News

One definition for the saying “the devil is in the detail” is that plans or actions that seem sound must be carefully examined, because minor details can end up causing major, unforeseen problems.  When it comes to initial operations license training there are many, many details.

In 2021 and 2022 the NRC and industry will make significant changes to initial operations license training.  These changes include:

• Eliminating a separate test (Generic Fundamentals Examination) on reactor theory, thermodynamics, and components by adding questions on these subjects to the final written license written examination.  This change improves flexibility and reduces cost but one concern expressed by students during a pilot was there is more to study at the end.  At this time, the separate test will be eliminated in 2022.
• The first major update to the knowledge and abilities (K/A) catalogs for BWRs and PWRs in 30 years.  These knowledge and abilities catalogs form the basis for the training and exams during initial license training.  This change will result in more operationally valid exam questions but will add a few systems and some subtle but significant changes in exam question stems.  This change will be issued in September and plants can stay on previous K/A catalogs through August of 2022.
• Updating the criteria for selecting licensed operators with the goal to eliminate waivers and deferrals.  The ACAD revision for these changes is expected to be issued in September.
• Changing the grading criteria for initial license exams.  It looks like this new criteria will be in place for 2022 exams.

Industry estimates for the cost of initial license training are $500K per candidate.  This is an illustration of the complexity and importance of this training.  Getting an NRC operations license is a very big deal.  In recognition of the importance and significance of this area, USA formed a team in June of this year to begin preparations for these changes as well as to improve some areas.  Team members are:

• Brandon Christiansen – Susquehanna
• Tom Morales – Comanche Peak
• Adrian Culver – South Texas
• Andy Gardner – DC Cook
• Craig Prost – Columbia
• Mike Bacon – Cooper
• Judd Lapp – Monticello & Prairie Island

Mike Petersen of Xcel has been very active with the team offering change management suggestions and has recently joined the team.  Also Tracy North of Fermi is joining the team in August.

While the changes listed above are all intended to reduce complexity and improve flexibility, the details on how to adjust initial license training are not insignificant.  As basketball great John Wooden said:  “It is the little details that are vital.  Little things make big things happen.”  Our team will work together to ensure we address all the details, make this initial training better, and ensure big things happen for as many of our candidates as possible.