ML20248A029

Informs That Reactor Operator & Senior Reactor Operator Licensing Exams Scheduled for 890911-14.Applications Should Be Submitted 30 Days by First Exam,To Review Training & Experience of Candidate & Determine Eligibility

ML20248A029
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	07/26/1989
From:	Eselgroth P NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I)
To:	Bernard J MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CAMBRIDGE
References
NUDOCS 8908080189
Download: ML20248A029 (11)

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l JUL 261989 Doc.ket No.50-020 Massachusetts Institute of Technology ATTN: Dr. John A. Bernard, Jr.

Director of Reactor Operations  !

138 Albany Street

' Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Gentlemen:

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SUBJECT:

REACTOR OPERATOR AND SENIOR REACTOR OPERATOR EXAMINATIONS In a telephone conversation between Mr. K. Kwok, and Mr. D. Wallace, Examiner, arrangements were.made for the administration of licensing examinations at.the .i Massachq u tts Institute of Technology. o i

The written examinations are scheduled.for September 11, 1989. The; operating examinations are scheduled for September..12;- 14,1989.

l To meet the above schedule, it will be necessary for you to furnish the refer- '"

ence material listed in Enclosure 1, " Reference Material Requirements for Reactor / Senior Reactor Operator Licensing Examinations." Mr. Kwok has been advised of our reference material requirements.

You are responsible for providing adequate space and accommodations for admini-stration of the written examinations. Enclosure 2, '_' Requirements for' Admini-stration of Written Examination," describes our. requirements for conducting l- these examinations. >

q Enclosure 3 contains the Rules and Guidelines that will be -in' effect during the

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administration of the written examination. The facility management is respons-ible for ensuring that all applicants are aware of these rules.

The facility staff review of the written examination will b'e conducte'd'in- l accordance with requirements specified in Enclosure' 4, ." Requirements for Faci-lity Review of Written Examinations."

All completed reactor operator and senior reactor operator license applications should be submitted at least 30 days before 'the first-examination' dates so that we will be able to review the training and experience of the candidates, g process the medical certifications, and prepare final examiner assignments  !

af ter applicant eligibility has been . determined. If the applications;are not i

received at least 30 days before the examination dates, it is possible that a postponement will be necessary.

Mr. Kwok has been informed of the above requirements.

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' Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2 This request is covered by Office of Management and Budget Clearance Number

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3150-0101 which expires May 31, 1992. The estimated average burden is.7.7.

' hours per response, including gathering,' xeroxing and mailing the required.

material. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other asptet of

.this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Records and Reports Management Branch, Division of Information Support-Services, Office of Information Resources Management', U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington,-D. C. 20555;:and to the Paperwork Reduction Project (315D-0101), Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D. C. 2C503.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

If you have any questions regarding the examination procedures and requirements, please contact me at (215) 337-5211.

Sincerely, triginal Signed Bya Peter W. Eselgroth, Chief PWR Section Division of Reactor Safety

Enclosures:

1. Reference Material Requirements for Reactor / Senior Reactor Operator Licensing Examinations .

2. Requirements for Administration of Written Examinations 1

3. )

NRC Rules and Guidelines for Written Examinations

4. Requirements for Facility Review of Written Examinations i

cc w/encis- 4 Dr. O. K. Harling, Director of the Reactor Laboratory l

K. S. Kwok, Superintendent of Reactor Operations Dr. William Vernetson, Director of Nuclear Facilities,  !

University of Florida .,

Public Document Room (FDR)

Local Public Document Room (LPDR)

Nuclear Safety Information Center (NSIC) L Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2) '

bec w/encis: 9 Region I Docket Room (with concurrences)

Management Assistant, DRMA (w/o encis)

D. Haverkamp, DRP i R. Blough, DRP J. Lyash, DRP C. Warren, SRI - Pilgrim .;

R DRP Section Chief 0FFICIAL RECORD COPV OL 90 MIT - 0001.1.0 07/05/89

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Chief Examiner i Assigned Examiners OL Facility File f

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RI:DRS Curley/cmb/dr-RI:DRS Vallace

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' OFFICIAL RECORD COPY OL 90 MIT - 0002.0.0 i 07/05/89 i

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ENCLOSURE 1 ]

i REFERENCE MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REACTOR / SENIOR REACTOR i OPERATOR LICENSING EXAMINATIONS

1. Existing learning objectives, Job Performance Measures and lesson plans (including training manuals, plant orientation manual, system descript- l ions,reactortheory,. thermodynamics,.etc.)

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A copy of the facility Job and Task' Analysis (JTA), specifying the know- j ledges end abilities required for an operator at the facility. Each' particular knowledge and/or ability will include an importance rating correlating it to ensuring the health and safety of the public. If a JTA is not furnished, the Knowledges and Abilities Catalog for Nutiear Power Plant Operators, NUREG 1122 (1123) will be used to establish content validity for the examination.

i All Job Performance Measures (JPMs) used to ascertain the competence .of i the operators in performing tasks within the control room complex and, as identified in the facility JTAs, outside of tre control room, i.e., local j operations.

-Train'.ng materials shall include all substantive written material used for )

preparing applicants for initial R0 and-SR0 licensing. The written mater- i ial shall include learning objectives and the details presented during i lectures, rather than outlines. Training materials shall be identified by 1 plant and unit, bound, tabbed, and indexed. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE, PROPERLY 00VND AND INDEXED' PLANT REFERENCE MATERIAL MAY RESULT IN THE 1 RETURN OF THE MATERIAL TO THE PERSON WHO IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CORPORATE  !

MANAGEMENT WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANT OPERATIONS (E.G., VICE PRESIDENT l 0F NUCLEAR OPERATIONS). ACCOMPANYING THE MATERIAL WILL BE A COVER LETTER EXPLAINING THE DEFICIENCIES IN THE REFERENCE MATERIAL AND THE FACT THAT THIS WAS THE REASON THE EXAMINATIONS WERE CANCELLED OR POSTPONED. Train- l ing materials which include the following shall be provided:

System descriptions including descriptions of all operationally relevant flow path:- components, controls and instrum:entation.

System training material should draw parallels to the actual proce-dures used for operating the applicable system.

Complete and operationally useful descriptions of all. safety-system interactions and, where available, BOP system interactions under.

emergency and. abnormal conditions, including consequences of antici- ,

pated operator error, maintenance error, and eonipment failure.

Training material used to clarify and strengthen understanding of emergency operating procedures.

Comprehensive tneory material that includes fundamentals in the area of theory of reactor operation, thermodynamics, heat transfer and

Enclosure 1 2 fluid flow, as well as specific application to actual in plant components. For example, mechanical theory material ors pumps shall include pump theory.as well as descriptions of how thr se principles actually eppl3 to major plant pumps and the systems in which they are installed (i.e., Reactor Coolant Pumps, all ECCS pumps, Recirculation pumps, Feedwater pumps and Emergency Feedwater pumps). Reactor Theory material shall include descriptions that draw explicit ties between the fundamentals and the actual operating limits followed in the plant (i.e., reactor theory material should contain explanat19e s how principles relate to the actual curves useo by operators to verify shutdown margin or calculate an ECP).

2. Complete Procedure Index (including surveillance procedures, etc.)

3. All Administrative Procedures (as applicable to reactor operation or safety)

4. All integrated plant procedures (normal or general operating procedures)

5. All emergency procedures (emergency instructions, abnormal or special procedures)

6. Standing orders (important orders that are safety related and may supersede the regular procedures)

7. Surveillance procedures (procedures that are run frequently, i.e. weekly or that can be run on the simulator)  !

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8. Fuel-handling and core-loading procedures, (initial core-loading proce-dure, when appropriate)

9. All annonicator/ alarm procedures

10. Radiation protection manual (radiation control manual or procedures)

11. Emergency plan implementing procedures -

12. Technical Specifications (and interpretations, if -available) for all units for which licenses are sought.

13. System Operating Procedures

14. Piping and Instrumentation diagrams, electrical single-line diagrams, or flow diagrams

15. Technical Data Book, and/or Plant curve information as used by operators and facility precautions, limitations, and set points (PLS) for the '

facility.

Enclosure 1 3 l 16. Questions and answers specific to the facility training program which may l be used in the written or operating examinations (voluntary by facility l' licensee) ll . .

17. Additional material required.by tne-examiners to develop examinations that meet the requirements of these standards and the regulations.

The above reference material'shall be approved, final issucs and shall be so marked. If a plant has not finalized somelof the material, the Chief Examiner shall verify with the facility that the most complete, up-to-date material is availa' ale and that agreement has been reached with the licensee for limiting ,

changes before the administration of the examination. All procedures and-

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reference material'shall be bound with appropriate. indices or tables of' contents so that they can be used efficiently. Failure to provide complete, properly bound and indexed plant reference material could result in cancella-tion lor rescheduling of the examinations.

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ENCLOSURE 2 REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

1. A single room shall be provided for administration .of the written exami-nation. The location of this room and supporting restroom facilities shall,be such as to' prevent contact with-all other facilit's and/or.

contractor personnel during the written examination. . If necessary, the facility should make arrangements for. the use of a suitable room at a local school, motel, or other building. Obtaining this roorn is the responsibility of the licensee.

2. Minimum spacing is required to ensure examination integrity as determined. .)

by the Chief Examiner. Minimum spacing should be one applicant per table, with a three foot space between tables.

3. Suitable' arrangement shall be.made by the facility if the applicants are to have. lunch, coffee, or other. refreshments. These arrangements shall comply with Item 1 above and shall be reviewed by the examiner and/or  ;

proctor.

4. The facility licensee shall provide pads of 8-1/2 by 11 inch lined paper in unopened packages for each applicant's use.in completing the examina-tion. The examiner shall distribute these pads to the applicants. i

5. Applicants may bring pens, pencils, calculators or slide rules into the examination room. Only black ink or dark pencils =should be used.for' writing answers to questions.

6. The licensee shall provide'one set of steam tables for.each applicant.

The examiner shall distribute the steam tables to the applicants. No 1' wall charts, models, and/or other training materials shall be present in the examination room. No other equipment or reference material shall be allowed unless provided by the examiner.

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ENCLOSURE 3 L NRC RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR LICENSE EXAMINATIONS

1. Check identification badges.

2. Pass out examinations and all handouts. Remind applicants not to' review examination until instructed to do so.

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS VERBATIM:

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During the administration of this examination the following rules apply:

1. Cheating on the examination means an automatic denial of your application j and could result in more severe penalties. l

2. After the examination has been completed, you must sign the statement on the cover sheet indicating that the work is your own and you nave not received or given assistance.in completing the examination. This must be done after you complete the examination.

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Restroom trips are to be limited and only ona applicant at a time may leave. You must avoid all contacts with anyone outside the examination room to avoid even the appearance or possibility of cheating.

2. Use black ink or dark pencil only to facilitate legible reproductions.

3. Print your name in the blank provided in the upper right-hand corner of the examination cover sheet.  ;

4. Fill in the date on the cover sheet of the examination'(if necessary)..

5. You may write your answers on the examination questi:n page or on a '!

separate sheet of paper. USE ONLY THE PAPER PROVIDED AND DO NOT WRITE- "

ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE PAGE. j

6. If you write your answers on the examination question page and you need i more space to answer a specific question, .use a separate sheet of the ,

paper provided and insert it directly after the specific question. ,

DO NOT WRITE ON THE AACK SIDE OF THE EXAMINATION QUESTION PAGE;

7. . Print your name in the upper right hand corner' of the first page of each.

section of yoLr answer sheets whether you use the examination question pages or separate sheets of paper. Initial ecch page.

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Enclosure 3 2

8. Before you turn in your examination, consecutively number each answer sheet, including any additional pages inserted when writing your answers on the examination question page.

9. If you are using separate sheets, number each answer as to category and number (i .e. , 1.04,6.10) and skip at least 3 lines between answers to allow space for grading.

10. Write "End of Category " at the end of your answers to a categcry,

11. Start each category on a new page.

12. Write "Last Page" on the last answer sheet.

13. Use abbreviations only if they are commonly used in facility literature.

Avoid using symbols such as < or > signs to avoid a simple transposition error resulting in an incorrect answer. Write it out.

14. The point value for each question is indicated in parentheses after the question. The amount of blank space on an examination question page is NOT an indication of the depth of answer required. 1

15. Show all calculations, methods, or assumptions used to obtain an answer.

16. Partial credit may be given for other than multiple choice questions.

Therefore, ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION AND DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWER BLANK.

17. Partial credit will not be awarded for questious using multiple choice selection. Formatting the correct answer must stand on its own merit.

18. Proportional grading will be applied. Any additional wrong information that is provided may count against you. For example, if a question is worth one point and asks for four responses, each of which is worth 0.25 points, and you give five responses, each of your responses will be worth 0.20 points. If one of your five responses is incorrect, 0.20 will be deducted and your total credit for that question will be 0.80 instead of 1.00 even though you got the four correct answers.

19. If the intent of the question is unclear, ask questions of the examiner only.

20. Ensure that all information you wish to have evaluated as part of your answer is on your answer sheet. Scrap paper will be disposed of immedi-ately following the examination without reviews. When turning in your examination, assemble the completad examination with examination ques-tions, examination aids and answer sheets. In addition, turn in all scrap  !

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21. To pass the examination, you must achieve an overall grade of 80% or greater and at least 70% in each category.

22. ~lhere is a time limit of (6) hours for completion of the examination. (or l some other time is less than the full examination is taken.)

23. When you are done and have turned in your examination, leave the. examina-tion area (DEFINE THE AREA). If you are found in this aret. while the examination is still in progress, your license may oe denied or revoked.

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P ENCLOSURE 4.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FACILITY REVIEW 0F WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

1. At the option of the Chief Examiner, the facility may review the written examination up to two weeks prior to its. administration. . This review may take place at the facility or in the Regional office. The Chief Examiner will coordinate the details of the review with the fe ility. An NRC examiner will always be present during the review.

When this option of examination review is utilized .the facility reviewers will sign the following statement prior to being allowed access to the examination. The examination or written notes will not be retained by the facility.

a. Pre-Examination Security Agreement I agree that I will not knowingly divulge any information concerning the replacement (or initial) examination scheduled for to any unauthorized persons. I under-stand that I am not to participate in.any instruction involving those reactor operator or senior reactor operator applicants scheduled to be administered the above replacement (or initial) examination from now until after the examination has been administered. I understand that violation of this security agreement could result in the exami-nation being voided.

l Signature /Date In addition, the facility staff reviewers will sign the following j statement after the written examination has been administered. l

b. Post-Examination Security Agreement 4:

I did not, to the best of knowledge,' divulge any j information concerning the written eremination administered on to any unauthorized persons. I did not parti-cipate in providing any. instruction to those reactor' operator and senior reactor operator applicants who were administered the exami-nation from the time that I was allowed access to the examination. )

i Signature /Date i

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2. Regardless of whether the above examination review option is exercised, immediately following the administration of the written examination,' the 4 facility staff shall be provided a marked up copy of the examination and: I the answer key. The copy of.the written examination shall include pen )

and ink changes made to questions during the examination administration.

If the facility did not review the examination prior to its administra-tion, they will have five (5) working days. from the day.of-the written examination to submit formal comments. If the facility reviewed the

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examination prior to its administration, any additional comments must be <

given to an examiner prior to his/her leaving the site at the end of the week of the written examination administration. In either case, the  ;

commer.ts will be addressed to the responsible Regional Office by the i highest on site level of corporate management for plant operations, e.g., j Vice President for Nuclear Operations.' A :opy of the submittal will be  ;

forwarded to the Chief Examiner, as appropriate. Comments not submitted  !

within the required time frame will be considered for inclusion in the  !

grading process on a case-by-case basis by the Regional Office Section .

Chief. Should the comment submittal deadline not be met, a long delay in grading the examination may occur.

3. The following format should be adhered to for submittal of specific comments:

a. Listing of NRC Question, answer and reference i i

b. Facility comment / recommendation

c. Reference (to support facility comment) 3

.I NOTES: 1. No, change to the examination will be made without submittal of 1 e reference to support the facility comment. Any supporting documentation that was not previously supplied, should be provided.

2. Comments made without a concise facility recommendation will' l not be addressed.  ;

4. A two hour post examination review may be held at the discretion of the Chief Examiner. If this review is held, the facility staff should be 1 informed that only written comments that are properly supported will be considered in the grading of the examination.

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