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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home About NRC NRC COVID-19 Update COVID-19 Regulatory Activities for Nuclear Reactors
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Nuclear Reactors COVID-19 Activities:
10 CFR Part 20 | 10 CFR Part 26 | 10 CFR 50.48 | 10 CFR 50.55a Codes & Standards | Owner's Activity Reports | 10 CFR Part 55 | 10 CFR Part 73 | Research & Test Reactors | Resident Inspectors

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10 CFR Part 55 Operators' Licenses

Online Submissions Now Available:

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Power Reactor Licensees



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Non-Power Reactor Licensees (RTRs or NPUFs)

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Highlights

  • With the cancellation of the public health emergency on May 11, 2023, all COVID-19 related exemptions are no longer being considered for the operator licensing and RTR programs.

  • Reliable operator performance is essential to safe nuclear power plant operations. Providing limited operator licensing flexibility that maintains safety during the COVID-19 pandemic helps ensure safe and reliable electric power during a national emergency.

  • NRC's April 14 letter provides criteria covering COVID-19 related exemption requests from reactor operator licensing requirements (10 CFR Part 55) related to (1) requalification program scheduling, (2) licensed operator active status for research and test reactors, and (3) biennial medical examinations of licensed operators and senior operators.

  • The April 14 letter describes compensatory measures during the period of exemption for training and evaluations of operator knowledge, skills, and abilities that do not conflict with practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Related Communication

  • On November 10, 2020, the NRC issued a letter to provide guidance on the continued use of expedited processes beyond December 31, 2020 for COVID-19 related requests in seven topical areas. Enclosures to the letter address informational needs for each of the seven topical areas to facilitate the continued licensee’s use of the NRC's expedited review process, such as providing justifications for the hardships that have resulted from the COVID-19 PHE and information related to the potential cumulative effects of these exemptions.

  • On April 14, 2020, the NRC issued a letter to outline the process by which the NRC is prepared to grant temporary exemptions from Part 55 requirements related to the 24-month requalification program, RTR proficiency, and biennial medical examinations.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Thursday, February 27, 2025