NRC Issues Standard Update on Nuclear Training Reviews
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating how it checks training programs at nuclear power plants to make sure they follow a smart, step-by-step system. This affects plant workers and NRC staff by improving safety and training quality. You can share your thoughts by August 21, 2026, so don’t miss the chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Advanced/Microreactor Applicants Must Justify Training
Applicants for advanced reactors and stationary microreactors must describe how regulatory role functions are fulfilled and justify systematic training aligned to job and task analyses, including human factors engineering and cognitive task analysis to capture supervisory control and automation-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Traceable, Quality‑Assured Training Products Required
The draft emphasizes that each SAT phase must produce traceable, quality‑assured products (for example, actionable task lists; condition‑action‑standard learning objectives; leveled evaluation instruments; detailed lesson and simulator guides; secure independent exams; and remediation protocols) and describes 'vertical slice' reviews that trace topics end‑to‑end to verify systematic linkage.
Draft SAT Training Guidance Issued
The NRC issued draft NUREG-1220, Revision 2, to guide how NRC staff review training programs using a Systems Approach to Training (SAT). The draft applies to training at large light-water reactors, advanced reactors (including non-LWRs and stationary microreactors), and small modular LWRs and invites public comment by August 21, 2026.
No New Requirements for INPO‑Accredited LWR Programs
For existing light-water reactor (LWR) training programs accredited by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), inspections will rely on NRC Inspection Procedure 41500 and focus on performance outcomes; the draft guidance does not seek to add new requirements or mandate additional job and task analyses for those programs.
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