Mr. Richard A. Meserve, Chairman
USNRC
Washington, DC 20555
Dear Mr. Meserve:
In a letter to you dated March 15, 2000, I identified and discussed 280 technically incorrect test items on Reactor Theory from the INPO BWR Generic Fundamentals Catalog.
Of a total of 650 Reactor Theory test items ... 43% ... are technically incorrect.
All erroneous test items were identified so as to emphasize, and leave no doubt, as to the magnitude and seriousness of this ongoing problem. This is not just a minor matter of a few flawed questions. This is a case of wholesale technical error that has persisted for years, and a case of major failure in the reactor operator fundamentals training program.
Your agency has now forwarded the 280 technically incorrect test items to INPO for action. INPO has responded that , "We appreciate this feedback and will consider it as we make additions and revisions to the Generic Fundamentals Catalog". Mr. Meserve, this submittal was not intended for treatment as routine feedback ... a procedure that is a proven failure over the past ten years. This submittal was made to provide concrete evidence to your office that a major problem exists in the training of reactor operators.
As stated in my March 20 letter, "It is imperative that the INPO Generic Fundamentals Catalogs be error free because Training Centers rely heavily on the test items in developing and supporting their instructional programs." The net result is that approximately 43% of classroom instruction in Reactor Theory is misinformation and error. Even a 1% error should be unacceptable to your office.
And, despite the fact that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has delegated the task of operator training to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, that does not abrogate NRC responsibility for ensuring that operator training is maintained at the highest possible standard. The standard in Reactor Theory instruction is so abysmal that sooner or later it will cause grave consequences to the public, to the nuclear industry, and to your office. I implore you to reconsider this issue and take an active part in its resolution.
Sincerely yours,
Robert G. Stater