Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: b9509354-65a7-4aa2-844c-a948a4bd1020
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Qualification of Quality Assurance Program Audit Personnel for Nuclear Power Plants
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1303/ML13038A429.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.146
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
nts. 2. TECHNICAL APPROACH There are several approaches that could be taken to the qualification of lead auditors and auditors. They are as follows: 1. Qualification by National Board of Examiners. 2. Qualification by Management (subjective decision). 3. Qualification by establishment of minimum standards. The pros and cons of these approaches will be analyzed in the following paragraphs: 1.146-2 Approach 1 Pro - It would provide a definite and uniform standard of qualification. Con - It would be expensive to maintain the Board and pay for the travel of the candidates, Con - The physical numbers of auditors and lead auditors make this approach impractical. Approach 2 Pro - It provides the easiest method of qualification for the employer. Con - It makes it difficult for outside agencies such as the NRC to determine or review qualifications. Con - It provides for nonuniform standards of qualification of auditors and lead auditors. Approach 3 Pro - It provides minimum acceptable standards for qualification allowing easy determination of qualifications by outside agencies like the NRC. Pro - It provides uniformity in qualification. Con - It can reduce the flexibility of an organization to recognize exceptional talent. ANSI/ASME N45.2.23-1978 uses a combination of Approaches .2 and 3. The NRC staff consiaers this combination an acceptable approach and has been involved in the develop- ment of this standard. Endorsement of this standard, subject to the supplemental provisions, is the proper method for the NRC to recognize the acceptability of the standard. 3J PROCEDURAL APPROACH The following are alternative approaches for issuing this guidance. 1. Regulation. 2. Regulatory Guide. These alternatives are discussed below; Approach 1. The NRC's regulation (10CFR Part 50, Appendix B, Criterion XVIII) has a requirement to conduct audits. ANSI N45.2.23-1 978 provides sufficient guidance to meet the requirements of this section. Approach 2. A regulatory guide endorsing the