first time taking DOE core test for hanford

[shperr21]

I just received a job offer for a contracting position at Hanford. I need to take the doe core exam. i have taken the nuf and found it easy based on the cram notes and practice tests. how does the doe test compare to the nuf? is it multiple choice? how many questions is it and how long do you have to take it? another forum said hanfords test is really difficult compared to other sites.... i have the study guide and have been doing ok on the practice tests but if this is the case and their test is way different then i am  not sure what i should be focusing on in the study guide. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Rennhack]

There are multiple parts to the RCT certification process.
     a. There are the 13 generic Core Fundamental Chapters, which our RCT Cram Notes covers with the same accuracy as the NUF, as does our online practice test. It is multiple choice.
     b. Then there are 19 Chapters of 'Site Specific' Fundamentals, often with its own test, or combined with the first 13 as a "Comprehensive" exam. It is usually multiple choice. We do not currently offer the site specific Cram notes, or practice test, but the full study guide covers most of it.
     c. Then you have the Oral Board.
     d. Then the Site specific OJT/Quals.

There are about 249 testable Objectives, covering 32 chapters on the Comprehensive RCT Core exam, versus 52 questions on 5 chapters for the NUF.  They are night and day different.  Passing the NUF will not prepare you for the DOE CORE.  If you can pass the NRRPT, you will be fine.

I recommend both of these books:
RCT Cram Notes Paperback / Kindle
Full DOE RCT Study Guide Paperback / Kindle

What should you be focusing on?  All of it.  It's ALL on the test.  I took my RCT test at Los Alamos, their test is similar to Hanford's test.  An example question for the site specific portion is: (2.19 - COUNTING ROOM EQUIPMENT) What is the lowest energy beta a HP-210 can detect? (40 keV).  I'm not sure why that one sticks with me after all of these years. (What is significant about that energy, is that it is greater than Tritium (6 keV average) and just below Carbon-14 (49 keV average) (about 6% efficient with the screen). However with that low efficiency, its not a great choice.

So... yeah, thee is a lot to know, and a lot to study.  Our Cram notes and practice test will get you 50% of the way there, and the second half of the full study guide should get you most of the rest of the way.

DOE RCT Core Exam vs NUF Exam

The DOE Exam has 249 objectives/questions, the NUF has 52.  They are listed below.  The DOE objectives cover the majority, but not all of the NUF objectives.
Below are the NUF objectives, in bold are the objectives with no matching objective in the DOE RCT Exam:

NUF Objectives:
•   Describe the various types of radiation, their structure, source, approximate range in air, energy levels, charge and method of interaction / attenuation
•   Fission product &Activation Product
•   Describe three methods that result in fission products in plant systems
•   Explain the reason for monitoring fission product activity in the coolant
•   Identify the common fission products
•   Recognize the methods of removal or escape of halogens, noble gases and soluble metal ions from the reactor coolant
•   Identify activated corrosion products found in a light water reactor
•   Describe the radiological impact of the use of Stellite in primary system components
•   Identify sources of activity in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) steam line during operation
•   Identify reactor coolant gaseous activity contributors and their effect of post shutdown dose rates
•   Explain how ionization can be used to detect radiation
•   Describe the basic operation for a typical Gas-filed detector circuit
•   Describe the basic operating characteristics of the Ionization Chamber
•   Describe the basic operating characteristics of a Proportional Counter
•   Explain how a Proportional Counter can discriminate between different types of radiation
•   Explain how a Proportional Counter can be used to measure Neutron dose rates
•   Describe the basic operating characteristics of a Geiger-Mueller (GM) detector
•   Explain the basic operation of a Scintillation detector
•   Explain why Scintillation detectors are more sensitive than Gas-filled detectors
•   Explain the basic operation of a Semi-conductor [detector]
•   Relate the types of radiation detectors to typical applications in the plant
•   Define Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA), Minimum Detectable Counts (MDC), and Lower Limit of Detection (LLD) using the terminology of radiological counting
•   Describe methods used to assess Beta dose
•   Describe the advantages and disadvantages of a Thermo Luminescent Dosimeter (TLD)
•   List three (3) valid reasons why radiation surveys are performed
•   Explain the importance of a representative radiological surveillance
•   List three (3) checks made on a survey instrument prior to use
•   Describe proper practices for performing radiological surveys
•   Recognize situations in and around contaminated areas that may require increased survey frequency or special surveys
•   Describe situations when Stop Work Authority can be exercised.
•   List radiological reasons for decontamination
•   List potential sources of airborne
•   Describe some common causes of air sampling error
•   Describe various sampling media
•   Describe a method of sampling for each of the following contaminants: Particulates, Iodine, Noble gas and Tritium
•   Explain the significance of sampling in the breathing zone
•   Calculate the airborne concentration in uCi/cc when given sample and background count rate, volume and counter efficiency
•   Describe methods used to keep radiation exposure As Low as Reasonably Achievable (ALARA)
•   Define the following terms: Half Value Layer (HVL), Tenth Value Layer (TVL), and Bremsstrahlung
•   Recall factors that influence the attenuation of radiation in matter
•   Recognize the relationship of atomic number of the shielding material and its ability to attenuate Alpha or Beta radiation.
•   Recall the values of Half Value Layers (HVL) or Tenth Value Layers (TVL) for Cobalt-60 (Co-60) gamma rays for lead, steel, concrete and water
•   Solve total dose problems given a dose rate or curie content values for various types of radiation
•   Calculate the exposure rate for a specific radionuclide given the Gamma ray constant, distance from the source(s), and the source activity in Curies (Ci)
•   Define Half-Life
•   Describe the relationship between the radioactive decay constant and the Half-Life of a nuclide
•   Recognize the relationship between Effective Half-Life, Radiological Half-Life and Biological Half-Life
•   Solve or manipulate radioactive problems given the use of a calculator, the quantity of curies of a nuclide and its Half-Life
•   Define beta-gamma to alpha ratio and how it is determined
•   Describe the action levels and controls for alpha monitoring using beta-gamma ratios, contamination survey data, and air sampling results

DOE Objectives:
•   Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions.
•   Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals.
•   Convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions.
•   Convert percent to decimal and decimal to percent.
•   Add, subtract, multiply and divide signed numbers.
•   Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers with exponents.
•   Find the square roots of numbers.
•   Convert between numbers expressed in standard form and in scientific notation.
•   Add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers expressed in scientific notation.
•   Solve equations using the "Order of Mathematical Operations.
•   Perform algebraic functions.
•   Solve equations using common and/or natural logarithms.
•   Identify the values and abbreviations for SI prefixes.
•   Given a measurement and the appropriate conversion factor(s) or conversion factor table, convert the measurement to the specified units.
•   Using the formula provided, convert a given temperature measurement to specified units.
•   Define the following terms as they relate to physics: Work, Force, Energy
•   Identify and describe four forms of energy.
•   State the Law of Conservation of Energy.
•   Distinguish between a solid, a liquid, and a gas in terms of shape and volume.
•   Identify the basic structure of the atom, including the characteristics of subatomic particles.
•   Define the following terms: Atomic number, Mass number, Atomic mass, & Atomic weight
•   Identify what each symbol represents in the   notation.
•   State the mode of arrangement of the elements in the Periodic Table.
•   Identify periods and groups in the Periodic Table in terms of their layout.
•   Define the terms as they relate to atomic structure: Valence shell & Valence electron
•   Identify the definitions of the following terms: Nucleon, Nuclide & Isotope
•   Identify the basic principles of the mass-energy equivalence concept.
•   Identify the definitions of the following terms: Mass defect, Binding energy & Binding energy per nucleon
•   Identify the definitions of the following terms: Fission, Criticality, Fusion
•   Identify the following four sources of natural background radiation including the origin, radionuclides, variables and contribution to exposure:    Terrestrial, Cosmic, Internal Emitters & Radon.
•   Identify the following four sources of artificially produced radiation and the magnitude of dose received from each: Nuclear Fallout, Medical Exposures, Consumer Products, Nuclear Facilities.
•   Identify how the neutron to proton ratio is related to nuclear stability.
•   Identify the definition of the following terms: radioactivity & radioactive decay
•   Identify the characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations.
•   Given simple equations identify the following radioactive decay modes: alpha decay, beta decay, positron decay, electron capture
•   Identify two aspects associated with the decay of a radioactive nuclide.
•   Identify differences between natural and artificial radioactivity.
•   Identify why fission products are unstable.
•   Identify the three naturally-occurring radioactive families and the end product of each.
•   Given a nuclide, locate its block on the Chart of the Nuclides and identify the following: atomic number, atomic mass, natural percent abundance, stability, half-life, and types and energies of radioactive emissions
•   Given the Chart of Nuclides, trace the decay of a radioactive nuclide and identify the stable end product.
•   Identify the definition of the following units: curie & becquerel
•   Identify the definition of specific activity.
•   Identify the definition of half-life.
•   Calculate activity, time of decay, and radiological half-life using the formula for radioactive decay.
•   Identify the definition of the following: exposure, absorbed dose, equivalent dose. & quality factor.
•   Identify the definition of the following units: roentgen, rad/gray, rem/sievert
•   Identify the definitions of the following terms: ionization, excitation, bremsstrahlung
•   Identify the definitions of the following terms: specific ionization, linear energy transfer (LET), stopping power, range, & W-value.
•   Identify the two major mechanisms of energy transfer for alpha particulate radiation.
•   Identify the three major mechanisms of energy transfer for beta particulate radiation.
•   Identify the three major mechanisms by which gamma photon radiation interacts with matter.
•   Identify the four main categories of neutrons as they are classified by kinetic energy for interaction in tissue.
•   Identify three possible results of neutron capture for slow neutrons.
•   Identify elastic and inelastic scattering interactions for fast neutrons.
•   Identify the characteristics of materials best suited to shield: alpha, beta, gamma, & neutron radiations
•   Identify the function of the following cell structures: Cell membrane, Cytoplasm, Mitochondria, Lysosome, Nucleus, DNA, & Chromosomes
•   Identify effects of radiation on cell structures
•   Define the law of Bergonie and Tribondeau.
•   Identify factors which affect the radiosensitivity of cells.
•   Given a list of types of cells, identify which are most or least radiosensitive.
•   Identify primary and secondary reactions on cells produced by ionizing radiation.
•   Identify the following definitions and give examples of each:  Stochastic effect & Deterministic effect.
•   Identify the LD 50/30 value for humans
•   Identify the possible somatic effects of chronic exposure to radiation.
•   Distinguish between the three types of the acute radiation syndrome, and identify the exposure levels and the symptoms associated with each.
•   Identify risks of radiation exposure to the developing embryo and fetus.
•   Distinguish between the terms "somatic" and "heritable" as they apply to biological effects.
•   Identify the role of advisory agencies in the development of recommendations for radiological control.
•   Identify the role of regulatory agencies in the development of standards and regulations for radiological control.
•   Identify the scope of 10 CFR 835.
•   Describe the assumptions on which the current ALARA philosophy is based.
•   Identify the ALARA philosophy for collective personnel exposure and individual exposure.
•   Identify the scope of an effective radiological ALARA program.
•   Identify the purposes for conducting pre-job and/or post-job ALARA reviews.
•   Identify RCT responsibilities for ALARA implementation.
•   Identify the four basic methods for minimizing personnel external exposure.
•   Using the Exposure Rate = 6CEN equation, calculate the gamma exposure rate for specific radionuclides.
•   Identify "source reduction" techniques for minimizing personnel external exposures.
•   Identify "time-saving" techniques for minimizing personnel external exposures.
•   Using the stay time equation, calculate an individual's remaining allowable   equivalent dose or stay time.
•   Identify "distance to radiation sources" techniques for minimizing personnel    external exposures.
•   Using the point source equation (inverse square law), calculate the exposure rate or distance for a point source of radiation.
•   Using the line source equation, calculate the exposure rate or distance for a line source of radiation.
•   Identify how exposure rate varies depending on the distance from a surface (plane) source of radiation, and identify examples of plane sources.
•   Identify the definition and units of "mass attenuation coefficient" and "linear attenuation coefficient".
•   Identify the definition and units of "density thickness".
•   Identify the density-thickness values, in mg/cm2, for the skin, lens of the eye and the whole body.
•   Calculate shielding thickness or exposure rates for gamma/x-ray radiation using the equations.
•   Identify four ways in which radioactive materials can enter the body.
•   Given a pathway for radioactive materials into the body, identify one method to prevent or minimize entry by that pathway.
•   Identify the definition and distinguish between the terms "Annual Limit on Intake" (ALI) and "Derived Air Concentration" (DAC).
•   Identify the basis for determining Annual Limit on Intake (ALI).
•   Identify the definition of "reference man".
•   Identify a method of using DACs to minimize internal exposure potential.
•   Identify three factors that govern the behavior of radioactive materials in the body.
•   Identify the two natural mechanisms which reduce the quantity of a radionuclide in the body.
•   Identify the relationship between the physical, biological and effective half-lives.
•   Given the physical and biological half-lives, calculate the effective half-life.
•   Given a method used by medical personnel to increase the elimination rate of radioactive materials from the body, identify how and why that method works.
•   Identify the three fundamental laws associated with electrical charges.
•   Identify the definition of current, voltage and resistance and their respective units.
•   Select the function of the detector and readout circuitry components in a radiation measurement system.
•   Identify the parameters that affect the number of ion pairs collected in a gas-filled detector.
•   Given a graph of the gas amplification curve, identify the regions of the curve.
•   Identify the characteristics of a detector operated in each of the useful regions of the gas amplification curve.
•   Identify the definition of the following terms: Resolving time, Dead time, & Recovery time
•   Identify the methods employed with gas-filled detectors to discriminate between various types of radiation and various radiation energies.
•   Identify how a scintillation detector and associated components operate to detect and measure radiation.
•   Identify how neutron detectors detect neutrons and provide an electrical signal.
•   Identify the principles of detection, advantages and disadvantages of a GeLi detector and an HPGe detector.
•   List the types of records/reports that the Radiological Control group is responsible for maintaining.
•   Describe the types of records and reports used by the Radiological Control group, to include but should not be limited to: Radiological Work Permits, Survey Reports, Analysis Reports, Radiological Deficiency Reports, & Exposure Reports
•   Explain the requirements for the records management system, such as QC, auditability/retrievability, management information.
•   Explain the importance of good communication.
•   Identify the two methods of communication and be able to determine different types of each.
•   Describe different types of communication systems.
•   Describe the FCC and DOE guidelines regarding proper use of communication systems.
•   Describe general attributes of good communications.
•   Explain the importance of knowing how to contact key personnel.
•   Identify five general types of errors that can occur when analyzing radioactive samples, and describe the effect of each source of error on sample measurements.
•   State the two purposes for statistical analysis of count room operations.
•   Define the following terms: mode, median, & mean.
•   Given a series of data, calculate mode, median, or mean.
•   Define the following terms: variance & standard deviation.
•   Given the formula and a set of data calculate the standard deviation.
•   State the purpose of a Chi-squared test.
•   State the purpose of creating quality control (QC) charts.
•   State the requirements for maintenance and review of QC charts.
•   State the purpose of calculating warning and control limits.
•   State the purpose of determining efficiencies and correction factors.
•   Given counting data and source assay information, calculate efficiencies and correction factors.
•   State the meaning of counting data reported as x.xx ± yy.
•   Given counting results and appropriate formulas, report results to desired confidence level.
•   State the purpose of determining background.
•   State the purpose of performing planchet maintenance.
•   State the method and requirements for performing planchet maintenance for counting systems.
•   Explain the methods used to improve the statistical validity of count room measurements.
•   Define "detection limit," and explain the purpose of using detection limits in the analysis of radioactive samples.
•   State the purpose and method of determining crosstalk.
•   State the criteria for acceptable values of crosstalk for counting systems.
•   State the method of performing a voltage plateau on counting systems.
•   Identify the DOE external exposure limits for occupational workers.
•   Identify the DOE limits established for the embryo/fetus of a female occupational worker.
•   Determine the theory of operation of a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD).
•   Determine how a TLD reader measures the radiation dose from a TLD.
•   Identify the advantages and disadvantages of a TLD compared to a film badge.
•   Determine the principle of operation of self-reading dosimetry (SRD).
•   List the types of bioassay monitoring methods.
•   Define the terms "removable and fixed surface contamination," state the difference between them and list common methods used to measure each.
•   State the components of a radiological monitoring program for contamination control and common methods used to accomplish them.
•   State the basic goal of a contamination control program and list actions that contribute to its success.
•   State the basic principles of contamination control and list examples of implementation methods.
•   List and describe the possible engineering control methods used for contamination control.
•   State the purpose of using protective clothing in contamination areas.
•   List the basic factors which determine protective clothing requirements for personnel protection.
•   State the primary objectives of an air monitoring program.
•   Describe the three physical states of airborne radioactive contaminants.
•   List the primary considerations to ensure a representative air sample is obtained.
•   Identify the six general methods for obtaining samples or measurements of airborne radioactivity concentrations and describe the principle of operation for each method.
•   Describe the general considerations for selection of an air monitoring method.
•   State the purpose of the five primary types of airborne radioactivity samplers/monitors.
•   List the factors that affect the accuracy of airborne radioactivity measurements.
•   Explain the purpose of respiratory protection standards and regulations.
•   Identify the OSHA, ANSI, and DOE respiratory protection program requirements.
•   Identify the standards which regulate respiratory protection.
•   Describe the advantages and disadvantages (limitations) of each type of respirators.
•   Define the term protection factor (PF).
•   State the difference between a qualitative and quantitative fit test.
•   State the recommended physical functions the subject must perform during a respirator fit test.
•   State how the term protection factor (PF) is applied to selection of respiratory protection equipment
•   State the general considerations and considerations for the nature of the hazard when selecting the proper respiratory protection equipment.
•   Identify the quality specifications breathing air must meet.
•   Describe the requirements for radioactive sources as outlined in 10 CFR 835.
•   Identify the packaging, marking, and labeling requirements for radioactive sources.
•   Describe the approval and posting requirements for radioactive materials areas.
•   State the goals of an environmental monitoring program.
•   State the exposure limits to the general public as they apply to environmental monitoring.
•   Define the term "critical nuclide."
•   Define the term "critical pathway."
•   Define the term "suspect waste site," and how they can be identified.
•   Describe the methods used for environmental monitoring.
•   State the purpose of and information found on a Radiological Work Permit (RWP) including the different classifications.
•   State responsibilities in using or initiating a RWP.
•   State the conditions under which a pre-job ALARA review is required
•   State the conditions under which a post-job ALARA review is required.
•   State purpose of all radiological postings, signs, labels, and barricades; and the RCTs responsibilities for them.
•   Identify radiological postings at your site, requirements for posting/barriers, and requirements for entry.
•   Describe good practices, support equipment to use, and common discrepancies in setting up radiological areas.
•   List discrepancies frequently observed in containment devices.
•   Describe good practices in setting up portable ventilation systems and count rate meters.
•   List the requirements individuals must follow while working in RBAs.
•   List four purposes of job coverage.
•   Explain the differences between continuous and intermittent job coverage.
•   Given example conditions, identify those that should require job coverage.
•   Identify items that should be considered in planning job coverage.
•   Identify examples of information that should be discussed with workers during pre-job briefings.
•   Describe exposure control techniques that can be used to control worker and technician radiation exposures.
•   Describe the in-progress radiological surveys that should be performed under various radiological conditions.
•   Describe site requirements for documentation of in-progress radiological surveys.
•   Describe contamination control techniques that can be used to limit or prevent personnel and area contamination and/or reduce radioactive waste generation.
•   Describe job coverage techniques that can be used to prevent or limit the spread of airborne radioactive material.
•   Describe overall job control techniques in maintaining control of radiological work.
•   State the reasons to stop radiological work activities in accordance with the DOE RCS.
•   List the applicable agencies which have regulations that govern the transport of radioactive material.
•   Define terms used in DOT regulations.
•   Describe methods that may be used to determine the radionuclide contents of a package.
•   Describe the necessary radiation and contamination surveys to be performed on packages and state the applicable limits.
•   Describe the necessary radiation and contamination surveys to be performed on exclusive use vehicles and state the applicable limits.
•   Identify the proper placement of placards on a transport vehicle.
•   Identify inspection criteria that should be checked prior to releasing a shipment.
•   Describe site procedures for receipt and shipment of radioactive material shipments.
•   List the actions required if a shipment is received exceeding radiation or contamination limits.
•   Describe the proper step-by-step method for opening a package containing radioactive material.
•   Describe the general response and responsibilities of an RCT during any incident.
•   Identify any emergency equipment and facilities that are available, including the location and contents of emergency equipment kits.
•   Describe the RCT response to a Continuous Air Monitor (CAM) alarm.
•   Describe the RCT response to a personnel contamination monitor alarm.
•   Describe the RCT response to off scale or lost dosimetry.
•   Describe the RCT response to rapidly increasing, unanticipated radiation levels or an area radiation monitor alarm.
•   Describe the RCT response to a dry or liquid radioactive material spill.
•   Describe the RCT response to a fire in a radiological area or involving radioactive materials.
•   Describe the response levels associated with radiological emergencies.
•   List the three factors which determine the actions taken in decontamination of personnel.
•   List the preliminary actions and notifications required by the RCT for an individual suspected to be contaminated.
•   List the actions to be taken by the RCT when contamination of clothing is confirmed.
•   List the actions to be taken by the RCT when skin contamination is confirmed.
•   List the steps for using decontamination reagents to decontaminate personnel.
•   List the proper steps for the treatment of minor injuries occurring in various radiological areas.
•   List the requirements for responding to major injuries or illnesses in radiological areas.
•   State the RCT's responsibility at the scene of a major injury in a radiological area after medical personnel have arrived at the scene.
•   List the requirements for treatment and transport of contaminated injured personnel.
•   List the factors which affect an RCT's selection of a portable radiation survey instrument, and identify appropriate instruments for external radiation surveys.
•   Identify features and specifications for ion chamber instruments.
•   Identify features and specifications for high range instruments.
•   Identify features and specifications for neutron detection and measurement instruments.
•   List the factors which affects an RCT's selection of a portable contamination monitoring instrument.
•   Describe the features and specifications for commonly used count rate meter probes used for beta/gamma and/or alpha surveys.
•   Describe the features and specifications for commonly used count rate instruments.
•   Describe the features and specifications for commonly used personnel contamination monitors.
•   Identify the physical and operating characteristics and the limitation(s) of the Staplex and Radeco portable air samplers.
•   Identify the physical and operating characteristics and the limitation(s) of Motor air pumps.
•   List the steps for a preoperational checkout of a portable air sampler.
•   Identify the physical and operational characteristics and the limitation(s) of beta-gamma constant air monitors (CAMs).
•   Identify the physical and operating characteristics and the limitation(s) of alpha constant air monitors (CAMs).
•   Describe the features and specifications for commonly used laboratory counters or scalers.
•   Describe the features and specifications for low-background automatic counting systems.
•   Describe the following features and specifications for commonly used gamma spectroscopy systems.

[Chimera]

Be aware that the Site Academic study guides may vary somewhat between sites.  I discarded some of the DOE objectives since they did not apply to my site and added a few objectives that are appropriate to this site.  For the most part, the test on the Site Academic study guides more closely resembles a procedures test and may vary significantly between sites. 

For new hires with no previous or no current RCT qualifications, we do a Fundamental Academics exam - similar to the NUF - followed by the Site Academics exam if the first exam is successfully passed.  Biennial Requal is a comprehensive exam using elements from both of those exams - plus a few other things.  This process and the contents of the exams may vary considerably between DOE sites because the nature of the hazards may vary considerably.

Michael

[christophermarkleverenz]

Hi so i also just got a job offer at Hanford and is there any way to find site specific testing information for them?

[rjjohnson83404]

Besides all the great advice and info here, know your Alpha. Lots of it here.