NERC System Operator
Certification Program
NERC
September 2002
Model
New Model
September 2002

Four exams - Specialties
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Balancing & Interchange Operator
Transmission Operator
Balancing, Interchange &Transmission Operator
Reliability Authority Operator
Multiple forms (versions) of all
NERC
Credential Hierarchy
Reliability Authority
Current
Credential
Balancing/Interchange/Transmission
Balancing/Interchange
Transmission
Credential Information

Each credential stands alone
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Expiration dates do not change with obtaining
additional credential
Current certification credential will satisfy all
requirements while valid
Obtain guidance from employer for
NERC
selection of credential to obtain
Implementation Issues
Database issues
– Examination selection required
Select exam when registering
If you’ve already registered to
take after Aug, submit change
NERC
form to select exam
– No-Test Period
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NERC
No-Test Period

Starts August 3, 2002
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Ends September 2, 2002
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Last chance to take current examination will be on
August 2, 2002
New examinations will be available on September
3, 2002
Eligibility Period Extensions
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Eligibility period extended 30-days if it ends
during the ‘No-Test Period’ ONLY
NERC
Quick Facts

Cost is currently scheduled to remain
unchanged
- $350 Members / $850 Non-members

Waiting period for re-test has been
changed to 90-days

Individuals who do not submit an
examination change will forfeit their
application fees.
NERC
QUESTIONS
Balancing & Interchange
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Balance loads and resources to maintain
system reliability at scheduled frequency.
Evaluate, modify and implement a resource
plan for the current operating period to
balance system load and resources.
Operate AGC to dispatch generation
NERC
resources within the entity's metered
boundaries.
Balancing & Interchange
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Procure alternate source of energy when the
Reliability Authority curtails transactions or
calls for resource re-dispatch.
Direct actions to correct abnormal frequency
Direct procurement of replacement energy
upon a loss of a generating or
NERC
interchange resource.
Balancing & Interchange
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Direct the separation or shutdown of
generators that are unsafe to operate during
or after an area disturbance.
Ensure adequate spinning and operating
reserves are available.
Request an Energy Emergency Alert
NERC
(EEA) when resources and reserves
are inadequate to meet demand.
Balancing & Interchange
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React to a capacity emergency by bringing on
all available generation and/or scheduling
energy purchases and/or requesting
emergency assistance from other systems.
Confirm and implement interchange
schedules and schedule changes.
NERC
Transmission
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Direct the restoration of the transmission
system following a major system outage, load
shedding, islanding or blackout.
Direct and/or control switching of bulk-electric
system elements at switching stations,
generating stations and transmission
NERC
line terminals
Transmission
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Direct and/or approve the real-time operation
of the bulk electric transmission system.
Coordinate outages of transmission system
elements with all impacted systems to ensure
transmission system reliability.
Initiate control actions to mitigate
NERC
thermal, stability, and voltage limit
violations.
Transmission
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Provide emergency services coordination for
field personnel.
Following the activation of automatic load
shedding schemes, disable automatic underfrequency relays if system conditions warrant.
Coordinate with impacted systems, and
NERC
monitor actual and/or expected
operating reliability limit violations
and respond as required.
NERC
Transmission
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Coordinate operations between the host
control area and any transmission operating
entities that exist within the host control
area’s boundaries to ensure transmission
reliability.
Monitors voltage levels and directs or controls
reactive resources, and coordinates MVAR
flows with neighboring systems.
Directs or initiates shedding load to alleviate
system emergency conditions.
Balancing/Interchange &
Transmission

If you perform some or all of the task on the
Balancing & Interchange list
AND

You perform some or all of the task on the
Transmission list
NERC
Reliability Authority
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Produce and publish system status information
via Reliability Authority Information System
(RAIS) other regional communication networks.
Initiate a Reliability Authority hotline conference
call when frequency error exceeds specified
limits.
NERC
Monitor, evaluate and act upon
reliabilityrelated data from the
RAIS.
Reliability Authority
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Monitor, evaluate and act upon reliabilityrelated data within a Reliability Authority Area.
Coordinate Reliability processes and actions
with, and among, other Reliability Authorities.
Issue Energy Emergency Alerts to Generators,
Load Serving Entities, Transmission
NERC
Operators, Balancing Authorities,
and Interchange Authorities.
NERC
Content Outlines
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Separate content outlines for each
examination.
Outlines comprised of:
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Some overlap of tasks due to tasks that were
identified as being performed by all entities.
Unique tasks for the specialty area.
Different content areas across the outlines.