New CNP exam window opens
Applications are now open for the summer 2026 testing period for the American Nuclear Society’s Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) exam. Applications are being accepted through July 2, and only three testing sessions are offered per year, so it is important to apply soon. The test administration period is July 28–September 1. To check eligibility and schedule your exam, click here.
CNP details: ANS created the CNP credential to support both individuals and organizations in the field by addressing a critical gap in industry accreditation. The largest component of the nuclear workforce is made up of thousands of people who don’t have four-year STEM degrees, and who previously have not been eligible for industry accreditation. The CNP fills that gap and serves as a national benchmark for an otherwise underserved segment of the industry, creating a pathway for people in the nuclear workforce to demonstrate their knowledge and skill sets. The CNP credential also shows employers that a candidate has been tested successfully on a standard set of criteria and has proven relevant knowledge.
Eligibility requirements: The CNP credential is tailored to early- to mid-career professionals working across diverse areas in the sector, including nuclear operations, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, safety, and project management.
The following are eligibility criteria for the exam:
- A high-school diploma or a GED equivalent as a minimum.
- Demonstration of nuclear education or work experience:
- 2 years of nuclear on-the-job work experience or
- 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
- 2 years of nuclear education at an associate-degree level or above.
- Alternative options to fulfill the nuclear education requirement include the following:
- A senior reactor operator license or reactor operator 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.
Newly minted CNPs: ANS congratulates the 26 people who took and passed the CNP exam during the spring 2026 testing period.
| Shaun Aakre | Matthew Collins | Trevor Hylen | Oliver O'Reilly-Hyland |
| K. A. Stacie Alexiou | Jared Conway | Paul Lageraaen | Matthew Osborn |
| Jack Astbury | Trevor DeMille | Lin Lin | Peter Reider |
| Shakeel Balroop | Stephen Gilliam | Jessica Lovering | Michael Ruddell |
| Drew Barringhaus | William Gordon | Todd Marshall | Tivon Straub |
| Scott Bean | Earle Gourley | Mark Navarro | Sero Yang |
| Nathan Blanton | Brandon Zack |
Learn more: In September 2025, ANS hosted a webinar titled “How to Become a Certified Nuclear Professional,” which was moderated by Rebecca Steinman, senior manager of corporate licensing at Constellation and chair of the ANS President’s Special Committee on Certification, which created the CNP program. It featured advice from Ryan Bechtel, a member of the ANS Certification Subcommittee, and Joshua Vajda, subcommittee chair.