Certified Nuclear Professional exam application window opens

CNP explained: ANS created the CNP credential to address a critical gap in industry accreditation to support both individuals and organizations operating in the field. The largest component of the nuclear workforce is made up of thousands of people who do not hold a four-year STEM degree and have not earned industry accreditation.

"When we looked at the industry as a whole, there were a lot of different credentials that require a really high level of education and a long number of years of experience in order to be eligible to even sit for the exam," said Rebecca Steinman, senior manager of corporate licensing at Constellation and ANS vice-president/president elect.

Steinman formerly was chair of the ANS President's Special Committee on Certification, which created the CNP program. As she explained, the CNP fills a gap that previously existed in nuclear accreditation-opening a pathway for those without decades of experience to demonstrate their knowledge and skill sets.

The national benchmark of the CNP credential benefits employers, too, reflecting that a prospective employee has been tested successfully on a standard set of criteria and has a guaranteed level of relevant knowledge.

Eligibility requirements: The CNP credential is tailored to early- to mid-career professionals working across diverse areas in the sector, including nuclear operations, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, safety, and project management.

The following are eligibility criteria for the exam:

• A high-school diploma or a GED equivalent as a minimum.
• Demonstration of nuclear education or work experience:
  • 2 years of nuclear on-the-job work experience or
  • 80 hours of continuing professional education that is offered by any professional entity if the education is directly related to the domains covered by the CNP exam or
  • 2 years of nuclear education at an associate-degree level or above.
• Alternative options to fulfill the nuclear education requirement include the following:
  • A senior reactor operator license or reactor operator license.
  • Completion of the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power School (enlisted or officer).
  • Other forms of nuclear education or coursework will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

More resources: Those interested in learning more about the CNP exam have several resources at their disposal:

• Last year, ANS hosted a webinar, "How to Become a Certified Nuclear Professional," which serves as a comprehensive guide for the certification process.
• ANS offers both a 140-page plus study guide and a practice exam for the CNP.
• All other relevant information on the application process, cost, and content of the exam is available on the ANS website.

Applications are now open for the fall 2026 testing period for the American Nuclear Society's Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) exam. Applications are being accepted through October 28, and the test will be administered November 18-December 16.

This is the final test session of 2026; after the fall 2026 period, the next opportunity to take the exam will be in March 2027.