To work as a power plant operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete long-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass exams to work in a nuclear power plant.

Education after high school

No formal training is required for most power plant operators. However, those who want to operate nuclear power plants would benefit from studying nuclear technology. Completing one of these programs will help you pass the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) exams. You must pass these exams to work in a nuclear power plant.

On-the-job training

Power plant operators learn their skills on the job from experienced operators. You need many years of training to be a fully qualified control room operator.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be power plant operators. Training lasts from 12 to 25 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.