What's Included

13 self-paced modules

40-question final exam, 120 minutes

certificate of completion

What You'll Learn

Federal Oversight Frameworks

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) processes, their histories, and legal foundations.

Unique Industry History

Learn about the history, laws, and unique regulatory practices specific to the nuclear industry.

Workplace Relevance

Explore the intersection of daily operations and regulatory oversight, with real-world examples that illustrate why compliance matters.

Communication & Transparency

Understand the importance of public engagement and transparency in nuclear operations, from meeting requirements to public safety initiatives.

Who Should Enroll

  • Engineers involved in plant modifications who need context on regulatory processes.
  • Operations personnel seeking to broaden their understanding of nuclear licensing.
  • Communications professionals working on public or regulatory engagement.
  • Oversight professionals aiming to enhance workplace culture and compliance.

While maintenance workers may find parts of the course beneficial for career transitions, the course is best suited for individuals with prior experience in the nuclear field.


Practice Exam Sold Separately

Help prepare for the ANS Nuclear Licensing & Regulation Certificate Course exam by purchasing the practice exam. This optional resource provides detailed explanations and rationale for each question. This is a great way for you to test your knowledge and boost your confidence before taking the final exam!

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Course Objectives

Module 1: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

  1. Explain key elements of the Atomic Energy Act and the Energy Reorganization Act. Understand what other laws govern the commercial nuclear industry.
  2. Become familiar with the key regulations governing the commercial nuclear industry.
  3. Explain the purpose and key elements of the NRC regulations in 10 CFR.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the key categories or types of NRC guidance documents.
  5. Explain the hierarchy of typical regulatory documents and give examples of each type.
  6. Understand the role of industry codes and standards in the licensing of commercial nuclear facilities.
  7. Describe the typical content of a commercial facility's licensing basis and how it is related to the facility's design basis.

Module 2a: US Department of Energy

  1. Understand the historical events leading to DOE rules and directives.
  2. Become familiar with key DOE regulations: 10 CFR Parts 810, 835, 850, and 1004.
  3. Acquire knowledge of 10 CFR Part 810 and its international implications.
  4. Understand 10 CFR Part 835 standards for occupational radiation protection.
  5. Comprehend protocols in 10 CFR Part 850 for Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention.
  6. Acquire knowledge of 10 CFR Part 1004, DOE’s Freedom of Information Act.
  7. Understand the role of DOE Orders, Manuals, and Standards in operations.
  8. Recognize the importance and consequences of adherence to DOE directives.

Module 2b: US Environmental Protection Agency

  1. Trace the development of the EPA's regulatory framework.
  2. Analyze and interpret key EPA regulations (40 CFR Parts 50, 61, 122, 123, 124, 125).
  3. Examine major federal environmental laws and their significance.
  4. Understand principles and methodologies for EPA compliance.
  5. Explore EPA enforcement tools and consequences of noncompliance.

Module 3: Nuclear Regulatory Governance

  1. Describe the role of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in regulating the use of radioactive materials.
  2. Outline the overall structure of the NRC and the functions of its different locations.
  3. Define the concept of an agreement state.
  4. Outline the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) organizational structure.
  5. Assess the role and responsibilities of the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM).
  6. Analyze the responsibilities and functions of the DOE Office of Legacy Management (LM).
  7. Explain the role of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the DOE.
  8. Evaluate the mission and initiatives of the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy.
  9. Assess the role of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) and its relationship to the DOE.

Module 4: Types of NRC Licenses

  1. Explain the purpose of the NRC licenses and the types of activities they cover.
  2. Summarize the general layout of Part 50 and the required applications.
  3. Differentiate between Part 50 and Part 52.
  4. Describe the purpose of Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria (ITAAC).
  5. List the chapters and basic sections of the Combined Operating License (COL).
  6. Evaluate the purpose and differences in approach behind Part 53 for commercial nuclear reactors and other Part 50s.
  7. Identify the types and uses of nuclear material.

Module 5: Safety Analysis Reports

  1. Gain a basic understanding of the content in Preliminary Gain a basic understanding of the content in Preliminary Safety Analysis Reports (PSAR) and Final Safety Analysis Reports(FSAR).
  2. Acquire knowledge about the requirements that support the Documented Safety Analysis (DSA), which is a Department of Energy (DOE) process.
  3. Understand the role of Hazard Assessments in supporting DSAs and maintaining compliance.
  4. Gain an understanding of the 10 CFR Part 820 and 830 regulations.

Module 6: Technical Specification and Bases

  1. Explain the purpose of Technical Specifications and their relationship to the Operating License.
  2. Demonstrate how the Technical Specifications drive certain types of activities related to the maintenance of the facility.
  3. List the chapters / basic sections of the Technical Specifications.
  4. Discuss how the content of the Technical Specifications is determined and how the content has evolved over time.
  5. Describe the type of information contained in the Technical Specification Bases.
  6. Analyze the basis used and application of Technical Specifications at an operating facility.
  7. Interpret what it means to risk-inform the Technical Specifications.

Module 7: Licensing Change Processes

  1. Analyze key regulations that govern the processes for regulatory changes.
  2. Compare licensee-controlled changes under 50.59 with those that require NRC approval under 50.90.
  3. Explain the basic aspects of the NRC public notification requirements.
  4. Discuss how states participate in the various NRC change processes.

Module 8: Reactor Oversight Process

  1. What is the Reactor Oversight Process and explain its purpose.
  2. What makes up the infrastructure of reactor oversight program framework?
  3. Explain the elements of the Reactor Oversight Program, its process, and its objectives. Give examples of each cornerstone and what each means.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ROP categories and cornerstones.
  5. Become familiar with the regulations and guidance documents governing the reactor oversight process.
  6. Understand the role of industry in monitoring plant performance.

Module 9: Fuel Licensing Considerations

  1. Explain the purpose of fuel cycle facilities within the nuclear industry, including their role in the licensing and handling of special nuclear material.
  2. Discuss the licensing requirements for fuel cycle facilities and how these facilities comply with NRC regulations.
  3. Describe key aspects of new fuel management, including fabrication, licensing, physical security, safeguards, material handling, and accountability.
  4. Outline the current measures for the disposal of used nuclear fuel from commercial power plants and explore how fuel recycling could serve to enhance the disposal process.
  5. Explain public concerns regarding the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and why significant progress has not been made over the past three to four decades. Discuss the role of the DOE in addressing these ongoing challenges.

Module 10: Transportation

  1. Analyze the key regulations governing the transportation of radioactive material.
  2. Differentiate between the various types of radioactive waste transportation classifications.
  3. Describe the various types of radioactive waste packages.
  4. Identify the requirements for different modes of transportation.
  5. Outline the requirements for labeling radioactive material shipments.

Module 11: Waste Management

  1. Explain dry cask storage principles and regulations in 10 CFR Part 72.
  2. Classify nuclear waste and describe disposal protocols.
  3. Describe geological repository design and management.
  4. Discuss the Nuclear Waste Policy Act's history and implications.
  5. Identify the elements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
  6. Interpret Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations.
  7. Outline the regulatory landscape for radioactive waste.
  8. Formulate strategies for low-level radioactive waste management.
  9. Analyze mixed waste management and safe handling.
  10. Evaluate case studies in Department of Energy (DOE) facilities.

Module 12: Decommissioning Regulations

  1. Become familiar with the key regulations governing decommissioning both NRC and DOE.
  2. Explain the decommissioning process for power reactors.
  3. Explain the different methods of decommissioning.
  4. Explain the purpose of the Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report.
  5. Explain the purpose of the License Termination Plan.
  6. Explain the process for decommissioning Material Licensees.
  7. Explain the process for decommissioning the Department of Energy Facilities.

Module 13: International Regulatory Framework

  1. Gain comprehensive knowledge of the key international nuclear regulations, treaties, and agreements, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, and Euratom.
  2. Examine the similarities and differences between U.S. nuclear regulations and those of other leading nuclear nations or regions, such as the European Union, Russia, and China.
  3. Explore the licensing requirements, restrictions, and compliance procedures for nuclear import/export under U.S. law, including the role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Commerce, Department of State, and the Department of Energy (DOE).
  4. . Discuss the challenges and best practices in aligning U.S. nuclear policy with international norms, including case studies on international collaboration, export controls, and treaty compliance.
  5. Understand the history of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including what reasons promulgated the formation of this agency and the role the United States played in its formation.
  6. Become familiar with the current activities the agency is currently engaged in, including the role they play in promoting advanced reactor technology and fusion energy engagement.