HDD 101: The Fundamentals of Horizontal Directional Drilling & Tooling

Welcome to HDD 101: The Fundamentals of Horizontal Directional Drilling & Tooling

Course Overview

HDD 101 is a self-paced, video-based training program designed to help you understand the foundation of horizontal directional drilling operations and tooling. Whether you’re new to the field or transitioning into trenchless utility work, this course gives you a jobsite-ready understanding of how to work with drill rigs, pilot bores, reamers, mud systems, and more.

You’ll learn industry-standard methods, safety protocols, and hands-on tooling strategies that prepare you to work effectively on real drilling crews.

📚 What You’ll Learn

  • How HDD supports fiber, utility, and infrastructure projects

  • Components of a complete HDD jobsite

  • How to steer pilot bores using locator and transmitter systems

  • When and how to use reamers and swivels for pullback

  • How ground conditions affect bit and fluid selection

  • Safe and efficient mud mixing, cuttings removal, and flow control

  • Tooling strategies for clay, sand, shale, sandstone, and cobble

  • How to size tools based on rig specs and jobsite requirements

Course Sections

Minute Course

Certificate Awarded

Course Content

HDD 101 Course Sections:
Section 1 – The Impact of HDD
1 Quiz
Section 1 Quiz
Section 2 – The Evolution of HDD Equipment and Capabilities
1 Quiz
Section 2 Quiz
Section 3 – Components of an HDD Jobsite
1 Quiz
Section 3 Quiz
Section 4 – Pilot Bore & Pullback Processes
1 Quiz
Section 4 Quiz
Section 5 – Cut, Mix, & Flow
1 Quiz
Section 5 Quiz
Section 6- Ground – Soft Soils
1 Quiz
Section 6 Quiz
Section 7- Ground – Unconsolidated Soils, Sand & Shale
1 Quiz
Section 7 Quiz
Section 8- Ground – Compact Formations, Sandstone & Cobble
1 Quiz
Section 8 Quiz
Section 9- Reamer Sizing for the Product
1 Quiz
Lesson 9 Quiz
Section 10 – Jobsite Safety Considerations
1 Quiz
Lesson 10 Quiz
Final Exam
Final Quiz
HDD 101 Course | Final Exam