Hydropower and Marine Energy Industry Workers

Certification or Licensing

The National Hydropower Association (NHA) offers a Hydro Academy, which "brings to the water power community a variety of courses and workshops to aid in continuing education and professional development." The Hydropower System Principles Program is the academy's signature learning program. Students have the option to complete an eight-hour or 40-hour course. Those who complete the 40-hour course receive the NHA systems principles certification credential. Visit https://www.hydro.org/hydropower-system-principles-course for more information.

Technicians can choose to become certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. To become certified, a technician must have a specific amount of job-related experience and pass a multiple-choice examination. Visit https://www.nicet.org/certification-programs for more information.

Engineers who work on projects that affect the property, health, or life of the public typically pursue licensure. There are two levels of licensing for engineers. Professional Engineers (PEs) have graduated from an accredited engineering curriculum, have four years of engineering experience, and have passed a written exam. Engineering graduates need not wait until they have four years experience, however, to start the licensure process. Those who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination after graduating are called Engineers in Training (EITs) or Engineer Interns (EIs). The EIT certification usually is valid for 10 years. After acquiring suitable work experience, EITs can take the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, to gain full PE licensure. For more information on licensing and examination requirements, visit http://www.ncees.org.

Certification and licensing requirements for other jobs in the hydropower industry vary according to the position. Contact professional associations in your area of interest for more information.