The details: Unlike ANS’s Radioactive Waste Management and Nuclear 101 courses (which have so far taken place in person at ANS conferences), the Licensing & Regulation Course is a self-paced, online offering.
The 16-hour course comprises 13 modules that cover four main areas:
- Federal oversight frameworks—The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the processes, histories, and legal foundations of both the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
- Unique industry history—The course aims to lay out a clear summation of the history, laws, and unique regulatory practices specific to the nuclear industry.
- Workplace relevance—The course aims to explore the intersection of daily operations and regulatory oversight, with real-world examples that illustrate why compliance matters.
- Communication and transparency—The course aims to provide an understanding of the importance of public engagement and transparency in nuclear operations, from meeting requirements to public safety initiatives.
Some highlights not reflected in these main areas that are nonetheless covered in the 13 modules are the role of the Environmental Protection Agency, the details of safety analysis reports, and the intricacies of fuel licensing considerations.
Prospective students: In general, those best served by this course fall into four groups:
- 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.
Although maintenance workers may find parts of the course beneficial for career transitions, the course is best suited for individuals with previous experience in the nuclear field.
Enroll now: The Licensing & Regulation course is $595 for ANS members and $795 for nonmembers. ANS members may be eligible for a course fee waiver. A practice exam is also available for purchase to help prospective students prepare for the exam. For links to purchase the course and practice exam, and to learn more about the course, click here.