The Oak Ridge Office (ORO) Technical Qualification Program (TQP) establishes the basic technical capabilities necessary for technical personnel in nuclear and high-, medium-, or low-hazard facilities to carry out the mission of ORO while protecting the health and safety of employees and the public.  The program applies to federal technical employees whose positions require them to provide management direction and oversight that could impact the safe operations of a nuclear facility or high-, medium-, or low-hazard facility.

What is a Qualification Standard?

A qualification standard is a collection of competencies, all related to one functional or topical area of technical expertise (e.g., Environmental Restoration, Nuclear Safety Specialist, Safeguards and Security).  Each competency has a set of supporting knowledge and/or skills, which help ensure consistent understanding and application.

There are three levels of qualification (see graphic below).  Each qualification standard consists of a number of competencies.

1. General Technical Base (GTB) - department wide

2. Functional Area Qualification Standard (FAQS) - Primary (required) and Secondary (Optional, if duties "overlap" another area, secondary functional area may be appropriate) - department wide

3. Office/Facility-Specific (OFS)

• Operations/program offices develop
• Competencies that build upon the department qualification standards
• Competencies not covered by the GTB and FAQSs
• May be considered unique for your job assignment at your facility/office

What is a competency?

A competency is a statement of desired outcome or indicator of successful performance of some activity.

How are the competencies addressed?

Competencies are addressed:

(1)  by identifying a developmental activity needed to achieve competency,
(2)  claiming equivalency by means of prior training, education or experience, or
(3)  by claiming an exemption because the competency statement does not apply to the job

Developmental Activities

Activities that will lead to the completion of the competency, for example:

• on-the-job training
• self-study
• training course
• mentoring
• other related activity

Equivalencies

• Shall be approved based only upon justifications supported by objective evidence
• May consider any of the following:

• Certificates of completion of training courses/activities
• Work products
• Degree/transcripts
• University grade reports
• Professional licenses, certificates, and registrations
• Performance appraisals
• Attestations
• Course syllabus for completed courses
• Feedback from customers
• Examination results
• Training records
• Current and former supervisors
• Position description and statement of time on the job
• In-depth interviews
• Walkthroughs/walkdowns
• Publications authored

• Shall be documented and approved one level above the individual's immediate supervisor
• Formal documentation of equivalencies shall be included as part of the individual's training and qualification record

Exemptions

• Where allowed, exemptions are given for competencies that do not apply to one's job assignment.  Exemptions from the competencies in the General Technical Base Qualification Standard or the assigned primary FAQS are not permitted
• Exemptions require a written justification
• Shall be documented and approved one level above the individual's immediate supervisor

How is Competency Evaluated?

The participant’s Supervisor, an ORO Integrated Support Center (ISC) Qualifying Official, or another individual designated by the supervisor, will evaluate employee using any of the following:

• oral evaluation (e.g., discussion, questioning, and/or walkthrough)
• performance demonstration
• course completion
• written examination

Will I Have to Requalify?

Facility Representatives (every 3 years), Senior Technical Safety Managers (every 5 years), and Nuclear Safety Specialists (every 5 years) are the only staff required to requalify.  Others do not requalify, but have continuing training and proficiency requirements.  These requirements are usually listed at the end of each standard.

What Roles and Responsibilities Apply?

• ORO Supervisors/managers identify TQP participants based on selection criteria provided in the Office of Science ISC TQP Manual
• Supervisors are responsible for evaluating completion of competencies, with the assistance of subject matter experts if desired
• Employees participating in the TQP are expected to make steady progress toward qualification and complete all requirements by their assigned due date.