nlo to ro

[nnuke1013]

how long do you have to work as an NLO til you can become an RO, if at all?

[JustinHEMI05]

This is another one of those imossible to answer general questions.

Every utility, every site is different.

At minimum, a few years as nlo. But then you have to figure any union contracts and seniority and current manning. Rough estimate? 5 years? That seems to be the average where I have worked. YMMV

[OldHP]

how long do you have to work as an NLO til you can become an RO, if at all?

First: read all of the threads on this site and then figure on 3 to 7 years.  If your employer is building new plants you may be lucky but figure 3 at a minimum!

[JustinHEMI05]

From ACAD 10-001:

"Effective January 1, 2011, this document supersedes ACAD 09-001, Guidelines for Initial
Training and Qualification of Licensed Operators, January 2009. Until January 1, 2011, either
document may be used as the basis for initial licensed operator training and qualification."

"2.1
Reactor Operator (RO) Education and Experience Eligibility Requirements
2.1.1
Education –
The candidate possesses a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
2.1.2
Experience –
The candidate has at least three years of power plant experience, as defined
by Figure 2-1, and at least six months on site at the facility for which the license is being
sought. Additional nonlicensed operator, commercial reactor operator, or military reactor
operator experience is required, as defined in Figure 2-1. "

[nnuke1013]

thanks guys, i appreciate it.

[thenuttyneutron]

I was able to use academic experience for the ACAD requirements.  I took my NRC Written Exam ( the last part of the test) 5 days before the 4th anniversary of my hire date.  I received the license in the mail about a month later on the same week that my first born arrived.  It was the best week of my life

I think it would be very hard to go any faster unless you could get the instant RO that appears to be available now.

[Captain America]

I think it would be very hard to go any faster unless you could get the instant RO that appears to be available now.

I believe this will be the new preferred path.  Particularly with the navy's Building 65 projected to reduce the size of naval nuclear personnel in just a couple of years.

It's a brave new world.

Congrats NN on the addition to the family and new license.