NRC Updates Guide for Nuclear Plant Operator Training Simulators
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating its guide on how nuclear power plant simulators should be used for training operators, testing licenses, and gaining experience. This update follows a new industry standard to make training safer and clearer for everyone involved. If you run or work with these simulators, check out the changes and send your feedback by May 15, 2026—this could affect training costs and schedules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Guide endorses ANSI/ANS 3.5 standard
The NRC’s draft Regulatory Guide DG-1384 (proposed Revision 5 to RG 1.149) endorses the ANSI/ANS 3.5 2018 industry standard for nuclear power plant simulators. The guide clarifies that simulators used to meet parts of 10 CFR 55 — including operating tests (10 CFR 55.45(a)), requalification training (10 CFR 55.59), and control manipulations for license eligibility (10 CFR 55.31(a)(5)) — should be sufficient in scope and fidelity for those regulatory purposes.
Possible effects on training costs and schedules
The NRC is updating how simulators should be used for operator training, license examinations, and applicant experience, and the agency asks for public comment by May 15, 2026. If you run or work with these simulators, the proposed changes could affect training costs and schedules for operator training and examinations.
Guide would not be mandatory (no backfitting)
The NRC states that issuing DG-1384 in final form (as Revision 5 to RG 1.149) would not constitute backfitting or forward fitting, and that applicants or licensees generally would not be required to comply with the positions in DG-1384. That means licensees would not be forced to adopt the guide’s positions as mandatory requirements.
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