ML20203B532

Memo Rept Inq 85-43 Re 850218 Allegations on Test Scores of Reactor Operators & Possible NRC Involvement in Shaving Points on Exams to Pass Individuals Previously Failing Tests.No Further Action Required

ML20203B532
Person / Time
Site:	Fermi, 05000000
Issue date:	06/28/1985
From:	Logan K, Andrew Ward NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTOR & AUDITOR (OIA)
To:
Shared Package
ML20203B524	List: ML20203B519 ML20203B527 ML20203B532 ML20203B547 ML20203B557 ML20203B575 ML20203B621 ML20203B651 ML20203B662 ML20203B691 ML20203B701
References
FOIA-86-362 INQ-85-43, NUDOCS 8607180240
Download: ML20203B532 (3)

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June 28, 1985 MEMORANDUM REPORT

SUBJECT:

OPERATOR TEST SCORES AT FERMI 2 OIA FILE: INO 85-43 l

BACKGROUND On February 18, 1985, the Headquarters Duty Officer received anonymous allegations involving Fenni 2. The allegations concerned test scores of reactor operators at the Fermi site and possible NRC involvement in " shaving points" on exams to pass individuals who previously failed such tests.

The caller specifically related that on Technical Specification portions o'f operator examinations, three individuals scored 80 percent and one individual scored below 70 percent. It was rumored that they (assumed to be the-individuals taking the exam or the licensee) were going to ask the NRC to shave some points. The anonymous source only identified himself as a Monroe County resident. No time frame was given.

SUMMARY

On February 26, 1985, an independent review of the allegations was conducted by Region III into the possible involvement of NRC examiners. All documented test scores were reviewed by the Region at the Fermi site. Region III could not substantiate any correlation of test scores mentioned in the allegations as compared to actual test scores reviewed.

NRC-administered examinations do not have specific sections of the tests covering Technical Specifications. The licensee administers examinations l prior to NRC testing which include a separate section covering Technical l

THIS REPORT IS THE PROPERTY OF THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR AND AUDITOR. IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR PLACED IN THE PUBLIC DOCUMENT ROOM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

0607180240 860709 PDR FOIA PUNTENN86-362 PDR

Specifications. The test scores for the most recent tests administered by the licensee were reviewed by Region III and no correlation could be detennined that would relate to the allegation.

Interviews with NRC operator licensing personnel by Region III did not reveal any attempts by licensee personnel to influence NRC or NRC contractor person-nel to alter test scores.

The Quality Assurance check list which is required by NUREG 1021 defines a system of checks and balances that would help prevent tampering of exams by NRC and NRC contractor personnel for written examinations.

Two weaknesses regarding the administration of operator examinations were identified by Region III. One weakness involved oral operator reactor examinations in that there was no uniformity in their administration. The second weakness involved the use of white-out on examination material. Both T of these issues were addressed by Region III and referred to the Division of Reactor Projects for review and correction.

On June 10, 1985, a list of 15 questions were addressed to Region III by the Office of Inspector and Auditor (01A). These questions were asked to clarify the material provided by Region III on March 25, 1985.

_ On June 28, 1985, Region III responded to OIA with answers to the 15 questions. These answers both amplified and clarified the actions taken by Region III in their review and are attached to this report.

CONCLUSION Based on the action taken by Region III concerning the allegations, no further action is required. This inquiry is closed.

Anthony Ward, Investigator Office of Inspector and Auditor y i Keith G. Logan, Asshtent Director for Investigations Office of Inspector and Auditor Attachments:

As Stated

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ATTACHMENTS

1. March 25, 1985, Memorandum for Sharon R. CONNELLY, OIA, from James G.

KEPPLER, Region III, subject: Operator Test Scores at Fenni 2 (Alleged Wrongdoing by NRC Personnel), w/ attachments.

2. June 28, 1985, Memorandum for Sharon R. CONNELLY, CIA, from James G.

KEPPLER, Region III, subject: Operator Test Scores at Fermi 2 (Alleged Wrongdoing by NRC Personnel), w/ enclosure T

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