Qualification of Inspection, Examination, Testing and Audit Personnel (Generic Letter 81-01)

                                UNITED STATES
                        NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555

                                 May 4, 1981

TO ALL LICENSEES OF OPERATING PLANTS AND HOLDERS OF CONSTRUCTION PERMITS 

Gentleman: 

SUBJECT:  QUALIFICATION OF INSPECTION, EXAMINATION, AND TESTING AND AUDIT 
          PERSONNEL (Generic Letter 81-01) 

Appendix B, "Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel 
Reporcessing Plants," to 10 CFR Part 50 establishes overall quality 
assurance requirments for nuclear power plants. Two Regulatory Guides, 
discussed below, have been issued which provide guidance on an acceptable 
way to meet Appendix B requirments. Enclosed for your information and use is 
a copy of Regulatory Guide 1.58, Revision 1, dated September 1980, 
"Qualification of Nuclear Power Plant Inspection, Examination, and Testing 
Personnel." Regulatory Guide 1.58 endorses ANSI N45.2.6 with certain 
exceptions. The NRC staff has determined that the intent of regulatory 
positions C.5, 6, 7, 8 and 10, which provide additional guidance concerning 
the qualifications of nuclear power plant inspection, examination, and 
testing personnel, should be implemented by all operating nuclear plants and 
those under construction. 

Also enclosed for your information and use is a copy of Regulatory Guide 
1.146, dated August 1980, "Qualification of Quality Assurance Program Audit 
Personnel for Nuclear Power Plants." This guide endorses ANSI/ASME N45.2.23-
1978 with certain exceptions. The NRC staff has determined that the intent 
of this guide should be implemented by all operating nuclear plants and 
those under construction. 

Therefore, you are requested to furnish the following by 90 days from the 
date of this letter: 

1.   Commitments to meet regulatory positions C.5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 of 
     Regulatory Guide 1.58, Revision 1, and Regulatory Guide 1.146, and your
     planned date for doing so; or 

2.   If you elect not to adopt the methods given in Regulatory Guides 1.58, 
     Revision 1, and 1.146 describe your alternative methods of complying 
     with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B regarding qualification of nuclear 
     power plant inspection, examination, and testing personnel, and 
     qualification of audit personnel, and your schedule for implementing 
     the alternative methods. 
.

                                     -2-

In your response please refer to this letter by title and number. Any 
questions regarding this matter may be addressed to your project manager. 

                                   Sincerely, 


                                   Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director 
                                   Division of Licensing 
                                   Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation 

Enclosures:
1.   Regulatory Guide 1.58, Revision 1, dated September 1980
2.   Regualtory Guide 1.146, dated August 1980