Drilling Project and Risk Management Certification Training

The training provides a holistic and practical understanding of project management and risk principles as they apply to drilling operations in oil and gas. This course integrates multidisciplinary insights from operations, personnel, finance, procurement, and legal functions to help professionals manage drilling projects effectively, safely and cost-efficiently. It covers the complete lifecycle of drilling projects - from planning and contracting to execution, HSEQ systems, risk assessment and lessons learned - with an emphasis on applying structured tools and methodologies to optimize project performance and mitigate risks. Through real-world case studies, industry-relevant tools and systematic frameworks, learners develop the competence to lead drilling initiatives, align project goals with value creation, and anticipate and manage uncertainties in complex drilling environments.

Module 1 - Introduction to Drilling Project & Risk Management

• Overview of drilling project lifecycle
• Relationship between cost, value and operational performance
• Key principles of project and risk management in drilling operations



Module 2 - Contracting, Commercials & Project Governance

• Contract models (day rate, lump sum, turnkey, performance-based)
• Tendering and contracting strategy
• Project finance, budgeting and administration
• Supply chain and procurement management



Module 3 - Project Planning & Execution

• Project planning workflows and design fundamentals
• Drilling program development and documentation
• Planning software and digital tools for well design
• Reporting systems and performance monitoring
• Communication, information flow and knowledge management
• Project close-out and lessons learned processes



Module 4 - Management Systems & HSEQ

• Overview of management systems used in drilling operations
• HSEQ management systems and regulatory compliance
• Integration of safety, quality and environmental standards
• Accountability, oversight and continuous improvement frameworks



Module 5 - Risk Management Principles

• Introduction to risk management in drilling projects
• The risk management process (identification, analysis, evaluation, control)
• Strategic, tactical and operational levels of risk management
• Operational risk assessment tools and techniques
• HAZID, HAZOP, bow-tie analysis
• Barrier management and critical controls



Module 6 - Applied Case Study: Investigating an Actual Event

• Participants receive comprehensive information on a past drilling event
• Teams apply structured investigation tools and methodologies
• Identification of causal factors, failed barriers and underlying issues
• Development of effective remedial and preventive actions
• Practical debrief to link findings to project and risk management best practices

• Basic understanding of drilling operations and project lifecycle
• Familiarity with health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards in oil & gas
• General knowledge of project management concepts

• Drilling engineers and supervisors
• Project managers in oil, gas and energy sectors
• HSEQ and risk management professionals
• Operations and maintenance managers
• Asset integrity and reliability personnel

• 20 multiple-choice questions covering all course modules
• Passing requirement: at least 15 correct answers
• Two attempts allowed to achieve a passing score
• Certificate issued upon successful completion of the exam

Obtaining the Drilling Project Risk Management Certification with training equips professionals with essential, practical skills to effectively identify, assess and mitigate risks inherent in drilling operations. This structured training goes beyond theoretical knowledge by teaching participants how to apply risk tools and frameworks to real drilling scenarios, conduct quantitative and qualitative risk assessments, develop robust mitigation and contingency plans and integrate risk management into drilling project planning and execution. For drilling engineers, project managers, HSE professionals and operational leaders in upstream oil & gas, geothermal, or drilling services - this means being better prepared to anticipate challenges, protect people and assets and make sound decisions that improve safety, efficiency, and project outcomes.

From a career and financial perspective, earning this certification with guided training can significantly enhance professional credibility, employability and earning potential. Professionals with recognised credentials in drilling risk management are highly valued in sectors where drilling campaigns involve complex geology, high operational costs and stringent safety requirements. Depending on experience, role and region, certified practitioners such as Drilling Risk Specialists, Drilling Project Managers, HSE Risk Leads and Well Planning Engineers can command annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, with senior or specialised roles in large energy firms exceeding $130,000. By combining a respected certification with practical, industry‑focused training, participants not only validate their expertise but also position themselves to deliver greater value to employers and advance their careers in high‑impact technical and leadership roles.

He is an experienced drilling and project management professional with strong expertise in integrated risk and operational management for drilling operations. He guides participants through sound project and risk management principles that enhance efficiency, safety, environmental performance and cost‑effectiveness in drilling projects. With practical insights into planning, contracting, risk assessment and real‑world case study application, he helps professionals build competence in managing drilling risks and optimizing project outcomes. Passionate about developing high‑performing teams, he ensures learners leave with actionable strategies they can apply immediately to improve drilling project performance.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the drilling project lifecycle and understand the relationship between cost, value and operational performance.
• Apply core project management principles to drilling operations, including planning, scheduling and performance monitoring.
• Evaluate different contracting models and develop effective tendering and procurement strategies for drilling projects.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, financing considerations and administrative controls to support efficient execution.
• Use project planning tools and digital solutions for well design, reporting and knowledge management.
• Integrate HSEQ management systems and regulatory compliance into drilling project governance.
• Apply structured risk management processes — including identification, analysis, evaluation and control — to anticipate and mitigate operational risks.
• Use risk assessment techniques such as HAZID, HAZOP and bow-tie analysis to identify hazards and control measures.
• Conduct applied case study analysis to investigate real drilling events, determine causal factors and develop effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Document lessons learned and integrate best practices into future drilling project and risk planning processes.