Two courses that are part of ANS’s Professional Development Certificate Program will be delivered online later this summer. The Certified Nuclear Professional credential is expected to be launched in summer 2025.
Development of a certification program
The committee, chaired by Rebecca Steinman, embarked on the ambitious endeavor of developing a certification program in June 2022. The official objectives include the following:
- To provide nuclear professionals with a means for learning and/or demonstrating their knowledge of the fundamentals of nuclear science and technology to assist in their professional and career development.
- To offer employers in the nuclear industry a means for helping to qualify candidates by establishing a benchmark level of expertise and experience in the nuclear science and technology field.
- To enhance ANS’s stature within the nuclear science and technology field, especially among the commercial nuclear utility industry.
Course topics
The two new courses launching this summer are Nuclear Energy Essentials and Understanding Nuclear Regulation. The Nuclear Energy Essentials course will focus on the history and legacy of nuclear power, fundamentals, introduction to the nuclear fuel cycle, and more. Understanding Nuclear Regulation will cover topics such as regulatory frameworks, safety and oversight, waste management, and international licensing frameworks. Additional courses are still to be determined.
The program will grant certificates to those who pass an exam following completion of the course modules, along with eligibility for continuing education credits for licensing and certification requirements. Both in-person and online options will be available.
Certified Nuclear Professional program
ANS’s comprehensive credential program—titled Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP)—is being managed in collaboration with association management company Smithbucklin. The development of the CNP involves a phased approach, including a job task analysis, item writing and review schedule, exam form finalization and beta testing, and standard setting and publication. ANS has begun the item writing phase of development.
CNP certification will require a long-term commitment, culminating with an examination and a mandate for continuing education activities or a recertification examination to maintain the designation.
Contact information
ANS’s initiatives signify a proactive step toward ensuring a well-qualified and skilled workforce to meet the demands of the evolving nuclear industry.
For inquiries and further information, interested parties are encouraged to email ANS at askanything@ans.org.
