ANS releases study guide for CNP exam

The American Nuclear Society has released the official study guide for the Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) examination. The comprehensive 149-page document explains each major knowledge area covered by the CNP exam, and it is now available for purchase on the ANS website.

The details: The CNP study guide was developed, compiled, and reviewed by ANS staff and members. ANS gratefully acknowledges the subject matter expertise and commitment to nuclear workforce development of Ryan Bechtel, Nathan Carstens, Robert Commerford Jr., Rebecca Steinman, Joshua Vajda, and Matthew Wargon.

The CNP exam is designed to assess foundational nuclear knowledge expected of individuals entering or working in the nuclear industry. It is not intended to test advanced nuclear engineering design, detailed regulatory interpretation, or complex mathematical derivations; rather, it emphasizes conceptual understanding, correct use of nuclear terminology, recognition of safe work practices, and the ability to apply basic nuclear concepts to practical situations.

The exam is broken into eight major knowledge areas, each of which is exhaustively examined by the study guide:

Nuclear Fundamentals, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the exam. This area focuses on foundational knowledge of nuclear structure, reactions, and radiation.

General Nuclear Safety Culture, accounting for approximately 15 percent of the exam. This area looks at lessons learned from major accidents and how human, organizational, and operational factors shape safety practices and industry standards.

Industry Codes and Standards in Nuclear Facilities, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the exam. This area covers consensus standards, industry codes and standards, and the process of qualifying structures, systems, and components.

Applied Health Physics, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the exam. This area looks at radiation dosimetry and protection.

Licensing and Regulatory Concepts, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the exam. This area is focused on the legal and regulatory framework governing commercial facilities.

Non-Power Application of Radiation and Nuclear Technology, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the exam. This area focuses on the principles and applications of radiation detection and spectroscopy.

Nuclear Power, accounting for approximately 15 percent of the exam. This area tests knowledge of reactor design, control, generations, reactor types, refueling processes, and spent fuel storage methods.

Fuel Cycle and Waste Management, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the exam. This area covers chemical forms, enrichment technologies, reprocessing, transport regulations, and radioactive waste types and disposal methods.

Next steps: The application period for the summer 2026 CNP exam testing period is currently open and will close on July 2. More information on the exam, eligibility, and scheduling is available on the ANS website.

In September 2025, ANS hosted a webinar titled "How to Become a Certified Nuclear Professional," which offers a comprehensive look at everything prospective test-takers need to know ahead of signing up for the CNP exam.