How to get NERC Certified: Everything You Need to Know About the NERC Certification Exam

Electricity powers our lives – but most people don’t think about it until it’s gone. Behind the scenes, utility professionals work tirelessly to keep the lights on. But how do they ensure a reliable bulk power system? One key factor: certified system operators and the NERC Certification Exam.

We’ve answered a few key questions around the NERC certification process, including how to maintain certification after you earn it.

What is NERC certification?

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) oversees the reliability of the bulk power system across North America. To ensure grid operations are handled by qualified personnel, NERC requires system operators who perform real-time tasks essential to the reliability of the electrical grid to earn system operator certification.

The NERC System Operator Certification Program certifies skilled and qualified system operators to ensure the reliability of bulk power systems. This program provides the framework for operators to get certified in one of four NERC credentials:

• Reliability Coordinator (RC)
• Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator (BIT)
• Transmission Operator (TO)
• Balancing and Interchange Operator (BI)

By passing a NERC certification exam, you demonstrate your understanding of NERC Reliability Standards and key operational principles – opening doors to a critical, rewarding career in energy operations.

Who can take the NERC Certification Exam?

Anyone who wants to work as a certified system operator can apply. While utilities may have specific education or experience requirements, passing the NERC system operator certification exam is a foundational step in proving your qualifications.

How does the exam work?

The four NERC certification exams are computer-based, multiple-choice tests designed by subject matter experts (SMEs) and based on a comprehensive exam content outline. Each exam is three hours long and includes a mix of scored and unscored (pilot) questions.

How do I register for the exam?

1. Create an account in SOCCED (System Operator Certification and Continuing Education Database)
2. Register and pay for the exam
3. Receive an email from Pearson VUE, the testing vendor, to schedule your test
4. Schedule and take your exam within one year of registration

To withdraw before your eligibility period ends, submit a request through the SOCCED Help Center by close of business the day before your year is up. You will be reimbursed, except for a withdrawal fee. If you don’t submit a request before your year is up, you’ll lose the full exam cost.

What happens on exam day?

Arrive at the test center 30 minutes early and plan for about four hours total. You must bring two valid IDs:

• Primary ID: Government-issued with your photo and signature (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
• Secondary ID: With your name and either a photo or signature (e.g., credit card, employee badge)

Strict test center rules apply—no phones, notes, calculators, or personal items are allowed.

What do I need to know about the testing center?

The following regulations apply during testing:

• Depending on the testing center, late arrivals may not be allowed to sit for the exam. If so, they will be considered no-shows and must reapply and pay the full test fee again to take the exam.
• You cannot bring reference materials, calculators, cell phones, or recording equipment into the exam. Some testing centers may not have lockers to accommodate personal items, so do not bring anything besides your IDs into the test center.
• You can’t take any test materials, documents, notes, or scratch paper of any sort from the exam (pencils, paper, and an online calculator will be provided).
• Visitors are not permitted during the exam.
• Testing center staff can only answer questions about testing procedures. They can’t respond to questions about the exam’s content.
• You may use the restroom during the exam. However, the exam clock will continue running.
• You can’t leave the testing center until you have finished the exam.
• You can’t smoke in the testing center.
• Any candidate giving assistance, receiving assistance, or making a disturbance will be required to turn in their exam materials and leave the testing center. A Disciplinary Action Procedure will be initiated once NERC is notified about the incident.
• Any instances of cheating or attempts to impersonate another candidate will be dealt with through the Disciplinary Action Procedure.

What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

You must wait 42 days to retake the exam. A new registration and fee are required through SOCCED.

What happens when I pass the exam?

Once you pass a NERC credential exam, you’ll receive a certification valid for three years. You can’t retake the same exam during that time unless your certification expires or lapses.

SOCCED automatically tracks your expiration date, which is four years from the exam pass date. To stay certified, you’ll need to meet the credential maintenance requirements.

What are the credential maintenance requirements?

To maintain your NERC certification, you must earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) through NERC-approved training activities. These can include:

• Operator training simulators
• Emergency drills and restoration exercises
• NERC standards training
• Scenario-based or tabletop exercises

Your certification is valid for three years.

Once you meet the requirements and pay for your renewal in SOCCED, NERC issues a new certificate with a new expiration date.

Required CEHs by Credential:

CEHs must include:

• 30+ CEHs on NERC standards or their implementation.
• 30+ CEHs using simulation or emergency response training.

If you don’t meet these within three years, your credential enters a one-year suspension. During this time, you may not perform any NERC-certified duties. If you still don’t meet the CEH requirements after the suspension, the credential expires.

You can accumulate the proper number and type of CEHs during the suspension period and have your credential reinstated with the original expiration date (three years after the previous expiration date).

NERC counts CEHs from a course or training once a year, based on your certification date. If the training focuses on emergency preparedness, communication, troubleshooting, or responding to emergencies, it can also count as an emergency operations course. These emergency courses can be used for credential maintenance up to twice a year.

Why NERC Certification Matters

The NERC System Operator Certification Exam is more than just a test– it’s a vital step in building a career that directly supports grid reliability and energy resilience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, NERC certification proves your expertise and commitment to powering the future.