CNP Eligibility Requirements

The CNP credential is intended for individuals who have at least two years of professional experience in the nuclear industry and are seeking to validate their knowledge and commitment to excellence in this critical field. The certification is well-suited for early to mid-career professionals working in areas such as nuclear operations, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, safety, or project management.

Overview

ANS has developed the following eligibility requirements to provide a fair and impartial application process for all applicants. Each requirement has been established to ensure that individuals certified by ANS have experience working in the nuclear industry or have requisite nuclear science and technology knowledge.

To be eligible to sit for the CNP exam, individuals must:

Hold a high-school diploma or a GED equivalent as a minimum.
Demonstrate completion of nuclear education or work experience; this includes:
- Two (2) years of nuclear on-the-job work experience or
- Eighty (80) hours of continuing professional education that is offered by any professional entity if the education is directly related to the domains covered by the CNP exam or
- Two (2) years of nuclear education completed at an associate-degree level or above. Alternative options to fulfill this nuclear-education requirement include:
  - A Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) License or Reactor Operator (RO) license.
  - Completion of the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power School (enlisted or officer).
  - Other forms of nuclear education or coursework will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more comprehensive information about the CNP credential, please refer to the official handbook.

Exam Dates & Scheduling

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CNP Application Fees

Members can apply to waive the application fee.

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Exam Applications

ANS Members: $395

Non-Members: $595

Exam Retakes for ANS Members: $295

Exam Retakes for Non-Members: $495

Other Fees

Rescheduling, Transfers, and Cancellations: $125

Late Applications: $125

Returned Checks: $30

Cancellations & Refunds

ANS must receive all requests for a cancellation/refund in writing, no later than two weeks before the start of your original testing period. If you have previously transferred your exam to a new testing period, you are not eligible for a refund.

You may email a request for a refund to certification@ans.org. Requests for cancellations/refunds may only be made by the exam candidate. Refunds will be issued less a $125 processing fee.