ML25338A351
| ML25338A351 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/11/2025 |
| From: | Amy Beasten, Michele Desouza Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML25338A351 (0) | |
Text
Regulatory Insights to NPUF Operator Licensing Programs Amy Beasten, PhDCE Michele DeSouzaCE
NRC Chief Examiners Amy
- Beasten, PhD Michele DeSouza Margaret Maggie Goodwin
Topics of Discussion Applications Licensing exam content, structure, grading FY25 exam data Observations and training Requalification 10 CFR 55 relevancy to NPUFs Exemptions NUREG-1478, Rev 3
Applications
Initial Licensing Applications Waivers, deferrals, excusals SRO-U must have 1 year as a licensed RO and be current in requal SRO-I candidates must have 3 years of experience Provide sufficient detail in Box 23/25 for relevant nuclear experience Minimum of 5 reactivity manipulations Verify the most recent revision of NRC Forms 398/396 prior to submitting
Exam Structure,
- Content, Grading
Exam Prep
- Confirmation letter
- 90 days
- Facility reference documents
- 60 days minimum
- Documents list is in the confirmation letter
Exam Structure Written Exam Category A: Reactor Theory Category B: Normal/Emergency Operating Procedures and Radiological Controls Category C: Facility and Radiation Monitoring Systems Operations Test Category A: Administrative Topics Category B: Facility Walkthrough Category C: Integrated Facility Operations
Initial Licensing Exam Content
- See NUREG-1478 Written Exam
- Describe system design and function and connection to other systems
- Understand how signals are generated by various components
- Recognize operational limits and requirements, including out of spec conditions
- Observe basic radiation protection practices Operations test questions may include
Ops Exam Grading Predetermined benchmark for each category/topic SAT or UNSAT is determined by the number of criteria correctly provided (70%+)
Topics are also weighted based on exam level (SRO versus RO)
FY25 Data and Observations
FY25 Examination Results and ObservationsRO 0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 RO Written RO Ops Total Failure Retake Retake Failure 69 exams 1 failure 1 retake 69 exams 16 failures 4 retakes
FY25 Examination Results and ObservationsSRO 0
5 10 15 20 25 SRO-I Written SRO-I Ops SRO-U Total Failure Retake Retake Failure SRO-I Exams SRO-U Exams 8 exams 2 failures 3 retakes 8 exams 1 failures 2 retakes 20 exams 1 failure 0 retakes
Initial License Training
Training Hands on training is best Maintenance and surveillance Active learning SRO candidates
Requalification
55.59(c)(7)
Deviations from approved plan also require written NRC approval Deviations from 55.59(c)(1) through (c)(6) require written NRC approval NPUF requal programs must generally conform to 55.59(c)(1) through (c)(6)
Requal Program, 55.59(a)
- NTE 24 months Continuous period
- Sample items specified in 55.41 and 55.43 Biennial written exam (NTE 24 months)
- Sample items specified in 55.45(a)(2) through (13)
- Note that only some aspects of the exam may be simulated, e.g. emergency/abnormal procedures Annual operating exams (NTE 12 months)
Written Requal Examination Structured like the initial licensing exam
< 25% of questions from previous exams may be reused
Requal Ops Tests Highlights Adequate documentation to assess quality of test and understand weaknesses or deficiencies Predefined and detailed Category A: Administrative Topics Category B: Facility Walkthrough Category C: Facility Operations 3 Categories Startup and/or shutdown Power manipulation between shutdown and full power Reactivity manipulation Abnormal/emergency procedures and/or scenarios Instrumentation/component malfunctions Items that may be simulated
Remedial Training Documentation Training performed Key milestones completed Signatures of completion Required to be completed and documented prior to retake
Examples of On-the-Job Training, 55.59(c)(3)
Control manipulations Emergency drills/scenarios Component/instrument failure Review of facility design changes Review of abnormal/emergency procedures
Overview of 10 CFR Part 55
Other Relevant Regulations for NPUFs Exemptions - 55.11 Medical Requirements - 55.21, 55.25, and 55.27 Conditions of Licenses - 55.53 Renewals - 55.57
Medical Requirements
- Medical examination by a physician every two years (NTE 24 months) 55.21, Medical examination
- Permanent changes in medical status
- Notification to the NRC required within 30 days in accordance with 50.74(c).
55.25, Incapacitation because of disability or illness
Conditions of Licenses, 55.53 55.53(e)
- Actively perform the functions of an operator or senior operator for a minimum of four hours per calendar quarter.
55.53(f)
- If (e) not met, verify current in requal AND complete a minimum of six hours under RO or SRO direction as appropriate.
An exemption per 55.11 may be required if 55.53(e) or 55.53(f) cannot be met
Exemptions
10 CFR 55.11, Exemptions Tool for addressing inability to meet regulatory requirements Frequently used for facilities in extended shutdown Ask your PM or CE for resources
NUREG-1478, Rev 3
- New revision out for public comment!
- Submit your feedback today!
Questions?