Background

In 2005, EPRI developed a report to support the development of PRA specific qualification cards (EPRI report 1011981). This report was the culmination of industry survey results, review of existing programs, and the expertise of industry experts. This report provided a summary of recommended qualification tasks for all modes of plant operation and all hazard sources and provided sample qualification cards for use by the industry. EPRI has developed several training courses over the years for PRA practitioners; however, it is not always clear to the PRA practitioners or their supervisors when the courses should be taken to reduce confusion and ensure that trainees are able to understand topics and contribute to the workforce. Historically, in the nuclear industry, there are two types of PRA engineers: Model Engineers and Application Engineers.

Model Engineer

A model engineer is responsible for maintenance and update of the PRA model. These engineers are typically responsible for the documentation and model for the Internal Events, Flood, and Fire PRAs at a minimum. The skillsets identified for Model Engineers are categorized into different types of PRA modeling as shown on the PRA Workforce Development page.

Additionally, Level 3, External Events PRA, and Methods for Advanced Reactors were identified as skillsets. However, as these are highly specialized areas of knowledge, they were not considered in detail as part of development of this Wiki page.

Applications Engineer

An applications engineer is responsible for direct support of the site. These engineers are typically responsible for rolling out the (a)(4) model (Phoenix RM), providing support for all applications of the PRA model (one time and recurring), and interfacing with the model engineers to be sure that feedback from the site plant personnel is incorporated during the next model updates as needed. While a detailed understanding of all model engineering skillsets is not required for the applications engineer, a basic understanding of results from Level 1 and Level 2 PRAs as well as an understanding of importance measures and how to generate delta CDF and delta LERF is required. The key skillsets are shown on the PRA Workforce Development page.