International Certification in Transport Security Management for Nuclear and other Radioactive Material

In the nuclear industry, many engineers and safety professionals belong to chartered institutes that certify their members’ competence on an ongoing basis. The same cannot be said, however, for many professionals with managerial responsibilities relating to nuclear transport security. To help fill this gap, the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) has launched an International Certification Programme in Transport Security Management through the WINS Academy, the world’s first international certification programme for nuclear security. The development and production of the transport certification programme was financially supported by the U.S. Department of Defense. Argonne National Laboratory provided subject matter expertise with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy. WINS also collaborated with the World Nuclear Transport Institute, International Nuclear Services, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the development of the certification.The WINS Academy Certification consists of a core Foundation Module and a Transport Security Management Module. The Foundation Module presents security as a strategic programme to be implemented across the organisation and as a fundamental aspect of risk management and corporate reputation. The Transport Security Management Module addresses the key issues that organisations face when planning and implementing the transport of nuclear and other radioactive material. In doing so, it recognises that circumstances will vary from State to State. The content is based upon subject matter expertise, practical experience, research and best practice as identified from WINS’ broad membership of over 3,300 members in 112 countries.The target audience for the certification consists of individuals employed by organisations with responsibilities for the safe, secure shipment of nuclear or other radioactive material. This includes producers, suppliers, distributors, carriers, receivers, consignees, and escort and guard force personnel, among others. The training programme can be completed entirely online, and candidates can sit for their certification exams at more than 5,100 accredited test centres in 180 countries. Potential enhancement of the programme in the future includes generic and country-specific tabletop exercises administered online, and support for the development of an international in-person training course to complement the online certification programme.