Industrial Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Industrial Skills FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I certify someone as a QEW?

There isn’t a formal QEW certification process. Instead, you need to understand the tasks your worker is performing and know which ones fall under the OSHA requirements. The two OSHA standards (1910.269 and 1910.332) spell out the tasks and conditions which must be performed by a QEW.

Since tasks are unique to each organization, each training program is unique. Once you’ve identified the relevant tasks, then you can determine what training is needed. You’ll also need to determine how your workers can demonstrate their skill and knowledge when they complete the training.

How do I decide who needs to be a QEW?

Familiarize yourself with the tasks and conditions outlined in the OSHA standards (1910.269 and 1910.332). Then, review the functions your workers perform and determine which ones fall under the standards.

How do I know if the work needs to be done by a QEW?

The first step is to analyze all tasks your workers perform. Those that should be performed by a QEW as identified by the OSHA standards 1910.269 and 1910.332 are the ones you need to focus on. You should look at the important equipment they operate or work on and identify the electrical hazards associated with that equipment.

Next, you need to determine how your workers can demonstrate skill and knowledge for those tasks. Once you’ve completed that process, you can identify the training that will provide any gaps in their skills and knowledge.

How do I know if OSHA will accept my program?

If you’ve determined the tasks your workers perform, established a method to determine skills and knowledge, identified training to fill those gaps, and documented everything, your program should be OSHA compliant.

The important thing to remember is you can’t rely on an out-of-the-box training program. Your program needs to be customized to the tasks your workers perform.

What is the difference between OSHA 1910.269 and 1910.332?

1910.332 applies to all employees who face a risk of electric shock and not specific to any industry. 1910.269 provides additional requirements for “the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment.” It applies to “generation, transmission, and distribution installations of electric utilities” as well as “equivalent installations of industrial establishments.”

We’ve summarized both standards for you – 1910.269 and 1910.332

How does HSI learn about changes in the standards?

We are plugged into the same information our clients and students are - NERC standards communication, website updates, and other information provided by NERC. Our Compliance Advisors team is key to ensuring our information is up to date.

How does the student know the information is what they need?

SOS has been training system operators to pass the certification exam for more than 15 years. We are the training experts, and we know how NERC standards apply to system operations. Our content is developed by Subject Matter Experts who are certified and have worked in real-time operating positions. Our SMEs have a broad range of experience, offering an industry perspective.

What happens when a student takes all the Ohms (practice) exams?

There are three OHM exam options: Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Interchange, Transmission Operator. Each certification option contains three unique exams. Once these exams are completed and you would like additional practice, contact (support@hsi.com) to have the exams reset.

We encourage you to review the material before taking additional exams to prevent recall. Exams are based on question analysis and application of what you have learned.

I am preparing to take the Transmission Operator, Balancing and Interchange Operator or Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator exam. Do I still need to take all of the courses in the online program?

Regardless of the NERC exam you are planning to take, you are responsible for knowing all of the standards in the content outline. You will simply receive a higher concentration of questions in the Transmission Operator or Balancing Authority area if you are taking those exams. Be sure to take the practice (Ohms) test that corresponds with the NERC exam you plan to take.

How long does it take to get through the material?

A student may spend as much time as needed on the material to ensure they have mastered the knowledge to take the exam and perform the job of System Operator. While the instructor-led portion of the program is a three-and-a-half-day class, the online portion can be taken at the student's individual rate of learning. The material consists of 32 modules each of which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to complete.

Do you take the GI Bill for your NERC Certification training program?

No, our program is not eligible for the GI Bill.

Do you take credit cards to payment for your NERC Certification training program?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.

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