NSSPI is offering two new certificate programs to professionals and students who want to participate in formal training in nuclear security and safeguards. The certificate programs draw from the current online modules in the Nuclear Security and Safeguards Education Portal (NSSEP), and carry with them the option to earn continuing education units (CEUs) and a professional certificate certified by NSSPI and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), the engineering research and training agency of the Texas A&M University System.
Over the past nearly ten years, NSSPI faculty and staff have developed the self-paced online modules in NSSEP through sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the U.S. Department of State’s Partnership for Nuclear Threat Reduction. The modules provide training in topics of interest to these organizations and have been used extensively in their training and human capital development programs. While the modules are free and available to the general public, this program will give individuals the opportunity to formalize their learning and earn official credits. They will also have more direct contact with NSSPI faculty and staff and be asked to complete additional assessments to be certified.
The Professional Certificate in Nuclear Security Fundamentals provides training in the areas of basic nuclear and atomic physics, the nuclear fuel cycle, basic radiation detection, nuclear security threat assessment, nuclear security culture, physical protection systems, and insider threats. It represents approximately 30 hours of online coursework, for which participants can earn 3 CEUs.
The Professional Certificate in Nuclear Safeguards Fundamentals covers the nuclear fuel cycle, basic and applied statistics for nuclear safeguards, nuclear material accountancy, containment and surveillance, spent nuclear fuel safeguards, and uranium enrichment safeguards. It consists of approximately 25 hours of online coursework, for which participants can earn 2.5 CEUs.
Enrollment is currently open for both certificate programs. For more information, visit the TEES Edge Catalog or email nsspi@tamu.edu. To access the NSSEP modules, visit the NSSPI website.