-SNO- 3/4 Change ‘slip bowl’ to slips’ Feedback suggests that the term ‘slips’ is more
04.03.03 technically accurate than the previous term.
WI-SF-SNO- 3/4 ‘Stripper BOP’ changed to There was inconsistency throughout the syllabus
04.03.04 ‘lower stripper rams’ related to this term.

‘Safety BOP’ changed to Feedback suggests the revised text is more

‘pipe rams/safety BOPs’ commonly used terminology.

The update ensures the pipe ram/safety BOPs are

not confused for the safety head (which is a shear
ram).

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Syllabi Updates
In the weeks ahead, the full syllabi will be updated and will be available
on the IWCF website. We will inform you when the updated
document is available for download.

You can also find other useful WIPC resources on our website here.

These include the following.

Well Intervention Pressure Control Syllabi Guidance Document –

this highlights the overall themes from our technical review
process. It contains a table that highlights key syllabus areas that
we strongly recommend training centres and instructors closely
review.

WIPC Guidance Video – this discusses the main syllabus changes,

their importance and relevance to improving the overall WIPC
programme.

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Release Schedule
IWCF will implement a phased process for introducing new content
into the question bank. Feedback suggests training centres and
instructors support this approach. This means as new questions are
gradually added to the assessments, old questions will be gradually
removed.

Updates will be introduced in a phased approach with instructor

support provided at each stage.

The first scheduled update is the introduction of the new assessment

structure on Monday 29 November 2021.

The timeline for this process will be closely monitored to ensure

instructors and centres are supported throughout the transition.

Phased release summary

We will issue all instructors with a summary document before each
phased release. This high-level summary will explain syllabus areas
that will be introduced at each phase. IWCF will aim to introduce
topics in a structured way across the levels however as there is a
gradual approach, the introduction of questions for certain syllabus
areas may be spread across one or more phases.

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Assessment Questions
Revised questions closely follow the progression between syllabus
levels.   
 
Level 2 questions focus on foundational knowledge and awareness. 
Level 3 questions (operator level) focus on applying knowledge and
skills.  
Level 4 questions (supervisor level) focus both on applying
knowledge and skills with an added focus on critical thinking and
problem solving. 

It is important to recognise that level 3 and 4 are different courses.

They each contain elements that are appropriate for specific job roles
and field experience. This aligns with the level guidance chart within
IOGP 476, 2019.

We share a responsibility to encourage candidates to take the correct

level for their position. When candidates take the incorrect level for
their job and experience, they may not fully benefit from the training
and risk not passing their assessment.

You can find the IOGP level guidance chart on our website.

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 Instructor Support

In line with the introduction of the new WIPC questions,

IWCF will be providing additional support to instructors and
centres.

This includes the following initiatives.

Instructor newsletters

LinkedIn group

Additional reference materials

New images

Access to an instructor hub.

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Instructor Newsletter
Earlier this year, IWCF created a newsletter specifically for instructors
and assessors. It aims to give you an insight into our feedback
processes, industry updates and upcoming initiatives. 

As the new WIPC questions become integrated into the assessment,

IWCF will use this newsletter to highlight general themes of instructor
and candidate feedback.

If there are updates to any industry standards which will impact IWCF
programmes, we will also use the newsletter to communicate this to
instructors.

The information in these updates aims to enhance your understanding

of where candidates need additional support. Therefore we
recommend you actively read and implement the recommendations
sent to you within these communications.

We recognise many instructors have their personal email addresses

linked to their instructor accounts. If you also want to sign up with your
work email, you can do so here.

LinkedIn Group
IWCF has set up a WIPC instructor LinkedIn group as feedback
suggests instructors would value a space where they could connect
and share ideas. We will also post new resources into this group.

You can join by clicking here.

This platform is to connect and share knowledge. Any questions or for

the IWCF team should be sent to [email protected].

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Additional Reference Materials
IWCF barrier terms and definitions
This document summaries IWCF’s stance on barriers. The main
principle is that two barriers must be present before breaking isolation.
This is applicable to both the Drilling Well Control and WIPC
programme. You can view the document in the learning resources
section of the IWCF website here.

Formula sheets
IWCF is planning to release an updated formula sheet. Due to the
phased release of the questions, the current formula sheet will remain
in use for the first phase of the project. We will communicate with all
centres and instructors when an updated formula sheet is available.
Current formula sheets are available to download on the IWCF website
here.

Case study
The 2019 case study (5 question reverse kill exercise) received a lot of
feedback. We have continued to review this and in the short term, the
existing case study in the CO assessment will remain. We will look to
replace this in time however it will not be included in the first phased
release. When it is re-introduced, we will look to provide additional
support and resources to help prepare instructors and candidates.

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New Images
IWCF has developed a library of icons that each represent different
components. They can be combined together to make custom
diagrams to represent rig up configurations.

The icons are simple, grey scale and non-manufacturer specific. They
intend to aid understanding of specific scenarios described in IWCF
questions rather than act as like-for-like representations of what
candidates may see on location. This is important to ensure that they
are suitable for our global candidate base.

Updated diagram examples are shown below.

All instructors will shortly be issued with a login to the Members Login
Area where they can download the completed diagrams to familiarize
themselves with the new images.

Examples of individual icons Example of combining icons to

create a rig up

Weight indicator

Control panel

Stuffing box

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Providing good quality feedback
Instructor and candidate feedback is an important part of IWCF’s
approach to developing our programmes and assessment content.
Candidates can give feedback on individual questions by using the
‘flag’ function within the digital assessment. Candidates taking paper
assessments can fill in a feedback form at the end of their assessment.

Questions will be monitored, reviewed and, where required, updated

over time. Clear and specific feedback is very important to allow us to
investigate concerns quickly and efficiently.

The examples below outline some clear, constructive feedback

compared to vague or general comments that we cannot action. Please
share these examples with your candidates to ensure feedback is
provided to us that is clear and specific to ensure it is actionable.

Feedback IWCF cannot action:

"The language in several questions confused me."

This type of feedback does not indicate a question number or alert us to

specific problems with language or terminology.

Feedback IWCF can action:

“Question 31 relates to a surface scenario, but some of the

answers refer to equipment only seen in a subsea environment.
This could be confusing”.

This feedback indicates a specific question with a clear reason to why the
candidate feels the language is confusing.

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Grading Analysis Sheet (GAS)
The grading analysis sheet is a tool which allows candidates to see
areas where they have failed to answer correctly.

Instructors can support candidates by using the information within the

GAS to cross reference the syllabus area.

For example, the GAS shows the candidate the following information.

WI-SF-WLO-04.03.01 Loss of pressure What to do if there are defects

control during well that could affect BOP function
intervention operations during a wireline operation.
WL.

Cross referencing the code with the syllabus shows further

information, including a detailed bulleted list of topics included in this
question bank category. As all questions are based on the syllabus
learning outcome, this should advise the candidate of targeted areas
for retraining and revision.

Contact us
Please contact us by emailing [email protected] if you have
any questions.

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