System Operations Review (NERC Prep)

The System Operator Certification Program provides the framework for the examinations used to obtain initial certification in one of four NERC credentials: Transmission Operator, Balancing and Interchange Operator, Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator, and Reliability Operator. A system operator credential is a personal credential issued to a person for successfully passing a NERC system operator certification exam. The credential is maintained by accumulating a specified number of continuing education hours within a specified period of time. The program will allow system operators to maintain their credential through continuing education rather than to recertify by retaking an examination.

Overview

The System Operator Certification Program incorporates a requirement to use continuing education hours (CE hours) to maintain a credential that is valid for three years. Successfully passing an examination earns a credential and a certificate that is valid for three years. Accumulation of the proper number and type of CE hours from NERC-approved learning activities within that three-year period maintains the validity of that credential for the next three years. A new certificate is issued indicating the new expiration date.

The program provides that:

1. System operators seeking to obtain a credential will have to pass an examination to earn a credential.
2. A certificate, valid for three years, will be issued to successful candidates.
3. A certified system operator must accumulate a minimum number of CE hours, in specific training topics, before their certificate expires to maintain their credential.
The minimum number of CE hours is based on each credential:

• 200 CE hours for Reliability Operator
  
• 160 CE hours for Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator
  
• 140 CE hours for Balancing and Interchange Operator
  
• 140 CE hours for Transmission Operator

4. A minimum of 30 CE hours must focus on content and/or implementation of NERC standards.
5. A minimum of 30 CE hours must be in simulations (i.e., table-top exercises, training simulators, emergency drills, practice emergency procedures, restoration, black start, etc.).
6. CE hours can concurrently count for both NERC standards and simulations but will only be counted once for the total CE hours requirement.

• For example: A one-hour simulation learning activity that focuses on NERC Standards can count towards the requirements for both NERC standards and simulation. However, the credential holder will only be awarded a total of one CE hour toward the total CE hours requirement. In other words, the CE hours will not be double counted.

7. Retaking the examination is not an option for credential maintenance.
8. If a certified system operator does not accumulate enough CE hours to maintain their current credential prior to the certificate expiration date, their credential will be suspended for a maximum of one year. At the end of the suspension period, their credential will be revoked.
9. If, prior to the end of the one-year suspension, the certified system operator accumulates the proper number and type of CE hours, their credential will be reinstated with the original expiration date (three years after the previous expiration date).
10. A system operator with a revoked credential will have to pass an examination to become certified.

(Information from Section II - Credential Maintenance System Operator Certification Program Manual-Final Approved by NERC Board: May 2006 Updated: August 14, 2006)