Writer and Instructor Certification

The Procedure Professionals Association (PPA), in conjunction with a number of member companies, has developed an industry backed Writer Certification Program and makes this program available to individuals and organizations looking to improve their human factored technical writing skills.

The following instructors are certified through PPA to provide this training:

  • Bill Benthall, WRB Holdings One
  • Mike Brewer, Procedure Consultant
  • Dwayne Coffey, Electric Power Research Institute
  • Cynthia Corbett, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
  • Mike Foster, South Texas Nuclear Operating Company
  • Annie Hacket, Tennessee Valley Authority
  • Dwight Hargett, Duke Energy Corporation
  • Kathy Hibbs, Hanford Site (DOE Contractor)
  • Christopher Laszlo, Palo Verde
  • Darlene McCord, Procedure Solutions Management
  • Steve McCord, Procedure Solutions Management
  • Bruce Mills, FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company
  • Mark Myers, Palo Verde
  • Kevin Neal, Absolute Consulting
  • Kevin Parker, NEC

Program Description

Following the development of industry guidelines for the procedure processes, PPA initiated an industry effort to develop a training program for writers of procedures and work instructions. This initiative was kicked off because there was little training material for new writers.

The goal of the initiative was to develop a lesson plan that:

  • Applies to technical writing at any facility, including procedures and work instructions.
  • Aligns with industry standard guidance for technical writing (PPA AP 907-001 and PPA AP 907-005).
  • Implements leading human factored writing practices.
  • Uses the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Systematic Approach to Training process.

The lesson plan consists of the following three modules:

  • Human Performance
  • Technical Writing
  • Procedure Process

The base course can be taught in two days. It is expected that each company will supplement this course with their facility specific details. Certification is tracked by PPA and is granted upon completion of the course by a PPA Certified Instructor.

For the student, this course provides:

  • A quality course of instruction developed by a team of industry writers and procedure group supervisors.
  • A baseline of understanding on specific writing methods used by the nuclear industry.
  • A certification that the student has this knowledge that can be presented to potential employers.

For the utility, this course provides:

  • A quality course of instruction developed by a team of industry writers and procedure group supervisors.
  • An assurance that each writer has a baseline level of understanding in key aspects of writing and process methods.
  • An assurance that any vendors brought in for project support have a similar baseline of knowledge.

For vendors, this course also provides:

  • A quantifiable skill level that can be demonstrated when recommending potential contract employees to a utility.

These Writer Certification Program materials are NOT to be reproduced without the explicit and expressed written consent of Procedure Professionals Association. For additional information on writer and instructor certification, please contact the Director of Projects.