10 C.F.R. §§ 53.725–53.830

§53.725. General staffing, training, personnel qualifications, and human factors requirements.

10 C.F.R. § 53.725

(a)

Two classes of commercial nuclear plants. Commercial nuclear plants licensed under this part are either of the class of self-reliant-mitigation facilities or of interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities, based upon the similarity of operating and technical characteristics of the plants in the class. A commercial nuclear plant is a self-reliant-mitigation facility if the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) determined as part of its approval of the OL or COL for that plant that its design demonstrates compliance with the criteria of § 53.800(a)(1) through (a)(5). Otherwise, the commercial nuclear plant is an interaction-dependent-mitigation facility.

(b)

Purpose and applicability. The regulations in §§ 53.725 through 53.830 address areas related to staffing, training, personnel qualifications, and human factors engineering for applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part. These regulations are organized as follows:

(1)

Sections 53.725 through 53.745 address general requirements for staffing, training, personnel qualifications, and human factors engineering. The regulations within these sections are applicable to all applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part, except where specifically stated otherwise.

(2)

Sections 53.760 through 53.795 address operator and senior operator licensing requirements. The regulations within these sections are applicable to those applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities that have not yet certified the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070.

(3)

Sections 53.800 through 53.820 address generally licensed reactor operator requirements. The regulations within these sections are in lieu of §§ 53.760 through 53.795 for those applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part for self-reliant-mitigation facilities that have not yet certified the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070.

(4)

Section 53.830 provides general personnel training requirements. The regulations within this section are applicable to all applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part.

(c)

Definitions. When used in §§ 53.725 through 53.830, applicant refers to an applicant for an operator or senior operator license; licensee refers to the holder of an operator, senior operator, or generally licensed reactor operator license; and facility licensee refers to the licensee for the commercial nuclear plant where the applicant would be licensed or the licensee is licensed. As also used in §§ 53.725 through 53.830—

Automation means a device or system that accomplishes (partially or fully) a function or task.

Auxiliary operator means any individual who operates components of a commercial nuclear plant but does not manipulate controls or direct the manipulation of controls of the plant and is not required to be licensed under the provisions of this part.

Controls when used with respect to a nuclear reactor means apparatus and mechanisms, the manipulation of which directly affects the reactivity or power level of the reactor.

Generally licensed reactor operator means any individual licensed under the provisions of § 53.810 to manipulate controls of a self-reliant-mitigation facility and to direct the licensed activities of generally licensed reactor operators.

Interaction-dependent-mitigation facility means a commercial nuclear plant design other than one that demonstrates compliance with the operating and technical characteristics defined under § 53.800.

Load following means a commercial nuclear plant automatically changing its output to match expected demand in response to externally originated instructions or signals.

Operator means any individual licensed under the provisions of §§ 53.760 through 53.795 to manipulate controls of an interaction-dependent-mitigation facility.

Performance testing means testing conducted to verify a simulation facility's performance as compared to actual or predicted reference plant performance.

Reference plant means the specific commercial nuclear plant, or plant design for facilities which are not yet constructed, on which a simulation facility's configuration, system control arrangement, and design data are based.

Self-reliant-mitigation facility means a commercial nuclear plant design that demonstrates compliance with the operating and technical characteristics defined under § 53.800.

Senior operator means any individual licensed under the provisions of §§ 53.760 through 53.795 to manipulate controls of an interaction-dependent-mitigation facility and to direct the licensed activities of operators.

Simulation facility means an interface designed to provide a realistic imitation of the operation of a commercial nuclear plant used for the administration of examinations, for training, and/or to demonstrate compliance with experience requirements for applicants or licensees. A simulation facility may rely, in whole or part, upon the physical utilization of the reference plant itself.

Systems approach to training means a training program that includes the following five elements:

(i)

Systematic analysis of the jobs to be performed.

(ii)

Learning objectives derived from the analysis which describe desired performance after training.

(iii)

Training design and implementation based on the learning objectives.

(iv)

Evaluation of trainee mastery of the objectives during training.

(v)

Evaluation and revision of the training based on the performance of trained personnel in the job setting.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.726. Communications.

10 C.F.R. § 53.726

(a)

An applicant or licensee or facility licensee must submit any communication or report required by the regulations contained within §§ 53.725 through 53.830 and must submit any application filed under these regulations to the Commission.

(b)

Each facility licensee that is required to comply with the requirements of §§ 53.760 through 53.795 (i.e., interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities) must notify the appropriate NRC contact within 30 days of the following in regard to a licensed operator or senior operator:

(1)

Permanent reassignment from the position for which the facility licensee has certified the need for a licensed operator or senior operator under § 53.775(a)(1);

(2)

Termination of any operator or senior operator; or

(3)

Permanent disability or illness as required under § 53.770.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.728. Completeness and accuracy of information.

10 C.F.R. § 53.728

Information provided to the Commission by an applicant for an operator or senior operator license or by a licensee or information required by statute or by the Commission's regulations, orders, or license conditions to be maintained by the applicant or the licensee must be complete and accurate in all material respects.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.730. Defining, fulfilling, and maintaining the role of personnel in ensuring safe operations.

10 C.F.R. § 53.730

Each applicant for or holder of an OL or COL for a commercial nuclear plant under this part must comply with the following:

(a)

Human factors engineering design requirements. The plant design must reflect state-of-the-art human factors engineering principles for safe and reliable performance in all locations that human activities are expected for performing or supporting the continued availability of plant safety or emergency response functions.

(b)

Human system interface design requirements. The plant design must provide for the following to support operating personnel in monitoring plant conditions and responding to plant events:

(1)

Features for displaying to operating personnel a minimum set of parameters that define the safety status of the plant and are capable of displaying both the full range of important plant parameters and data trends on demand, as well as indicating when process limits are being approached or exceeded;

(2)

Automatic indication of the bypassed and operable status of safety systems;

(3)

Direct indication of SSC status that relates to the ability of the SSC to perform its safety function, such as relief and safety valve position (i.e., open or closed) for barriers important to fulfilling safety functions with such devices, and ultimate heat sink and cooling system status and availability;

(4)

Instrumentation to measure, record, and display key plant parameters related to the performance of SSCs and the integrity of barriers important to fulfilling safety functions to support operators in monitoring plant conditions and responding to plant events. Examples include temperatures and pressures within important systems or structures, core or fuel system conditions (including possible damage states), temperatures and levels associated with cooling functions, combustible gas concentrations, radiation levels in systems and within structures, and radioactive effluent releases;

(5)

Leakage control and detection in the design of systems that pass through barriers important to fulfilling safety functions for the release of radionuclides. An example is an SSC that penetrates a containment structure that might contain radioactive materials that could contribute to the source term during an accident;

(6)

Monitoring of in-plant radiation and airborne radioactivity as appropriate for a broad range of normal operating and accident conditions; and

(7)

For self-reliant-mitigation facilities, the plant design must also provide the generally licensed reactor operators with the capability to do the following:

(i)

Receive plant operating data, including reactor parameters and information needed for the evaluation of emergency conditions.

(ii)

Promptly dispatch operations and maintenance personnel.

(iii)

Immediately implement responsibilities under the facility emergency plan, as applicable.

(8)

For both interaction-dependent and self-reliant mitigation facilities, the plant design must provide licensed operators with the capability of immediately initiating a reactor shutdown from their location.

(c)

Concept of operations. A concept of operations that is of sufficient scope and detail to address the following must be provided:

(1)

Plant goals;

(2)

The roles and responsibilities of operating personnel and automation (or any combination thereof) that are responsible for completing plant functions;

(3)

Staffing, qualifications, and training;

(4)

The management of normal operations;

(5)

The management of off-normal conditions and emergencies;

(6)

The management of maintenance and modifications; and

(7)

The management of tests, inspections, and surveillances.

(d)

Functional requirements analysis and function allocation. A functional requirements analysis and a function allocation must be provided that are sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the following:

(1)

The functional requirements analysis must address how safety functions and functional safety criteria are satisfied; and

(2)

The function allocation must describe how the safety functions will be assigned to human action, automation, active safety features, passive safety features, and/or inherent safety characteristics.

(e)

Operating experience. A program, during construction and during operation, as applicable, for evaluating and applying operating experience must be developed, implemented, and maintained.

(f)

Staffing plan. A staffing plan must be developed and comply with the following:

(1)

The staffing plan must include a description of how engineering expertise will be available to the on-shift operating personnel during all plant conditions, to assist if they encounter a situation not covered by procedures or training. Engineering expertise includes familiarity with the operation of the plant for which the expertise is provided and one of the following:

(i)

A bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, or physical science from an institution accredited by a U.S. Government recognized accrediting body or equivalent; or

(ii)

A Professional Engineer's license from a U.S. State or territory.

(2)

Applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities must include within their staffing plans a description of how the proposed numbers, positions, and qualifications of operators and senior operators across all modes of plant operations will be sufficient to ensure that plant safety functions will be maintained. This description must be supported by human factors engineering analyses and assessments.

(3)

Applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs for self-reliant-mitigation facilities must include within their staffing plans a description of how generally licensed reactor operator staffing that is both sufficient to continually monitor the operations of fueled reactors and to provide for a continuity of responsibility for facility operations at all times during the operating phase will be maintained.

(4)

Applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part must include within their staffing plans a description of how the positions and responsibilities of personnel contained within those plans will adequately satisfy necessary support functions within areas such as plant operations, equipment surveillance and maintenance, radiological protection, chemistry control, fire brigades, engineering, security, and emergency response.

(5)

The staffing plan must be approved by the NRC as part of its approval of the OL or COL for the plant. The approved staffing plan is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(g)

Training, examination, and proficiency programs. Develop, implement, and maintain programs that comply with the following requirements. These programs must be approved by the NRC as part of its approval of the OL or COL for the plant:

(1)

For those applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities—

(i)

The operator licensing initial training program required under § 53.780(a);

(ii)

The operator licensing initial examination program required under § 53.780(b);

(iii)

The operator licensing requalification program required under § 53.780(c); and

(iv)

The operator proficiency program required under § 53.780(g).

(2)

For those applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs for self-reliant-mitigation facilities, the generally licensed reactor operator training, examination, and proficiency programs required under § 53.815.

(3)

The operator licensing requalification programs required under § 53.780(c) or § 53.815(b) must be implemented upon commencing the administration of initial examinations under the operator licensing examination program required under § 53.780(b) or § 53.815(b), respectively.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.735. General exemptions.

10 C.F.R. § 53.735

The regulations in §§ 53.725 through 53.830 do not require a license for an individual who—

(a)

Under the direction and in the presence of an operator or senior operator or a generally licensed reactor operator, as appropriate, manipulates the controls of a commercial nuclear plant as a part of the individual's training in a facility licensee's training program as approved by the Commission to qualify for an operator or senior operator license or a generally licensed reactor operator license there, as appropriate, under these regulations; or

(b)

Under the direction and in the presence of a senior operator or generally licensed reactor operator, as appropriate, manipulates the controls of a commercial nuclear plant to load or unload the fuel into, out of, or within the reactor vessel while the reactor is not operating.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.740. Facility licensee requirements—general.

10 C.F.R. § 53.740

(a)

Facility licensees must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of either §§ 53.760 through 53.795 for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities or §§ 53.800 through 53.820 for self-reliant-mitigation facilities.

(b)

The facility licensee must maintain the staffing complement described under its approved facility staffing plan until such time as the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel has been certified as described under § 53.1070. The approved staffing plan is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(c)

Except as provided under § 53.735, the facility licensee may not permit the manipulation of the controls of a commercial nuclear plant by anyone who is not an operator or senior operator or generally licensed reactor operator, as appropriate.

(d)

Facility licensees for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities that have not yet certified the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070 must designate senior operators to be responsible for supervising the licensed activities of operators.

(e)

Apparatus and mechanisms other than controls, the operation of which may affect the reactivity or power level of a reactor, must be manipulated only while plant conditions are being monitored by an individual who is an operator or senior operator or a generally licensed reactor operator, as appropriate.

(f)

(1)

Load following is permitted if at least one of the following is immediately capable of refusing demands when they could challenge the safe operation of the plant or when precluded by the plant equipment conditions:

(i)

The actuation of an automatic protection system that utilizes setpoints more conservative than those otherwise credited for the purposes of reactor protection; or

(ii)

An automated control system; or

(iii)

An operator or senior operator or a generally licensed reactor operator, as appropriate.

(2)

The provisions of paragraph (e) of this section do not apply during load following operations.

(g)

(1)

Facility licensees for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities must have present during alteration of the core (including fuel loading or transfer) an individual holding a senior operator license, or a senior operator license limited to fuel handling to directly supervise the activity and, during this time, the facility licensee must not assign other duties to this person.

(2)

Facility licensees for self-reliant-mitigation facilities must have present during alteration of the core (including fuel loading or transfer) an individual holding a generally licensed reactor operator license to directly supervise the activity and, during this time, the facility licensee must not assign other duties to this person.

(3)

The provisions of paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section do not apply to core alterations performed as part of refueling operations while a facility that is capable of online refueling is operating at power.

(h)

Facility licensees may take reasonable action that departs from a license condition or a technical specification (contained in a license issued under this part) in an emergency when this action is immediately needed to protect the public health and safety and no action consistent with license conditions and technical specifications that can provide adequate or equivalent protection is immediately apparent. Such facility licensee action must be approved, as a minimum, by a senior operator or a generally licensed reactor operator, as applicable, or, after certifying the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070 by a certified fuel handler, senior operator, or generally licensed reactor operator, as applicable, prior to taking the action.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.745. Operator license requirements.

10 C.F.R. § 53.745

A person must be authorized by a license issued by the Commission to perform the function of an operator, senior operator, or generally licensed reactor operator as defined in this part.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.760. Operator licensing.

10 C.F.R. § 53.760

(a)

Applicability. Sections 53.760 through 53.795 address operator and senior operator licensing requirements. The regulations within these sections are applicable to those applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part for interaction-dependent-mitigation facilities that have not yet certified the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070.

(b)

[Reserved]

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.765. Medical requirements.

10 C.F.R. § 53.765

(a)

An applicant for an operator or senior operator license must have a medical examination by a physician. An operator or senior operator must have a medical examination by a physician every 2 years.

(b)

To certify the medical fitness of an applicant for an operator or senior operator license, an authorized representative of the facility licensee must complete and sign NRC Form 396, “Certification of Medical Examination by Facility Licensee,” which can be obtained by writing the Office of the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, by calling 301-415-7232, or by visiting the NRC's website at https://www.nrc.gov and selecting forms from the index found on the home page, or by other means provided by the NRC.

(1)

NRC Form 396 must certify that a physician has conducted the medical examination of the applicant as required in paragraph (a) of this section.

(2)

When the medical certification requests a conditional license based on medical evidence, the medical evidence must be submitted on NRC Form 396 to the Commission to enable the Commission to make a determination in accordance with § 53.775(b).

(c)

The facility licensee must document and maintain the results of medical qualifications data, test results, and each operator's or senior operator's medical history for the current license period and provide the documentation to the Commission upon request. The facility licensee must retain this documentation while an individual performs the functions of an operator or senior operator.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.770. Incapacitation because of disability or illness.

10 C.F.R. § 53.770

If, during the term of the operator or senior operator license, the licensee develops a permanent physical or mental condition that causes the licensee to fail to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of § 53.775(b)(1)(i), the facility licensee must notify the Commission within 30 days of learning of the diagnosis. For conditions for which a conditional license (as described in § 53.775(b)) is requested, the facility licensee must provide medical certification on NRC Form 396 to the Commission (as described in § 53.765(b)).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.775. Applications for operators and senior operators.

10 C.F.R. § 53.775

(a)

How to apply.

(1)

The applicant for an operator or senior operator license must—

(i)

Complete NRC Form 398, “Personal Qualification Statement— Licensee,” which can be obtained by writing the Office of the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, by calling 301-415-5877, or by visiting the NRC's website at https://www.nrc.gov and selecting forms from the index found on the home page, or by other means provided by the NRC;

(ii)

File an original of NRC Form 398, or an equivalent electronic submittal, together with the information required in paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(1)(iv) of this section, with the appropriate Regional Administrator.

(iii)

Provide evidence that the applicant, as a trainee, has successfully demonstrated competence in manipulating the controls of either the facility for which a license is sought or a simulation facility that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of § 53.780(e). For operators applying for a senior operator license, certification that the operator has successfully operated the controls of the facility as an operator will be accepted; and

(iv)

Provide certification by the facility licensee of medical condition and general health on NRC Form 396, to comply with § 53.765.

(2)

The Commission may at any time after the application has been filed, and before the license has expired, require further information under oath or affirmation to enable it to determine whether to grant or deny the application or whether to revoke, modify, or suspend the license.

(3)

An applicant whose application has been denied because of a medical condition or their general health may submit a further medical report at any time as a supplement to the application.

(4)

Each application and statement must contain complete and accurate disclosure as to all matters required to be disclosed. The applicant must sign statements required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section.

(b)

Disposition of an initial application—

(1)

License approval. The Commission will approve an initial application if it finds that the following criteria are met:

(i)

Health. The applicant's medical condition and general health will not adversely affect the performance of assigned operator or senior operator job duties or cause operational errors endangering public health and safety. The Commission will base its finding upon the certification by the facility licensee as detailed in § 53.765(b).

(ii)

Examination. The applicant has passed the requisite examination in accordance with § 53.780(b). The examination determines whether the applicant for an operator's or senior operator's license has learned to operate a facility competently and safely, and additionally, in the case of a senior operator, whether the applicant has learned to supervise the licensed activities of operators competently and safely.

(2)

Conditional license. If an applicant's general medical condition does not demonstrate compliance with the minimum standards under § 53.775(b)(1)(i), the Commission may approve the application and include conditions in the license to accommodate the medical condition. The Commission will consider the recommendations and supporting evidence of the facility licensee and of the examining physician (provided on NRC Form 396) in arriving at its decision.

(c)

Re-applications.

(1)

An applicant whose application for a license has been denied because of failure to pass the examination may file a new application. The application must be submitted on NRC Form 398 and include a statement signed by an authorized representative of the facility licensee by whom the applicant will be employed that states in detail the extent of the applicant's additional training and remediation since the denial and certifies that the applicant is ready for re-examination.

(2)

An applicant who has passed a portion of the examination and failed another may request in a new application on NRC Form 398 to be excused from re-examination on the portions of the examination that the applicant has passed. The Commission may in its discretion grant the request if it determines that sufficient justification is presented.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.780. Training, examination, and proficiency program.

10 C.F.R. § 53.780

(a)

Operator licensing initial training program.

(1)

A program that is based upon a systems approach to training, as defined by § 53.725(b), must be utilized for the training of applicants for operator and senior operator licenses. The program must ensure that applicants at the facility will possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to protect the public health and maintain those plant safety functions specific to the facility design. The program must be approved by the Commission prior to its use for training applicants, as described under § 53.730(g). The approved operator licensing initial training program is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(2)

The facility licensee must maintain operator licensing initial training program records documenting the initial operator licensing training administered and completed by each applicant. The facility licensee must retain these records during the period in which any trainees subsequently remain licensed as operators or senior operators at the facility.

(b)

Operator licensing initial examination program.

(1)

The facility licensee must establish and implement an examination program for testing a representative sample of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to safely perform operator and senior operator duties, to include both the examination methods and criteria to be used to assess passing performance. The program must provide for valid and reliable examinations and be approved by the Commission prior to its use for examining applicants, as described under § 53.730(g). The approved operator licensing initial examination program is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(2)

The facility licensee must submit prepared examinations to the Commission for review and approval in advance of their administration.

(3)

The Commission will either administer an approved examination or allow the facility licensee to administer the examination. The facility licensee must ensure that sufficient advance notification is provided to the Commission to either administer the examination or allow for a representative of the Commission to be afforded the opportunity to be present when the facility licensee administers the examination.

(4)

Graded examination documentation for each applicant must be provided to the Commission for review in making operator licensing decisions.

(5)

The facility licensee must maintain operator licensing initial examination program records documenting the participation of each operator and senior operator applicant in the initial examination. The records must contain copies of examinations administered, the answers given by the applicant, documentation of the grading of examinations, and documentation of any additional training administered in areas in which an applicant exhibited deficiencies. The facility licensee must retain these records during the period in which the associated operators or senior operators remain licensed at the facility.

(c)

Operator licensing requalification program.

(1)

A program based upon a systems approach to training, as defined by § 53.725(b), must be utilized for the continuing training of operators and senior operators.

(i)

The program must ensure that operators and senior operators at the facility maintain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to protect the public health and maintain those plant safety functions specific to the facility design. The program must be conducted for a continuous period not to exceed 24 months in duration.

(ii)

The program must be approved by the Commission prior to its use for continuing training, as described under § 53.730(g). The approved operator licensing requalification program is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(2)

The following requirements apply to operator licensing requalification programs—

(i)

The facility licensee must propose a requalification examination program for testing, for each requalification period, a sample of the topics included under the systems approach to training, to include both the examination methods and criteria to be used to assess passing performance. The program must provide for valid and reliable examinations and be approved by the Commission prior to its use for examining operators and senior operators, as described under § 53.730(g). The approved requalification examination program is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(ii)

The following requirements apply to the requalification examination program—

(A)

The facility licensee must make prepared requalification examinations available to the Commission for review.

(B)

The facility licensee must ensure that a representative of the Commission is afforded the opportunity to be present during requalification examination administration.

(C)

The facility licensee must ensure that each operator and senior operator is administered a complete requalification examination on a periodicity not to exceed 24 months. Additionally, the facility licensee must ensure that any licensed operator or senior licensed operator who either demonstrates unsatisfactory performance on, or fails to complete, this biennial requalification examination is removed from the performance of licensed operator and senior licensed operator duties until any necessary remedial training has been completed and a retake examination has been passed.

(D)

The facility licensee must promptly provide a summary of examination results to the NRC for each operator and senior operator following the completion of the requalification examination.

(3)

The facility licensee must maintain operator licensing requalification program records documenting the participation of each operator and senior operator in the requalification program. The records must contain copies of examinations administered, the answers given by the operator or senior operator, documentation of the grading of examinations, and documentation of any additional training administered in areas in which an operator or senior operator exhibited deficiencies. The facility licensee must retain these records until the operator's or senior operator's license is renewed.

(d)

Examination integrity. Applicants, operators and senior operators, and facility licensees must not engage in any activity that compromises the integrity of any application or examination required by §§ 53.760 through 53.795. The integrity of an examination is considered compromised if any activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, could have affected the consistent administration of the examination. This includes activities related to the preparation and certification of applications and all activities related to the preparation, administration, and grading of examinations required by §§ 53.760 through 53.795.

(e)

Simulation facilities.

(1)

This section addresses the use of a simulation facility for the administration of examinations, for training, or to demonstrate compliance with experience requirements for applicants for operator and senior operator licenses.

(2)

Simulation facilities used for training purposes, for demonstrating compliance with experience requirements, or for the conduct of examinations under § 53.780(b) and (c) must demonstrate compliance with the following criteria as they relate to the facility licensee's reference plant:

(i)

The simulation facility must be of sufficient scope and fidelity for individuals to acquire and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform operator and senior operator duties.

(ii)

The simulation facility must utilize models relating to nuclear, thermal-hydraulic, and other applicable design-specific characteristics that either replicate the most recent fuel load in the reference commercial nuclear plant or, prior to initial fuel load (or, for a fueled manufactured reactor, prior to initiating the removal of the features to prevent criticality required under § 53.620(d)(1)), replicate the intended initial fuel load for the reference commercial nuclear plant, with the exception of those portions of the simulation facility that utilize the reference plant itself.

(iii)

Simulation facility fidelity must be demonstrated so that significant control manipulations are completed without procedural exceptions, simulator performance exceptions, or deviation from the approved training scenario sequence.

(3)

Facility licensees that maintain a simulation facility that has been approved by the Commission for training purposes, demonstrating compliance with experience requirements, or the conduct of examinations under § 53.780(b) and (c) for the facility licensee's reference plant must:

(i)

Conduct performance testing throughout the life of the simulation facility in a manner sufficient to ensure that paragraph (e)(2) of this section is met;

(ii)

Retain the results of performance testing for 4 years after the completion of each performance test or until superseded by updated test results;

(iii)

Promptly correct modeling and hardware discrepancies and discrepancies identified from scenario validation and from performance testing or provide justification as to why the presence of such discrepancies will not adversely affect simulator performance with respect to the criteria of paragraph (e)(2) of this section;

(iv)

Make the results of any uncorrected performance test failures that may exist at the time of the initial license examination or requalification examination available for NRC review, prior to or concurrent with preparations for each initial license examination or requalification examination; and

(v)

Maintain the provisions for license application and examination integrity consistent with § 53.780(d).

(4)

A simulation facility must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) of this section for the Commission to accept the simulation facility for conducting initial examinations as described in § 53.780(b), requalification training as described in § 53.780(c), or performing control manipulations that affect reactivity to establish eligibility for an operator or senior operator license as described in § 53.775(a).

(f)

Waiver of examination requirement. On application, the Commission may waive any or all of the requirements for an initial licensing examination if it finds that the applicant has demonstrated the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely operate the plant, and is capable of continuing to do so. The Commission may make such a finding based on demonstration of the following:

(1)

Recent operating experience at a comparable facility;

(2)

Proof of the applicant's past competent and safe performance; and

(3)

Proof of the applicant's current qualifications.

(g)

Proficiency. The facility licensee must develop, implement, and maintain a proficiency program to ensure that operators and senior operators will actively perform the functions of an operator or senior operator, respectively, as needed to maintain proficiency with on-shift duties and familiarity with plant status. This program must include those steps that will be taken to re-establish proficiency when it cannot be maintained. This program must be approved by the Commission as part of its approval of the OL or COL for the plant. The approved proficiency program is subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(h)

Records. Each record required by this section must be legible throughout the retention period specified by each Commission regulation. The record may be the original, a reproduced copy, or an electronic copy provided that the copy is authenticated by authorized personnel.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.785. Conditions of operator and senior operator licenses.

10 C.F.R. § 53.785

Each operator and senior operator license contains and is subject to the following conditions whether stated in the license or not:

(a)

Neither the license nor any right under the license may be assigned or otherwise transferred.

(b)

The license is limited to the facility or facilities for which it is issued.

(c)

The license is limited to those controls of the facility or facilities specified in the license.

(d)

The license is subject to, and the licensee must observe, all applicable rules, regulations, and orders of the Commission.

(e)

The licensee must maintain or re-establish proficiency in accordance with the facility licensee's Commission-approved proficiency program required under § 53.780(g).

(f)

The licensee must be subject to the facility's Commission-approved operator licensing requalification and requalification examination programs required under § 53.780(c).

(g)

The licensee must have a biennial medical examination as described by § 53.765.

(h)

The licensee must notify the Commission within 30 days about a conviction for a felony.

(i)

The licensee must not consume or ingest alcoholic beverages within the protected area of commercial nuclear plants. The licensee must not use, possess, or sell any illegal drugs. The licensee must not perform activities authorized by a license issued under this part while under the influence of alcohol or any prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substance that could adversely affect his or her ability to safely and competently perform his or her licensed duties. For the purpose of this paragraph (i), with respect to alcoholic beverages and drugs, the term “under the influence” means the licensee exceeded, as evidenced by a confirmed test result, the lower of the cutoff levels for drugs or alcohol contained in 10 CFR part 26, or as established by the facility licensee. The term “under the influence” also means the licensee could be mentally or physically impaired as a result of substance use including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as determined under the provisions, policies, and procedures established by the facility licensee for its fitness-for-duty program, in such a manner as to adversely affect his or her ability to safely and competently perform licensed duties.

(j)

Each licensee must participate in the drug and alcohol testing programs as required under 10 CFR part 26.

(k)

The licensee must comply with any other conditions that the Commission may impose to protect health or to minimize danger to life or property.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.790. Issuance, modification, and revocation of operator and senior operator licenses.

10 C.F.R. § 53.790

(a)

Issuance of operator and senior operator licenses. If the Commission determines that an applicant for an operator license or a senior operator license demonstrates compliance with the requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, (the Act) and its regulations, it will issue a license in the form and containing any conditions and limitations it considers appropriate and necessary.

(b)

Modification and revocation of operator and senior operator licenses.

(1)

The terms and conditions of all operator and senior operator licenses are subject to amendment, revision, or modification by reason of rules, regulations, or orders issued in accordance with the Act or any amendments thereto.

(2)

Any license may be revoked, suspended, or modified, in whole or in part—

(i)

For any material false statement in the application or in any statement of fact required under section 182 of the Act;

(ii)

Because of conditions revealed by the application or statement of fact or any report, record, inspection, or other means that would warrant the Commission to refuse to grant a license on an original application;

(iii)

For willful violation of, or failure to observe, any of the terms and conditions of the Act or the license, or of any rule, regulation, or order of the Commission;

(iv)

For any conduct determined by the Commission to be a hazard to safe operation of the facility; or

(v)

For the sale, use, or possession of illegal drugs, or refusal to participate in the facility drug and alcohol testing program, or a confirmed positive test for drugs, drug metabolites, or alcohol in violation of the conditions and cutoff levels established by § 53.785(i) or the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the protected area of commercial nuclear plants, or a determination of unfitness for scheduled work as a result of the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.795. Expiration and renewal of operator and senior operator licenses.

10 C.F.R. § 53.795

(a)

Expiration.

(1)

Each operator license and senior operator license expires 6 years after the date of issuance, upon termination of employment with the facility licensee, or upon determination by the facility licensee that the licensed individual no longer needs to maintain a license.

(2)

If a licensee files an application for renewal or an upgrade of an existing license on NRC Form 398 at least 30 days before the expiration of the existing license, it does not expire until disposition of the application for renewal or for an upgraded license has been finally determined by the Commission. Filing by mail will be deemed to be complete at the time the application is postmarked

(b)

Renewal.

(1)

The applicant for renewal of an operator license or senior operator license must—

(i)

Complete and sign NRC Form 398 and include the number of the license for which renewal is sought.

(ii)

File an original of NRC Form 398 as specified in § 53.775.

(iii)

Provide written evidence of the applicant's experience under the existing license and the approximate number of hours that the licensee has operated the facility.

(iv)

Provide a statement by an authorized representative of the facility licensee that during the effective term of the current license the applicant has satisfactorily completed the requalification program for the facility for which operator or senior operator license renewal is sought.

(v)

Provide evidence that the applicant has discharged the license responsibilities competently and safely. The Commission may accept as evidence of the applicant's having met this requirement a certificate of an authorized representative of the facility licensee or holder of an authorization by which the licensee has been employed.

(vi)

Provide certification by the facility licensee of medical condition and general health on NRC Form 396, to comply with § 53.765.

(2)

The license will be renewed if the Commission finds that—

(i)

The medical condition and the general health of the licensee continue to be such as not to cause operational errors that endanger public health and safety. The Commission will base this finding upon the certification by the facility licensee as described in § 53.765(b).

(ii)

The licensee—

(A)

Is capable of continuing to competently and safely assume licensed duties;

(B)

Has successfully completed a requalification program that has been approved by the Commission as required by § 53.780(c); and

(C)

Has passed the requalification examinations as required by § 53.780(c).

(iii)

There is a continued need for an operator to operate or for a senior operator to supervise operators at the facility designated in the application.

(iv)

The past performance of the licensee has been satisfactory to the Commission. In making its finding, the Commission will include in its evaluation information such as notices of violations or letters of reprimand in the licensee's docket.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.800. Facility licensees for self-reliant-mitigation facilities.

10 C.F.R. § 53.800

(a)

A commercial nuclear plant is a self-reliant-mitigation facility if the NRC determined as part of its approval of the OL or COL for that plant that its design demonstrates compliance with the criteria in paragraphs (a)(1) though (a)(5) of this section. A self-reliant-mitigation facility is of a class, based upon the similarity of operating and technical characteristics of the plants in the class, such that its licensee must comply with the requirements of §§ 53.800 through 53.820 in lieu of those in §§ 53.760 through 53.795.

(1)

The safety performance criteria of §§ 53.210 and 53.220 must be met without reliance upon human action for credited event mitigation.

(2)

The results of the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), other systematic risk evaluations, or a combination thereof required by § 53.450(a) must demonstrate that the evaluation criteria for the events analyzed in accordance with § 53.450 will be met without reliance on human actions to achieve acceptable event mitigation.

(3)

The functional requirements analysis and function allocation performed under § 53.730(d) must demonstrate that functions required for safety are not reliant upon credited human action.

(4)

The plant response to events analyzed under § 53.450 must rely exclusively on safety features and characteristics that will neither be rendered unavailable by credible human errors of commission or omission nor credibly require manual human operation in response to equipment failures. Compliance with this paragraph (a)(4) may be achieved through the use of SSCs that function through inherent characteristics or that have engineered protections against human failures.

(5)

Assessments of credited human actions within the analysis of design-basis accidents (DBAs) and across the range of LBEs other than DBAs do not identify important human actions needed to ensure appropriate defense in depth is provided, as required by § 53.250.

(b)

[Reserved]

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.805. Facility licensee requirements related to generally licensed reactor operators.

10 C.F.R. § 53.805

(a)

Licensees for self-reliant-mitigation facilities that have not yet certified the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070 must demonstrate compliance with the following requirements:

(1)

Ensure that, in addition to being qualified to perform those items identified by the facility-specific systems approach to training conducted under § 53.815, generally licensed reactor operators are qualified to safely and competently—

(i)

Perform administrative tasks, including compliance with technical specifications, and perform operability determinations;

(ii)

Implement maintenance and configuration controls;

(iii)

Comply with radioactive release limitations;

(iv)

Understand plant operating data, including reactor parameters, and evaluate emergency conditions;

(v)

Initiate a reactor shutdown from necessary locations;

(vi)

Dispatch and direct operations and maintenance personnel;

(vii)

Implement any applicable responsibilities under the facility emergency plan; and

(viii)

Make required notifications to local, State, participating Tribal, and Federal authorities.

(2)

Develop, implement, and maintain facility technical specifications that provide the necessary administrative controls to ensure the implementation of the requirements in this section.

(3)

Develop, implement, and maintain the generally licensed reactor operator training, examination, and proficiency programs required under § 53.815.

(4)

Ensure that generally licensed reactor operators are subject to the facility's generally licensed reactor operator training, examination, and proficiency programs required under § 53.815. Ensure that generally licensed reactor operators are subject to and comply with the applicable programmatic requirements for personnel required under 10 CFR parts 26 and 73. An individual that is not in compliance with any of these programs is not qualified to be in a position that may involve the manipulation of the controls of the commercial nuclear plant.

(5)

Report annually to the NRC the identity of all generally licensed reactor operators at the commercial nuclear plant, including all additions and deletions since the previous report.

(6)

Ensure that the facility design continues to meet the criteria of § 53.800.

(b)

[Reserved]

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.810. Generally licensed reactor operators.

10 C.F.R. § 53.810

(a)

A general license to manipulate the controls of a self-reliant-mitigation facility and to direct the licensed activities of generally licensed reactor operators is hereby issued to any individual employed in a position that may involve the manipulation of the controls of that self-reliant-mitigation facility and who observes the restrictions of this section.

(b)

A generally licensed reactor operator must comply with the operating procedures and other conditions specified in the license authorizing operation of the facility.

(c)

The general license is limited to the facility or facilities at which the operator is employed.

(d)

The Commission will suspend the general license on an individual operator basis for violations of any provision of the Act or any rule or regulation issued thereunder whenever the Commission deems such suspension desirable, including—

(1)

For willful violation of, or failure to observe, any of the terms and conditions of the Act or the general license, or of any rule, regulation, or order of the Commission;

(2)

For any conduct determined by the Commission to be a hazard to safe operation of the facility; or

(3)

For the sale, use, or possession of illegal drugs, or refusal to participate in the facility drug and alcohol testing program, or a confirmed positive test for drugs, drug metabolites, or alcohol in violation of the conditions and cutoff levels established by § 53.810(f) or the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the protected area of commercial nuclear plants, or a determination of unfitness for scheduled work as a result of the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

(e)

The Commission may require information from a generally licensed reactor operator to determine whether a general license should be revoked or suspended with respect to that operator.

(f)

The generally licensed reactor operator must not consume or ingest alcoholic beverages within the protected area of commercial nuclear plants. The generally licensed reactor operator must not use, possess, or sell any illegal drugs. The generally licensed reactor operator must not perform activities requiring a general license while under the influence of alcohol or any prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substance that could adversely affect his or her ability to safely and competently perform these activities. For the purpose of this paragraph (f), with respect to alcoholic beverages and drugs, the term “under the influence” means the generally licensed reactor operator exceeded, as evidenced by a confirmed test result, the lower of the cutoff levels for drugs or alcohol contained in 10 CFR part 26, or as established by the facility licensee. The term “under the influence” also means the generally licensed reactor operator could be mentally or physically impaired as a result of substance use including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as determined under the provisions, policies, and procedures established by the facility licensee for its fitness-for-duty program, in such a manner as to adversely affect his or her ability to safely and competently perform generally licensed reactor operator duties.

(g)

The generally licensed reactor operator must notify the Commission within 30 days about a conviction for a felony.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.815. Generally licensed reactor operator training, examination, and proficiency programs.

10 C.F.R. § 53.815

(a)

Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to each licensee of a self-reliant-mitigation facility that has not yet certified the permanent cessation of operations and permanent removal of fuel from the reactor vessel as described under § 53.1070.

(b)

Requirements.

(1)

The facility licensee must develop, implement, and maintain training and examination programs that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2) through (b)(3) of this section.

(2)

The training program must provide for both the initial and continuing training of generally licensed reactor operators and be derived from a systems approach to training as defined in this part.

(3)

(i)

The training program must incorporate the instructional requirements necessary to provide qualified generally licensed reactor operators to operate and maintain the facility in a safe manner in all modes of operation. The training program must comply with the facility license, including all technical specifications and applicable regulations. The facility licensee must periodically evaluate and revise the training program as appropriate to reflect industry experience and relevant changes, including changes to the facility, procedures, regulations, and quality assurance (QA) requirements. Facility licensee management must periodically review the training program for effectiveness.

(ii)

The training program must ensure that generally licensed reactor operators have and maintain the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

(iii)

The training program must include the generally licensed reactor operator manipulating the controls of either the facility or a simulation facility that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of § 53.815(e).

(iv)

The training program must include an initial examination program for testing a representative sample of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to safely perform generally licensed reactor operator duties, to include both the examination methods and criteria to be used to assess passing performance. The facility licensee must provide the opportunity for a representative of the Commission to be present during initial examination administration.

(v)

The training program must include a requalification examination program for testing a sample of the topics included under the systems approach to training, to include the examination methods and criteria to be used to assess passing performance. The requalification examination program must specify an appropriate periodicity for administering a complete requalification examination to each generally licensed reactor operator, and the facility licensee must provide the opportunity for a representative of the Commission to be present during requalification examination administration.

(A)

The facility licensee must ensure that any generally licensed reactor operator who either demonstrates unsatisfactory performance on, or fails to complete, the requalification examination is removed from the performance of generally licensed reactor operator duties until such time that any necessary remedial training has been completed and a retake examination has been passed.

(B)

[Reserved]

(vi)

The training program must be approved by the Commission prior to its use, as described under § 53.730(g). The examination program must provide for valid and reliable examinations and must be approved by the Commission prior to their use, as described under § 53.730(g). The approved programs are subject to the requirements of § 53.1565.

(c)

Records. The following is required regarding the documentation of the generally licensed reactor operator training and examination programs:

(1)

Sufficient records must be maintained by the facility licensee to maintain the integrity of the programs and kept available for NRC inspection to verify the adequacy of the programs.

(2)

The facility licensee must maintain records documenting the participation of each generally licensed reactor operator in the training and examination programs. The records must contain copies of examinations administered, the answers given by the generally licensed reactor operator, documentation of the grading of examinations, and documentation of any additional training administered in areas in which a generally licensed reactor operator exhibited deficiencies. The facility licensee must retain these records while the associated generally licensed reactor operators remain employed at the facility.

(3)

Each record required by this part must be legible throughout the retention period. The record may be the original, a reproduced copy, or an electronic copy provided that the copy is authenticated by authorized personnel.

(d)

Examination integrity. Generally licensed reactor operators and facility licensees must not engage in any activity that compromises the integrity of any examination conducted under the generally licensed reactor operator training and examination programs. The integrity of an examination is considered compromised if any activity, regardless of intent, affected, or, but for detection, could have affected the consistent administration of the examination. This includes all activities related to the preparation, administration, and grading of examinations.

(e)

Simulation facilities.

(1)

Simulation facilities used for training purposes, for maintaining proficiency, or for the conduct of examinations must demonstrate compliance with the following criteria as they relate to the facility licensee's reference plant:

(i)

The simulation facility must be of sufficient scope and fidelity for individuals to acquire and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform generally licensed reactor operator duties.

(ii)

The simulation facility must utilize models relating to nuclear, thermal-hydraulic, and other applicable design-specific characteristics that either replicate the most recent fuel load in the reference commercial nuclear plant or, prior to initial fuel load (or, for a fueled manufactured reactor, prior to initiating the removal of the features to prevent criticality required under § 53.620(d)(1)), replicate the intended initial fuel load for the reference commercial nuclear plant, with the exception of those portions of the simulation facility that utilize the reference plant itself.

(iii)

Simulator fidelity must be demonstrated so that significant control manipulations are completed without procedural exceptions, simulator performance exceptions, or deviation from the approved training scenario sequence.

(2)

Facility licensees that maintain a simulation facility for training purposes, for maintaining proficiency, or for the conduct of examinations must—

(i)

Conduct performance testing throughout the life of the simulation facility in a manner sufficient to ensure that paragraph (e)(1) of this section is met;

(ii)

Retain the results of performance testing for 4 years after the completion of each performance test or until superseded by updated test results;

(iii)

Promptly correct modeling and hardware discrepancies and discrepancies identified from scenario validation and from performance testing or provide justification for why the presence of such discrepancies will not adversely affect the criteria of paragraph (e)(1) of this section;

(iv)

Make the results of any uncorrected performance test failures that may exist at the time of an inspection available for NRC review; and

(v)

Maintain the provisions for examination integrity consistent with § 53.815(d).

(f)

Waiver of examination requirement. The facility licensee may waive any or all of the requirements for an examination in accordance with the facility licensee's Commission-approved generally licensed reactor operator training and examination programs.

(g)

Proficiency. The facility licensee must develop, implement, and maintain a proficiency program to allow generally licensed reactor operators to maintain proficiency regarding position functions and familiarity with plant status. This program must include those steps that will be taken in order to re-establish proficiency when it cannot be maintained.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.820. Cessation of individual applicability.

10 C.F.R. § 53.820

The general license ceases to be applicable on an individual basis once a generally licensed reactor operator is no longer being employed in a position that may involve the manipulation of the controls of the self-reliant mitigation facility.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

§53.830. Training and qualification of commercial nuclear personnel.

10 C.F.R. § 53.830

(a)

This section addresses personnel training requirements. The regulations within this section are applicable to all applicants for or holders of OLs or COLs under this part.

(b)

Prior to initial fuel load (or, for a fueled manufactured reactor, prior to initiating the removal of the features to prevent criticality required under § 53.620(d)(1)), each holder of an operating or COL under this part must, with sufficient time to provide trained and qualified personnel to operate the facility, establish, implement, and maintain a training program that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.

(c)

The training program must be derived from a systems approach to training as defined in this part and must provide, at a minimum, for the training and qualification of the following categories of commercial nuclear personnel:

(1)

Supervisors (e.g., shift supervisors);

(2)

Technicians (e.g., maintenance, chemistry, and radiological); and

(3)

Other appropriate operating personnel (e.g., auxiliary operators, certified fuel handlers, and individuals who provide engineering expertise to on-shift operating personnel).

(d)

The training program must incorporate the instructional requirements necessary to provide qualified personnel to operate components of a commercial nuclear plant and maintain the facility in a safe manner in all modes of operation. The training program must be developed to be in compliance with the facility license, including all technical specifications and applicable regulations.

(1)

The training program must be periodically evaluated and revised as appropriate to reflect industry experience and relevant changes, including changes to the facility, procedures, regulations, and QA requirements. The training program must be periodically reviewed by facility licensee management for effectiveness.

(2)

Sufficient records must be maintained by the facility licensee to maintain program integrity and kept available for NRC inspection to verify the adequacy of the training program.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 101, 103, 108, 122, 147, 161, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 223, 234 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2138, 2152, 2167, 2169, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2239, 2273, 2282); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, sec. 306 (42 U.S.C. 10226); National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note; Pub. L. 115-439, 132 Stat. 5571.

Source

Source: 91 FR 15794, Mar. 30, 2026, unless otherwise noted.