System Operator Certification & Credential Maintenance Program
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In support of NERC’s mission, the System Operator Certification Program’s promotes reliability of the North American bulk power system (BPS) by ensuring that employers have a workforce of system operators that meet minimum qualifications. NERC monitors system operators to ensure they maintain their required credentials to work in system control centers across North America. NERC’s system operator certification exam tests specific knowledge of job skills and Reliability Standards. It also prepares operators to handle the BPS during normal and emergency operations. Certification is maintained by completing NERC‐approved Credential Maintenance Program courses and activities. These industry-accepted qualifications are set through internationally recognized processes and procedures for agencies that certify persons.
 
Governance
The Personnel Certification Governance Committee (PCGC) is a NERC standing committee that provides oversight to the policies and processes used to implement and maintain the integrity and independence of the NERC System Operator Certification Program. The PCGC provides reports to the NERC Board of Trustees and NERC President regarding the governance and administration of the System Operator Certification Program.
           
The Credential Maintenance Working Group (CMWG) reports to the PCGC and is responsible for developing and maintaining the Credential Maintenance Program under the general guidelines set by the PCGC.
 
Process
The Exam Working Group (EWG) consists of subject matter experts from all regions of North America and is responsible for doing an extensive job analysis survey of certified operators across the industry which provides the basis for the exams. The job analysis survey results in an exam content outline for each of the four exams. The exam content outline is the framework used to associate tasks to exam questions. NERC contracts with psychometric consultants who assist a working group of certified system operators in the development and maintenance of each exam.
 
The four exams are the:
  • Reliability examination; 
  • Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission examination;
  • Transmission examination; and 
  • Balancing examination.
After initial certification is obtained, the credential is maintained by meeting the continuing education requirements every three years.
 
Credential Maintenance Program
NERC's Credential Maintenance Program acknowledges high-quality learning activities within the electric utility industry by approving continuing education providers that meet NERC guidelines and standards. Information on how to become a NERC-recognized continuing education provider is contained in the links below.
 

Provider Site:
Initial and existing continuing education providers can access the System Operator Certification and Continuing Education Database (SOCCED) to:

  1. Create a new provider account, or
  2. Access your existing provider account.
  3. Submit new individual learning activity (ILA) applications
  4. Review the status of existing courses
  5. Submit transcripts of delivered courses.



 

SOCCED

To Register or Log In to the System Operator Certification Continuing Education Database (SOCCED), click here. (works best in Chrome)

 

Support

​​SOCCED Help Center

Submit a Request(SOCCED, System Operator Program, Credential Maintenance Program, and Provider Support) Please note: Include your full name and provide detailed information regarding your request​.

Help Desk 404-446-9759 (General Questions; M-F 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern) 

To schedule an exam go to: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/​​ (see PSI Test Taker Portal - How to Book Your Test for additional information).

To contact​ PSI Exam Vendor​

News

​Provider Program Fee Increases 

Effective January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026
The Provider Program Fees will be increased

Click here for: Full A​nnouncement

Important Notice – NERC Moving to new Exam Vendor (Posted August 16, 2024)
New System Operator Certification Exam Vendor coming Q1 2025.  As we move closer to the transition date, additional information will be provided.​








​​