Initial Certification:
The NERC System Operator Certification Program is a 3-year certification program.  Initial certification is obtained by passing one of four examinations: Reliability, Combined Balancing and Transmission, Transmission, and Balancing.  These examinations are based on content outlines derived from job analyses conducted every three to five years. 

• The Balancing examination is designed for those system operators working in control centers from which generation is controlled.  The specifications for this examination are such that 75% of the questions are on subjects related to the operation of generation equipment and scheduled interchange and 25% are on subjects related to the operation of transmission equipment.
• The Transmission examination is designed for those system operators working in control centers from which transmission is controlled.  The specifications for this examination are such that 75% of the questions are on subjects related to the operation of transmission equipment and 25% are on subjects related to the operation of generation equipment and scheduled interchange.
• The Combined Transmission and Balancing examination is designed for system operators working in control centers from which both generation and transmission are controlled.  The specifications for this examination are such that 50% of the questions are on subjects related to the operation of generation equipment and scheduled interchange and 50% are on subjects related to the operation of transmission equipment.
• The Reliability examination is designed for system operators working in Reliability Coordinator control centers. The specifications for this examination are such that 75% of the questions are on subjects related to the operation of generation equipment, scheduled interchange, and the operation of transmission equipment; 25% are on subjects related to the reliability of the Interconnection.

After initial certification is obtained, the credential is maintained only through earning of Continuing Education Hours.  Continuing Education (CE) Hours are earned by participating in NERC Approved Learning Activities.  However, those system operators whose certificates expire before October 1, 2009 have the option of re-certifying by passing an examination again.

Credential Maintenance:
A certified system operator can apply to maintain their credentials by accessing the registration and login screen:

1. Click here to Register or Login to System Operator Certification.
2. Pop-ups must be allowed on your computer for this site to work. If pop-ups are not allowed contact your IT department.
3. Enter your User ID and Password, click <Login>
4. On the Welcome page click on the <Operators> button
5. Select <View Transcripts>
6. In the upper left corner select the certificate number for the credential you wish to maintain (for many of you, there will be only one certificate number.  For others, there will be two or more certificate numbers.  CE hours are credited to only one certificate number)
7. Review the CE hours associated with that certificate
8. Credential maintenance and downgrade buttons will appear as you attain the required milestones.  For certified system operators with the following credentials:

Transmission Operator:
The Credential Maintenance button will appear when you reach the 140 CE hour requirement.  Clicking this button will bring up a screen to confirm your desire to maintain your credential as well as payment of the fee.

Balancing and Interchange Operator:
The Credential Maintenance button will appear when you reach the 140 CE hour requirement. Clicking this button will bring up a screen to confirm your desire to maintain your credential as well as payment of the fee.

Balancing/Interchange and Transmission Operator:

1. A Downgrade button will appear when you reach the 140 CE hour requirement allowing you to downgrade to either a Transmission Operator credential or a Balancing and Interchange credential.  Clicking this button will bring up a screen to confirm your desire to downgrade your credential, to which credential you wish to downgrade, as well as payment of the fee.
    
2. The Credential Maintenance button will appear when you reach the 160 CE hour requirement.  Clicking this button will bring up a screen to confirm your desire to maintain your credential as well as payment of the fee.

Reliability Operator:

1.  A Downgrade button will appear when you reach the 140 CE hour requirement allowing you to downgrade to either a Transmission Operator credential or a Balancing and Interchange credential.  Clicking this button will bring up a screen to confirm your desire to downgrade your credential, to which credential you wish to downgrade, as well as payment of the fee.
    
2.  When you reach the 160 CE hour milestone, a selection will be added allowing you to downgrade to the Balancing/Interchange and Transmission Operator credential.
    
3. The Credential Maintenance button will appear when you reach the 200 CE hour requirement.  Clicking this button will bring up a screen to confirm your desire to maintain your credential as well as payment of the fee.

The fee for maintaining a NERC credential is $350.00 (US)

For Both NERC and PJM Certification
System operator access to the new System Operator Certification and Continuing Education (SOCCED) database is now available.  However, CE Hour data is controlled by the providers and its availability will depend on how quickly the providers are able to load it in.  If you have any question about your CE Hours, please contact the provider. 

Payment for "Maintaining Your NERC Credential"
If you are paying by check, print the application, mail the application form along with your check to:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Attn:  System Operator Certification
116-390 Village Boulevard
Princeton, NJ  08540-5721

For questions concerning the System Operator Certification Program please e-mail exams@nerc.com, or call 609-452-8060.