Proposed Standard PER-005-2, (NERC's Exhibit A)

Exhibit A
Proposed Reliability Standard

PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

A. Introduction
1.

Title:

Operations Personnel Training

2.

Number:

PER-005-2

3.

Purpose:

To ensure that personnel performing or supporting Real-time operations
on the Bulk Electric System are trained using a systematic approach.

4.

Applicability:
4.1. Functional Entities:
4.1.1 Reliability Coordinator
4.1.2 Balancing Authority
4.1.3 Transmission Operator
4.1.4 Transmission Owner that has:
4.1.4.1 Personnel, excluding field switching personnel, who can act
independently to operate or direct the operation of the
Transmission Owner’s Bulk Electric System transmission
Facilities in Real-time.
4.1.5 Generator Operator that has:

5.

4.1.5.1 Dispatch personnel at a centrally located dispatch center who
receive direction from the Generator Operator’s Reliability
Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner, and may develop specific dispatch
instructions for plant operators under their control. These
personnel do not include plant operators located at a generator
plant site or personnel at a centrally located dispatch center
who relay dispatch instructions without making any
modifications.
Effective Date:
5.1. This standard shall become effective the first day of the first calendar quarter
that is 24 months beyond the date that this standard is approved by an
applicable governmental authority or is otherwise provided for in a jurisdiction
where approval by an applicable authority is required for a standard to go into
effect.
Where approval by an applicable governmental authority is not required, this
standard shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter that
is 24 months after the date the standard is adopted by the NERC Board of
Trustees or as otherwise provided for in that jurisdiction.

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

B. Requirements and Measures
R1.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall use
a systematic approach to develop and implement a training program for its System
Operators as follows: [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long-term
Planning]
1.1. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall create a list of Bulk Electric System (BES) company-specific Real-time
reliability-related tasks based on a defined and documented methodology.
1.1.1. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission
Operator shall review, and update if necessary, its list of BES companyspecific Real-time reliability-related tasks identified in part 1.1 each
calendar year.
1.2. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall design and develop training materials according to its training program,
based on the BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related task list created
in part 1.1.
1.3. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall deliver training to its System Operators according to its training program.
1.4. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the training program
established in Requirement R1 to identify any needed changes to the training
program and shall implement the changes identified.

M1. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall
have available for inspection evidence of using a systematic approach to develop and
implement a training program for its System Operators, as specified in Requirement
R1.
M1.1

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall have available for inspection its methodology and its BES companyspecific Real-time reliability-related task list, with the date of the last review,
as specified in Requirement R1 part 1.1 and part 1.1.1.

M1.2

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall have available for inspection training materials, as specified in
Requirement R1 part 1.2.

M1.3

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall have available for inspection System Operator training records showing
the names of the people trained, the title of the training delivered, and the
dates of delivery to show that it delivered the training, as specified in
Requirement R1 part 1.3.

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

M1.4

R2.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall have available for inspection evidence (such as instructor observations,
trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course evaluations, learning
assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed an evaluation of its
training program each calendar year, as specified in Requirement R1 part 1.4.

Each Transmission Owner shall use a systematic approach to develop and implement
a training program for its personnel identified in Applicability Section 4.1.4.1 of this
standard as follows: [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long-term
Planning]
2.1. Each Transmission Owner shall create a list of BES company-specific Real-time
reliability-related tasks based on a defined and documented methodology.
2.1.1. Each Transmission Owner shall review, and update if necessary, its list of
BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related tasks identified in part
2.1 each calendar year.
2.2. Each Transmission Owner shall design and develop training materials according
to its training program, based on the BES company-specific Real-time reliabilityrelated task list created in part 2.1.
2.3. Each Transmission Owner shall deliver training to its personnel identified in
Applicability Section 4.1.4.1 of this standard according to its training program.
2.4. Each Transmission Owner shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the
training program established in Requirement R2 to identify any needed changes
to the training program and shall implement the changes identified.

M2. Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection evidence of using a
systematic approach to develop and implement a training program for its applicable
personnel, as specified in Requirement R2.
M2.1

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection its methodology
and its BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related task list, with the
date of the last review, as specified in Requirement R2 part 2.1.

M2.2

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training
materials, as specified in Requirement R2 part 2.2.

M2.3

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training records
showing the names of the people trained, the title of the training delivered,
and the dates of delivery to show that it delivered the training, as specified in
Requirement R2 part 2.3.

M2.4

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection evidence (such as
instructor observations, trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course
evaluations, learning assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed
an evaluation of its training program each calendar year, as specified in
Requirement R2 part 2.4.

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

R3.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and
Transmission Owner shall verify, at least once, the capabilities of its personnel,
identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2, assigned to perform each of the BES
company-specific Real-time reliability-related tasks identified under Requirement R1
part 1.1 or Requirement R2 part 2.1. [Violation Risk Factor: High] [Time Horizon: Longterm Planning]
3.1. Within six months of a modification or addition of a BES company-specific Realtime reliability-related task, each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, and Transmission Owner shall verify the capabilities of
each of its personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2 to perform
the new or modified BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related tasks
identified in Requirement R1 part 1.1 or Requirement R2 part 2.1.

M3. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and
Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection evidence to show that it
verified the capabilities of each of its personnel, identified in Requirement R1 or
Requirement R2, assigned to perform each of the BES company-specific Real-time
reliability-related tasks identified under Requirement R1 part 1.1 or Requirement R2
part 2.1. This evidence may be documents such as records showing capability to
perform BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related tasks with the employee
name and date; supervisor check sheets showing the employee name, date, and BES
company-specific Real-time reliability-related task completed; or the results of
learning assessments.
M3.1

R4.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner shall present evidence that it verified the capabilities of
applicable personnel to perform new or modified BES company-specific Realtime reliability-related tasks within 6 months of a modification or addition of a
BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related task.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and
Transmission Owner that (1) has operational authority or control over Facilities with
established Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROLs), or (2) has established
protection systems or operating guides to mitigate IROL violations, shall provide its
personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2 with emergency
operations training using simulation technology such as a simulator, virtual
technology, or other technology that replicates the operational behavior of the BES.
[Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long-term Planning]
4.1. A Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner that did not previously meet the criteria of Requirement R4,
shall comply with Requirement R4 within 12 months of meeting the criteria.

M4. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and
Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training records that provide
evidence that personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2 completed

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

training that includes the use of simulation technology, as specified in Requirement
R4.
M4.1

R5.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and
Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training records that
provide evidence that personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement
R2 completed training that included the use of simulation technology, as
specified in Requirement R4, within 12 months of meeting the criteria of
Requirement R4.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall use
a systematic approach to develop and implement training for its identified Operations
Support Personnel on how their job function(s) impact those BES company-specific
Real-time reliability-related tasks identified by the entity pursuant to Requirement R1
part 1.1. [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long-term Planning]
5.1 Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the training established in
Requirement R5 to identify and implement changes to the training.

M5. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall
have available for inspection evidence that Operations Support Personnel completed
training in accordance with its systematic approach. This evidence may be documents
such as training records showing successful completion of training. Documentation of
training shall include employee name and date of training.
M5.1 Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator
shall have available for inspection evidence (such as instructor observations,
trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course evaluations, learning
assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed an evaluation each
calendar year, as specified in Requirement R5 part 5.1.
R6.

Each Generator Operator shall use a systematic approach to develop and implement
training to its personnel identified in Applicability Section 4.1.5.1 of this standard, on
how their job function(s) impact the reliable operations of the BES during normal and
emergency operations. [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long-term
Planning]
6.1. Each Generator Operator shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the
training established in Requirement R6 to identify and implement changes to the
training.

M6. Each Generator Operator shall have available for inspection evidence that its
applicable personnel completed training in accordance with its systematic approach.
This evidence may be documents such as training records showing successful
completion of training. Documentation of training shall include employee name and
date of training.

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

M6.1 Each Generator Operator shall have available for inspection evidence (such as
instructor observations, trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course
evaluations, learning assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed an
evaluation each calendar year, as specified in Requirement R6 part 6.1.
C. Compliance
1.

Compliance Monitoring Process
1.1. Compliance Enforcement Authority
As defined in the NERC Rules of Procedure, “Compliance Enforcement Authority”
means NERC or the Regional Entity in their respective roles of monitoring and
enforcing compliance with the NERC Reliability Standards.
1.2. Evidence Retention
The following evidence retention periods identify the period of time an entity is
required to retain specific evidence to demonstrate compliance. For instances
where the evidence retention period specified below is shorter than the time
since the last audit, the compliance enforcement authority may ask an entity to
provide other evidence to show that it was compliant for the full-time period
since the last audit.
Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator
Transmission Owner, and Generator Operator shall keep data or evidence to
show compliance for three years or since its last compliance audit, whichever
time frame is greater, unless directed by its Compliance Enforcement Authority
to retain specific evidence for a longer period of time as part of an investigation.
If a Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator
Transmission Owner, or Generator Operator is found non-compliant, it shall
keep information related to the non-compliance until found compliant.
The Compliance Enforcement Authority shall keep the last audit records and all
requested and submitted subsequent audit records.
1.3. Compliance Monitoring and Assessment Processes:
Compliance Audit
Self-Certification
Spot Checking
Compliance Investigation
Self-Reporting
Complaint
1.4. Additional Compliance Information
None

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

D. Regional Variances
None.
E. Interpretations
None.
F. Associated Documents
None.

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

Table of Compliance Elements
R#

Time Horizon

VRF

Violation Severity Levels
Lower VSL

R1

Long-term
Planning

Medium

None

Moderate VSL
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed
to review or update, if
necessary, its BES companyspecific Real-time reliabilityrelated task list each calendar
year. (1.1.1.)
OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator, failed
to evaluate its training
program each calendar year
to identify needed changes to
its training program(s). (1.4)

High VSL
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed to
use a systematic approach to
develop and implement a training
program. (R1)
OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed to
design and develop training
materials based on the BES
company-specific Real-time
reliability-related task lists. (1.2)

Severe VSL
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed to
create a BES company-specific
Real-time reliability-related task
list. (1.1.)
OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed to
deliver training based on the BES
company-specific Real-time
reliability-related task lists. (1.3)

OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator, failed
to implement the identified
changes to the training
program(s). (1.4.)
R2

Long-term
Planning

Medium

None

The Transmission Owner
failed to review or update, if
necessary, its companyspecific Real-time reliability-

The Transmission Owner failed to
use a systematic approach to
develop and implement a training
program. (R2)

The Transmission Owner failed to
create a BES company-specific
Real-time reliability-related task
list. (2.1.)
OR

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training
related task list each calendar
year. (2.1.1.)
OR
The Transmission Owner
failed to evaluate its training
program each calendar year
to identify needed changes to
its training program(s). (2.4)

OR
The Transmission Owner failed to
design and develop training
materials based on the BES
company-specific Real-time
reliability-related task lists. (2.2)

The Transmission Owner failed to
deliver training based on the BES
company-specific Real-time
reliability-related task lists. (2.3)

OR
The Transmission Owner
failed to implement the
identified changes to the
training program(s). (2.4.)

R3

Long-term
Planning

High

None

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner verified
the capabilities of at least 90%
but less than 100% of its
personnel identified in
Requirements R1 or
Requirement R2 to perform
all of their assigned BES
company-specific Real-time
reliability-related tasks. (R3)

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner verified the
capabilities of at least 70% but
less than 90% of its personnel
identified in Requirements R1 or
Requirement R2 to perform all of
their assigned BES companyspecific Real-time reliabilityrelated tasks. (R3)

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner verified the
capabilities of less than 70% of its
personnel identified in
Requirements R1 or Requirement
R2 to perform all of their
assigned BES company-specific
Real-time reliability-related tasks.
(R3)

OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner failed to
verify the capabilities of its
personnel identified in
Requirements R1 or Requirement

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training
R2 to perform each new or
modified task within six months
of making a modification to its
BES company-specific Real-time
reliability-related task list. (3.1)
R4

Long-term
Planning

Medium

None

None

None

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner that meet
the criteria of Requirement R4
did not provide its personnel
identified in Requirement R1 or
Requirement R2 with emergency
operations training using
simulation technology such as a
simulator, virtual technology, or
other technology that replicates
the operational behavior of the
BES. (R4)
OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority,
Transmission Operator, or
Transmission Owner did not
provide its personnel identified in
Requirement R1 or Requirement
R2 with emergency operations
training using simulation
technology such as a simulator,
virtual technology, or other
technology that replicates the
operational behavior of the BES
within twelve months of meeting
the criteria of Requirement R4.
(R4.1)

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

R5

Long-term
Planning

Medium

None

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed
to evaluate its training
established in Requirement
R5 each calendar year. (5.1)

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed to
develop training for its
Operations Support Personnel.
(R5)

The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator failed to
implement training for its
Operations Support Personnel.
(R5)

OR
The Reliability Coordinator,
Balancing Authority, or
Transmission Operator
developed training but failed to
use a systematic approach. (R5)
R6

Long-term
Planning

Medium

None

The Generator Operator failed
to evaluate its training
established in Requirement
R6 each calendar year. (6.1)

The Generator Operator failed to
develop training for its personnel.
(R6)
OR

The Generator Operator failed to
implement the training for its
personnel identified in
Requirement R6. (R6)

The Generator Operator
developed training but failed to
use a systematic approach. (R6)

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Application Guidelines
Guidelines and Technical Basis
Requirement R1 and R2:
Any systematic approach to training will determine: 1) the skills and knowledge needed to
perform BES company-specific Real-time reliability-related tasks; 2) what training is needed to
achieve those skills and knowledge; 3) if the learner can perform the BES company-specific
Real-time reliability-related task(s) acceptably in either a training or on-the-job environment;
and 4) if the training is effective, and make adjustments as necessary.
Reference #1: Determining Task Performance Requirements

The purpose of this reference is to provide guidance for a performance standard that describes
the desired outcome of a task. A standard for acceptable performance should be in either
measurable or observable terms. Clear standards of performance are necessary for an
individual to know when he or she has completed the task and to ensure agreement between
employees and their supervisors on the objective of a task. Performance standards answer the
following questions:
How timely must the task be performed?
Or
How accurately must the task be performed?
Or
With what quality must it be performed?
Or
What response from the customer must be accomplished?
When a performance standard is quantifiable, successful performance is more easily
demonstrated. For example, in the following task statement, the criteria for successful
performance is to return system loading to within normal operating limits, which is a number
that can be easily verified.
Given a System Operating Limit violation on the transmission system, implement the
correct procedure for the circumstances to mitigate loading to within normal operating
limits.
Even when the outcome of a task cannot be measured as a number, it may still be observable.
The next example contains performance criteria that is qualitative in nature, that is, it can be
verified as either correct or not, but does not involve a numerical result.
Given a tag submitted for scheduling, ensure that all transmission rights are assigned to
the tag per the company Tariff and in compliance with NERC and NAESB standards.

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Application Guidelines
Reference #2: Systematic Approach to Training References:

The following list of hyperlinks identifies references for the NERC Standard PER-005 to assist
with the application of a systematic approach to training:
(1) DOE-HDBK-1078-94, A Systematic Approach to Training
http://www.publicpower.org/files/PDFs/DOEHandbookTrainingProgramSystematicAppr
oach.pdf
(2) DOE-HDBK-1074-95, January 1995, Alternative Systematic Approaches to Training,
U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585 FSC 6910
http://www.catagle.com/112-1/download_php-spec_DOE-HDBK-107495_003254_1.htm
(3) ADDIE – 1975, Florida State University
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/history_isd/addie.html
(4) DOE Standard - Table-Top Needs Analysis
DOE-HDBK-1103-96
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f2/hdbk1103.pdf
Reference #3: Recognized Operator Training Topics

See Appendix A – Recognized Operator Training Topics within the NERC System Operator
Certification Program Manual.
http://www.nerc.com/pa/Train/SysOpCert/Documents/SOC_Program_Manual_February_2012
_Final.pdf
Reference #4: Definitions of Simulation and Simulators

Georgia Institute of Technology – Modeling & Simulation for Systems Engineering
http://www.pe.gatech.edu/conted/servlet/edu.gatech.conted.course.ViewCourseDetails?COUR
SE_ID=840
University of Central Florida – Institute for Simulation & Training
Just what is "simulation" anyway (or, Simulation 101)?
And what about "modeling"?
But what does IST do with simulations?
http://www.ist.ucf.edu/overview.htm

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Application Guidelines

Rationale:

During development of this standard, text boxes were embedded within the standard to explain
the rationale for various parts of the standard. Upon BOT approval, the text from the rationale
text boxes was moved to this section.
Rationale for System Operator:
The definition of the existing NERC Glossary Term “System Operator" has been modified to
remove Generator Operator (GOP) in response to Project 2010-16.
The term “System Operator” contains another NERC Glossary term “Control Center”, which was
approved by FERC on November 22, 2013. The inclusion of GOPs within the approved definition
of Control Center does not bring GOPs into the System Operator definition. The System
Operator definition specifies that it only applies to Balancing Authority (BA), Transmission
Operator (TOP) or Reliability Coordinator (RC) personnel.
The modifications to the definition of “System Operator” do not affect other standards; see the
PER-005-2 White Paper, which cross checks System Operator with other NERC Standards.
Rationale for Operations Support Personnel:
The term Operations Support Personnel is used to identify those support personnel of
Reliability Coordinators (RC), Balancing Authorities (BA), or Transmission Operators (TOP) that
FERC identified in Order No. 693.
Rationale for TO:
Extending the applicability to TOs is necessary to address the FERC directive that the ERO
develop formal training requirements for local transmission control center operator personnel.
In Order No. 742 at P 62, the Commission clarified its understanding that local control center
personnel “exercise control over a significant portion of the Bulk-Power System under the
supervision of the personnel of the registered transmission operator. The supervision may take
the form of directive specific step-by-step instructions and at other times may take the form of
the implementation of predefined operating procedures. In all cases, the Commission continued,
the local transmission control center personnel must understand what they are required to do in
the performance of their duties to perform them effectively on a timely basis. Thus, omitting
such local transmission control center personnel from the PER-005-1 training requirements
creates a reliability gap.” See FERC Order 693 at P 1343 and 1347.
Rationale for GOP:
Extending the applicability to Generator Operators (GOPs) that have dispatch personnel at a
centrally located dispatch center is necessary to address the FERC directive that the ERO
develop specific requirements addressing the scope, content and duration appropriate for
certain GOP personnel. The Commission explains in Order No. 693 at P 1359 that “although a
generator operator typically receives instructions from a balancing authority, it is essential that
generator operator personnel have appropriate training to understand those instructions,
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Application Guidelines
particularly in an emergency situation in which instructions may be succinct and require
immediate action.” Order No. 742 further clarified that the directive “applies to generator
operator personnel at a centrally-located dispatch center who receive direction and then
develop specific dispatch instructions for plant operators under their control. Plant operators
located at the generator plant site are not required to be trained in PER-005-2.” Based on the
FERC order, this applicability section clarifies which GOP personnel are subject to the standard.
Rationale for changes to R2:
Transmission Owners personnel at local transmission control centers have been added to the
PER standard and are subject to Requirements R2, R3 and R4 of PER-005-2. The reason for
adding Transmission Owners is to address Order No. 693 and Order No. 742 FERC directives to
include local transmission control center operator personnel.
Rationale for R3:
This Requirement was brought forward from the previous version with the addition of
Transmission Owners. It provides an entity with an opportunity to create a baseline from which
to assess training needs as it develops a systematic approach.
Rationale for changes to R4:
The requirement mandates the use of specific training technologies. It does not require training
on Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROLs). The standard allows entities that gain
operational authority or control over a Facility with IROLs or established protection systems or
operating guides to mitigate IROL violations within 12 months to comply with Requirement R4
to provide them sufficient time to obtain simulation technology.
The requirement to provide a minimum of 32 hours of Emergency Operations training has been
removed since the appropriate number of hours would be identified as part of the systematic
approach in Requirement R1 and Requirement R2 through the analysis phase and outlined in a
continuous education section of their training program. Any additional hours may be
duplicative or repetitive for the entity in providing training to its personnel. Requirement R4.1
covers the FERC directive for the creation of an implementation plan for simulation technology.
Rationale for R5:
This is a new requirement applicable to Operations Support Personnel. In FERC Order No. 742,
the Commission noted that NERC, in developing Reliability Standard PER-005-1, did not comply
with the directive in FERC Order No. 693 to expand the applicability of training requirements to
include operations planning and operation support staff who carry out outage planning and
assessments and those who develop System Operating Limits (SOL), Interconnection Reliability
Operating Limits (IROL), or operating nomograms for Real-time operations. This requirement
contemplates that entities will look to the systematic approach already developed under
Requirement R1. The entity can use the list created from Requirement R1 and select the BES
company-specific Real-time reliability-related tasks with which Operations Support Personnel
are involved.

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Application Guidelines
Rationale for R6:
This requirement requires the training of certain GOP dispatch personnel on how their job
function(s) impact the reliable operations of the BES during normal and emergency operations.
This requirement mandates the use of a systematic approach which allows for each entity to
tailor its training to the needs of its organization.
This is a new requirement applicable to certain GOPs as described in the applicability section.
In FERC Order No. 742, the Commission noted that in developing proposed Reliability Standard
PER-005-1, NERC did not comply with the directive in FERC Order No. 693 to expand the
applicability of training requirements to include GOPs centrally-located at a generation dispatch
center with a direct impact on the reliable operation of the BES. The Commission acknowledged
that the training for GOPs need not be as extensive as the training for TOPs and BAs. FERC also
stated that the systematic approach to training methodology is flexible enough to build on
existing training programs by validating and supplementing the existing training content, where
necessary, using systematic methods.
Version History
Version

Date

Action

1

2/10/2009

Adopted by the NERC Board of
Trustees

1

11/18/2010

FERC Approved

1

8/26/2013

Updated VSLs based on June 24, 2013
approval.

2

2/6/2014

Adopted by the NERC Board of
Trustees

Change Tracking

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

A. Introduction
1.

Title: 

SystemOperations Personnel Training 

2.

Number: 

PER‐005‐12 

3.

Purpose:
To ensure that System Operatorspersonnel performing realor 
supporting Real‐time, reliability-related tasks  operations  
3.
on the North American Bulk Electric System (BES) are competent
to perform those reliability-related tasks. The competency of System
Operators is critical to the reliability of the North American Bulk Electric
Systemtrained using a systematic approach. 

4.

Applicability: 
4.1. Functional Entities: 
4.1.1 Reliability Coordinator. 
4.1.2 Balancing Authority. 
4.1.3 Transmission Operator.  
4.1.4 Proposed Transmission Owner that has:  
4.1.4.1 Personnel, excluding field switching personnel, who can act 
independently to operate or direct the operation of the 
Transmission Owner’s Bulk Electric System transmission 
Facilities in Real‐time.  
4.1.5 Generator Operator that has:  

5.

4.1.5.1 Dispatch personnel at a centrally located dispatch center who 
receive direction from the Generator Operator’s Reliability 
Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner, and may develop specific dispatch 
instructions for plant operators under their control. These 
personnel do not include plant operators located at a generator 
plant site or personnel at a centrally located dispatch center 
who relay dispatch instructions without making any 
modifications. 
Effective Date for Regulatory Approvals: :  
5.1. In those jurisdictions where regulatory approval is required, Requirement R1 and
Requirement R2This standard shall become effective on the first day of the first 
calendar quarter, 24 months after applicable regulatory that is 24 months beyond 
the date that this standard is approved by an applicable governmental authority 
or is otherwise provided for in a jurisdiction where approval by an applicable 
authority is required for a standard to go into effect.  
5.1. Where approval. In those jurisdictions where no regulatory approval is  by an 
applicable governmental authority is not required, Requirement R1 and

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

Requirement R2 shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar
quarter, 24 months after Board of Trustees adoption.
5.2. In those jurisdictions where regulatory approval is required, Requirement
R3 shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter after
applicable regulatory approval. In those jurisdictions where no regulatory
approval is required, Requirement R3this standard shall become effective on the 
first day of the first calendar quarter that is 24 months after the date the 
standard is adopted by the NERC Board of Trustees adoption.or as otherwise 
provided for in that jurisdiction.  
5.3. In those jurisdictions where regulatory approval is required Sub-requirement
R3.1 shall become effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter, 36
months after applicable regulatory approval. In those jurisdictions where no
regulatory approval is required, the Sub-requirement R3.1 shall become
effective on the first day of the first calendar quarter, 36 months after Board of
Trustees adoption.

B. Requirements and Measures 
R1.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall use 
a systematic approach to training to establishdevelop and implement a training 
program for the BES company-specific reliability-related tasks performed by its 
System Operators and shall implement the program.as follows: [Violation Risk Factor: 
Medium] [Time Horizon: Long‐term Planning]  
R1.1.1.1.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission 
Operator shall create a list of Bulk Electric System (BES) company‐specific Real‐
time reliability‐related tasks performed by its System Operatorsbased on a 
defined and documented methodology.  
R1.1.1.1.1.1.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and 
Transmission Operator shall review, and update if necessary, its list of 
BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks performed by its
System Operatorsidentified in part 1.1 each calendar year to identify new
or modified tasks for inclusion in training..  

R1.2.1.2.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission 
Operator shall design and develop learning objectives and training materials 
according to its training program, based on the BES company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related task list created in R1.part 1. 1. 

R1.3.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator
shall deliver the training established in R1.2.

1.3. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall deliver training to its System Operators according to its training program. 

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training
R1.4.1.4.

R2.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission 
Operator shall conduct an annual evaluation each calendar year of the training 
program established in Requirement R1, to identify any needed changes to the 
training program and shall implement the changes identified.  
Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator shall
verify each of its System Operator’s capabilities to perform each assigned task
identified in R1.1 at least one time. [Violation Risk Factor: High] [Time Horizon:
Long-term Planning]
R2.1.

R3.

Within six months of a modification of the BES company-specific reliabilityrelated tasks, each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and
Transmission Operator shall verify each of its System Operator’s capabilities
to perform the new or modified tasks.

At least every 12 months each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and
Transmission Operator shall provide each of its System Operators with at least 32
hours of emergency operations training applicable to its organization that reflects
emergency operations topics, which includes system restoration using drills, exercises
or other training required to maintain qualified personnel. [Violation Risk Factor:
Medium] [Time Horizon: Long-term Planning]
R3.1.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator
that has operational authority or control over Facilities with established IROLs
or has established operating guides or protection systems to mitigate IROL
violations shall provide each System Operator with emergency operations
training using simulation technology such as a simulator, virtual technology, or
other technology that replicates the operational behavior of the BES during
normal and emergency conditions.

C. Measures
M1. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall 
have available for inspection evidence of using a systematic approach to training to
establishdevelop and implement a training program for its System Operators, as 
specified in Requirement R1. 
M1.1

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall have available for inspection its methodology and its BES company‐
specific Real‐time reliability‐related task list, with the date of the last review
and/or revision, as specified in Requirement R1 part 1.1 and part 1.1.1. 

M1.2

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall have available for inspection its learning objectives and training 
materials, as specified in R1Requirement R1 part 1.2. 

M1.3

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall have available for inspection System Operator training records showing 
the names of the people trained, the title of the training delivered, and the 
dates of delivery to show that it delivered the training, as specified in 
R1Requirement R1 part 1.3. 

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

M1.4

R2.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall have available for inspection evidence (such as instructor observations, 
trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course evaluations, learning 
assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed an annualevaluation 
of its training program evaluationeach calendar year, as specified in 
Requirement R1 part 1.4. 

Each Transmission Owner shall use a systematic approach to develop and implement 
a training program for its personnel identified in Applicability Section 4.1.4.1 of this 
standard  as follows: [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long‐term 
Planning]  
2.1. Each Transmission Owner shall create a list of BES company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related tasks based on a defined and documented methodology.  
2.1.1. Each Transmission Owner shall review, and update if necessary, its list of 
BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks identified in part 
2.1 each calendar year.  
2.2. Each Transmission Owner shall design and develop training materials according 
to its training program, based on the BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐
related task list created in part 2.1. 
2.3. Each Transmission Owner shall deliver training to its personnel identified in 
Applicability Section 4.1.4.1 of this standard according to its training program. 
2.4. Each Transmission Owner shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the 
training program established in Requirement R2 to identify any needed changes 
to the training program and shall implement the changes identified. 

M2. Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection evidence of using a 
systematic approach to develop and implement a training program for its applicable 
personnel, as specified in Requirement R2. 
M2.1

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection its methodology 
and its BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related task list, with the 
date of the last review, as specified in Requirement R2 part 2.1. 

M2.2

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training 
materials, as specified in Requirement R2 part 2.2. 

M2.3

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training records 
showing the names of the people trained, the title of the training delivered, 
and the dates of delivery to show that it delivered the training, as specified in 
Requirement R2 part 2.3. 

M2.4

Each Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection evidence (such as 
instructor observations, trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course 
evaluations, learning assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed 

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

an evaluation of its training program each calendar year, as specified in 
Requirement R2 part 2.4. 
R3.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and, Transmission Operator, and 
Transmission Owner shall verify, at least once, the capabilities of its personnel, 
identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2, assigned to perform each of the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks identified under Requirement R1 
part 1.1 or Requirement R2 part 2.1. [Violation Risk Factor: High] [Time Horizon: Long‐
term Planning] 
3.1. Within six months of a modification or addition of a BES company‐specific Real‐
time reliability‐related task, each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, and Transmission Owner shall verify the capabilities of 
each of its personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2 to perform 
the new or modified BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks 
identified in Requirement R1 part 1.1 or Requirement R2 part 2.1. 

M2.M3. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and 
Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection evidence to show that it 
verified that each of its System Operators is capable of performing each assigned task
identified in R1.1, as specified in R2. the capabilities of each of its personnel, 
identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2, assigned to perform each of the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks identified under Requirement R1 
part 1.1 or Requirement R2 part 2.1. This evidence canmay be documents such as 
training records showing successful completion ofcapability to perform BES company‐
specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks with the employee name and date; 
supervisor check sheets showing the employee name, date, and BES company‐specific 
Real‐time reliability‐related task completed; or the results of learning assessments. 
M3.M3.1 Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and, Transmission 
Operator, or Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training
records that provide present evidence that each System Operator has obtained
32 hoursit verified the capabilities of emergency operations training, as
specified in R3applicable personnel to perform new or modified BES 
company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks within 6 months of a 
modification or addition of a BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐
related task. 
R4.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and 
Transmission Owner that (1) has operational authority or control over Facilities with 
established Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROLs), or (2) has established 
protection systems or operating guides to mitigate IROL violations, shall provide its 
personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2 with emergency 
operations training using simulation technology such as a simulator, virtual 
technology, or other technology that replicates the operational behavior of the BES. 
[Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long‐term Planning] 

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

4.1. A Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner that did not previously meet the criteria of Requirement R4, 
shall comply with Requirement R4 within 12 months of meeting the criteria.  
M4. Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and 
Transmission OperatorOwner shall have available for inspection training records that 
provide evidence that each System Operator received emergency operationspersonnel 
identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement R2 completed training usingthat 
includes the use of simulation technology, as specified in Requirement R4. 
M4.1

R5.

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and 
Transmission Owner shall have available for inspection training records that 
provide evidence that personnel identified in Requirement R1 or Requirement 
R2 completed training that included the use of simulation technology, as 
specified in R3Requirement R4, within 12 months of meeting the criteria of 
Requirement R4.  

Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall use 
a systematic approach to develop and implement training for its identified Operations 
Support Personnel on how their job function(s) impact those BES company‐specific 
Real‐time reliability‐related tasks identified by the entity pursuant to Requirement R1 
part 1.1.  [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long‐term Planning]  
5.1   Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the training established in 
Requirement R5 to identify and implement changes to the training.  

M5.  Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator shall 
have available for inspection evidence that Operations Support Personnel completed 
training in accordance with its systematic approach. This evidence may be documents 
such as training records showing successful completion of training.  Documentation of 
training shall include employee name and date of training. 
M5.1  Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, and Transmission Operator 
shall have available for inspection evidence (such as instructor observations, 
trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course evaluations, learning 
assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed an evaluation each 
calendar year, as specified in Requirement R5 part 5.1. 
R6.

Each Generator Operator shall use a systematic approach to develop and implement 
training to its personnel identified in Applicability Section 4.1.5.1 of this standard, on 
how their job function(s) impact the reliable operations of the BES during normal and 
emergency operations. [Violation Risk Factor: Medium] [Time Horizon: Long‐term 
Planning] 
6.1. Each Generator Operator shall conduct an evaluation each calendar year of the 
training established in Requirement R6 to identify and implement changes to the 
training. 

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

M6.   Each Generator Operator shall have available for inspection evidence that its 
applicable personnel completed training in accordance with its systematic approach. 
This evidence may be documents such as training records showing successful 
completion of training.  Documentation of training shall include employee name and 
date of training. 
M3.1M6.1  Each Generator Operator shall have available for inspection evidence (such 
as instructor observations, trainee feedback, supervisor feedback, course 
evaluations, learning assessments, or internal audit results) that it performed an 
evaluation each calendar year, as specified in Requirement R6 part 6.1. 
D.C.
1.

Compliance
Compliance Monitoring Process 
1.1. Compliance Enforcement Authority 
For Reliability Coordinators and other functional entities that work for their
Regional Entity,As defined in the ERO shall serve as the NERC Rules of 
Procedure, “Compliance Enforcement Authority.
For entities that do not work for” means NERC or the Regional Entity in their 
respective roles of monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Regional
Entity, the Regional Entity shall serve as the Compliance Enforcement
AuthorityNERC Reliability Standards. 
1.2. Compliance Monitoring Period and Reset
Not Applicable.
1.3. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Processes:
Compliance Audits
Self-Certifications
Spot Checking 
Compliance Violation Investigations
Self‐Reporting 
Complaints
1.4.1.2.

DataEvidence Retention 

The following evidence retention periods identify the period of time an entity is 
required to retain specific evidence to demonstrate compliance.  For instances 
where the evidence retention period specified below is shorter than the time 
since the last audit, the compliance enforcement authority may ask an entity to 
provide other evidence to show that it was compliant for the full‐time period 
since the last audit. 
Each Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and, Transmission Operator 
Transmission Owner, and Generator Operator shall keep data or evidence to 

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

show compliance for three years or since its last compliance audit, whichever 
time frame is the greatestgreater, unless directed by its Compliance Enforcement 
Authority to retain specific evidence for a longer period of time as part of an 
investigation.  
If a Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority and, Transmission Operator 
Transmission Owner, or Generator Operator is found non‐compliant, it shall 
keep information related to the non‐compliance until found compliant.  
The Compliance Enforcement Authority shall keep the last audit records and all 
requested and submitted subsequent audit records.   
1.3. Compliance Monitoring and Assessment Processes: 
Compliance Audit 
Self‐Certification 
Spot Checking 
Compliance Investigation 
Self‐Reporting 
Complaint  
1.5.1.4.

Additional Compliance Information 

None.

Page 8 of 20

Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

2.

Violation Severity Levels

R#
R1

Lower VSL
N/A

Moderate VSL

High VSL

Severe VSL

The responsible entity failed to update its
BES company-specific reliability-related
task list to identify new or modified tasks
each calendar year. (R1.1.1)

The responsible entity failed to design
and develop learning objectives and
training materials based on the BES
company specific reliability related tasks.
(R1.2)

The responsible entity failed to prepare a
BES company-specific reliability-related
task list. (R1.1)

The responsible entity failed to verify
more than 5% up to (and including) 10%
of its System Operators’ capabilities to
perform each assigned task from its list of
BES company-specific reliability-related
tasks. (R2)

The responsible entity failed to verify
more than 10% of its System Operators’
capabilities to perform each assigned task
from its list of BES company-specific
reliability-related tasks. (R2)

OR
The responsible entity failed to evaluate
its training program to identify needed
changes to its training program(s). (R1.4)

OR
The responsible entity failed to deliver
training based on the BES company
specific reliability related tasks. (R1.3)

OR
An entity evaluated its training program
and identified changes, but failed to
implement them. (R1.4)
R2

R3

N/A

N/A

The responsible entity failed to verify 5%
or less of its System Operators’
capabilities to perform each assigned task
from its list of BES company-specific
reliability-related tasks.
(R2)

The responsible entity failed to provide at
least 32 hours of emergency operations
training applicable to its organization,
affecting 5% or less of their System
Operators. (R3)

OR
The responsible entity verified its System
Operator’s capabilities to perform each
new or modified task more than six
months but fewer than twelve months
after making a modification to its BES
company-specific reliability-related task
list. (R2.1)
The responsible entity failed to provide at
least 32 hours of emergency operations
training applicable to its organization,
affecting more than 5% and up to (and
including) 10% of its System Operators.
(R3)

OR
The responsible entity failed to verify its
System Operator’s capabilities to perform
each new or modified task within twelve
months of making a modification to its
BES company-specific reliability-related
task list. (R2.1)

The responsible entity failed to provide at
least 32 hours of emergency operations
training applicable to its organization,
affecting more than 10% its System
Operators (R3)
OR

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Standard PER-005-12 — SystemOperations Personnel Training

R#

Lower VSL

Moderate VSL

High VSL

Severe VSL
The responsible entity did not include
simulation technology replicating the
operational behavior of the BES in its
emergency operations training. (R3.1)

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

E.D.

Regional Variances

None. 
E. Interpretations
None. 
F. Associated Documents
None. 

Page 11 of 20

PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

Table of Compliance Elements
R # 

Time Horizon 

VRF 

Violation Severity Levels 
Lower VSL 

R1 

Long‐term 
Planning 

Medium 

None 

Moderate VSL 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed 
to review or update, if 
necessary, its BES company‐
specific Real‐time reliability‐
related task list each calendar 
year.  (1.1.1.) 
OR 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator, failed 
to evaluate its training 
program each calendar year 
to identify needed changes to 
its training program(s). (1.4)  

High VSL 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed to 
use a systematic approach to 
develop and implement a training 
program. (R1) 
OR 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed to 
design and develop training 
materials based on the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related task lists.  (1.2) 

Severe VSL 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed to 
create a BES company‐specific 
Real‐time reliability‐related task 
list. (1.1.)  
OR 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed to 
deliver training based on the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related task lists. (1.3) 

OR 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator, failed 
to implement the identified 
changes to the training 
program(s).  (1.4.) 

R2 

Long‐term 
Planning 

Medium 

None 

The Transmission Owner
failed to review or update, if 
necessary, its company‐
specific Real‐time reliability‐

The Transmission Owner failed to 
The Transmission Owner failed to 
create a BES company‐specific 
use a systematic approach to 
Real‐time reliability‐related task 
develop and implement a training 
list. (2.1.)  
program. (R2) 
OR 

Page 12 of 20

PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training
related task list each calendar 
year.  (2.1.1.) 
OR 
The Transmission Owner 
failed to evaluate its training 
program each calendar year 
to identify needed changes to 
its training program(s). (2.4)  

OR
The Transmission Owner failed to 
design and develop training 
materials based on the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related task lists.  (2.2) 

The Transmission Owner failed to 
deliver training based on the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related task lists. (2.3) 

OR 
The Transmission Owner 
failed to implement the 
identified changes to the 
training program(s).  (2.4.) 

R3 

Long‐term 
Planning 

High  

None 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner verified 
the capabilities of at least 90% 
but less than 100% of its 
personnel identified in 
Requirements R1 or 
Requirement R2 to perform 
all of their assigned BES 
company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related tasks. (R3) 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner verified the 
capabilities of at least 70% but 
less than 90% of its personnel 
identified in Requirements R1 or 
Requirement R2 to perform all of 
their assigned BES company‐
specific Real‐time reliability‐
related tasks. (R3) 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner verified the 
capabilities of less than 70% of its 
personnel identified in 
Requirements R1 or Requirement 
R2 to perform all of their 
assigned BES company‐specific 
Real‐time reliability‐related tasks. 
(R3) 

OR  

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner failed to 
verify the capabilities of its 
personnel identified in 
Requirements R1 or Requirement 

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training
R2 to perform each new or 
modified task within six months 
of making a modification to its 
BES company‐specific Real‐time 
reliability‐related task list. (3.1) 
R4 

Long‐term 
Planning 

Medium 

None 

None 

None 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner that meet 
the criteria of Requirement R4 
did not provide its personnel 
identified in Requirement R1 or 
Requirement R2 with emergency 
operations training using 
simulation technology such as a 
simulator, virtual technology, or 
other technology that replicates 
the operational behavior of the 
BES.  (R4) 
OR 
The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, 
Transmission Operator, or 
Transmission Owner did not 
provide its personnel identified in 
Requirement R1 or Requirement 
R2 with emergency operations 
training using simulation 
technology such as a simulator, 
virtual technology, or other 
technology that replicates the 
operational behavior of the BES 
within twelve months of meeting 
the criteria of Requirement R4.  
(R4.1) 

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PER-005-2 — Operations Personnel Training

R5 

Long‐term 
Planning 

Medium 

None 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed 
to evaluate its training 
established in Requirement 
R5 each calendar year. (5.1)  

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed to 
develop training for its 
Operations Support Personnel. 
(R5) 

OR 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator failed to 
implement training for its 
Operations Support Personnel. 
(R5) 

The Reliability Coordinator, 
Balancing Authority, or 
Transmission Operator 
developed training but failed to 
use a systematic approach. (R5) 
R6 

Long‐term 
Planning 

Medium 

None 

The Generator Operator failed  The Generator Operator failed to 
to evaluate its training 
develop training for its personnel. 
established in Requirement 
(R6) 
R6 each calendar year. (6.1)  
OR 

The Generator Operator 
developed training but failed to 
use a systematic approach. (R6) 

The Generator Operator failed to 
implement the training for its 
personnel identified in 
Requirement R6. (R6) 

Page 15 of 20

Application Guidelines
Guidelines and Technical Basis
Requirement R1 and R2:  
Any systematic approach to training will determine: 1) the skills and knowledge needed to 
perform BES company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks; 2) what training is needed to 
achieve those skills and knowledge; 3) if the learner can perform the BES company‐specific 
Real‐time reliability‐related task(s) acceptably in either a training or on‐the‐job environment; 
and 4) if the training is effective, and make adjustments as necessary. 
Reference #1: Determining Task Performance Requirements

The purpose of this reference is to provide guidance for a performance standard that describes 
the desired outcome of a task. A standard for acceptable performance should be in either 
measurable or observable terms. Clear standards of performance are necessary for an 
individual to know when he or she has completed the task and to ensure agreement between 
employees and their supervisors on the objective of a task. Performance standards answer the 
following questions: 
How timely must the task be performed? 
Or 
How accurately must the task be performed? 
Or 
With what quality must it be performed? 
Or 
What response from the customer must be accomplished? 

When a performance standard is quantifiable, successful performance is more easily 
demonstrated. For example, in the following task statement, the criteria for successful 
performance is to return system loading to within normal operating limits, which is a number 
that can be easily verified.  
Given a System Operating Limit violation on the transmission system, implement the 
correct procedure for the circumstances to mitigate loading to within normal operating 
limits.  

Even when the outcome of a task cannot be measured as a number, it may still be observable. 
The next example contains performance criteria that is qualitative in nature, that is, it can be 
verified as either correct or not, but does not involve a numerical result.  
Given a tag submitted for scheduling, ensure that all transmission rights are assigned to 
the tag per the company Tariff and in compliance with NERC and NAESB standards. 

Page 16 of 20

Application Guidelines
Reference #2: Systematic Approach to Training References:

The following list of hyperlinks identifies references for the NERC Standard PER‐005 to assist 
with the application of a systematic approach to training: 
(1) DOE‐HDBK‐1078‐94, A Systematic Approach to Training 
http://www.publicpower.org/files/PDFs/DOEHandbookTrainingProgramSystematicAppr
oach.pdf 
(2) DOE‐HDBK‐1074‐95, January 1995, Alternative Systematic Approaches to Training, 
U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585 FSC 6910 
http://www.catagle.com/112‐1/download_php‐spec_DOE‐HDBK‐1074‐
95_003254_1.htm 
(3) ADDIE – 1975, Florida State University 
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/history_isd/addie.html 
(4) DOE Standard ‐ Table‐Top Needs Analysis 
DOE‐HDBK‐1103‐96 
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/06/f2/hdbk1103.pdf  

Reference #3: Recognized Operator Training Topics

See Appendix A – Recognized Operator Training Topics within the NERC System Operator 
Certification Program Manual.  
http://www.nerc.com/pa/Train/SysOpCert/Documents/SOC_Program_Manual_February_2012
_Final.pdf  

Reference #4: Definitions of Simulation and Simulators

Georgia Institute of Technology – Modeling & Simulation for Systems Engineering 
http://www.pe.gatech.edu/conted/servlet/edu.gatech.conted.course.ViewCourseDetails?COUR
SE_ID=840 

University of Central Florida – Institute for Simulation & Training 
Just what is "simulation" anyway (or, Simulation 101)? 
And what about "modeling"?  
But what does IST do with simulations?  
http://www.ist.ucf.edu/overview.htm 

Page 17 of 20

Application Guidelines

Rationale:

During development of this standard, text boxes were embedded within the standard to explain 
the rationale for various parts of the standard.  Upon BOT approval, the text from the rationale 
text boxes was moved to this section. 

Rationale for System Operator:  
The definition of the existing NERC Glossary Term “System Operator" has been modified to 
remove Generator Operator (GOP) in response to Project 2010‐16.  
The term “System Operator” contains another NERC Glossary term “Control Center”, which was 
approved by FERC on November 22, 2013. The inclusion of GOPs within the approved definition 
of Control Center does not bring GOPs into the System Operator definition.  The System 
Operator definition specifies that it only applies to Balancing Authority (BA), Transmission 
Operator (TOP) or Reliability Coordinator (RC) personnel. 
The modifications to the definition of “System Operator” do not affect other standards; see the 
PER‐005‐2 White Paper, which cross checks System Operator with other NERC Standards.  
Rationale for Operations Support Personnel:  
The term Operations Support Personnel is used to identify those support personnel of 
Reliability Coordinators (RC), Balancing Authorities (BA), or Transmission Operators (TOP) that 
FERC identified in Order No. 693.  
Rationale for TO:  
Extending the applicability to TOs is necessary to address the FERC directive that the ERO 
develop formal training requirements for local transmission control center operator personnel. 
In Order No. 742 at P 62, the Commission clarified its understanding that local control center 
personnel “exercise control over a significant portion of the Bulk‐Power System under the 
supervision of the personnel of the registered transmission operator. The supervision may take 
the form of directive specific step‐by‐step instructions and at other times may take the form of 
the implementation of predefined operating procedures. In all cases, the Commission continued, 
the local transmission control center personnel must understand what they are required to do in 
the performance of their duties to perform them effectively on a timely basis. Thus, omitting 
such local transmission control center personnel from the PER‐005‐1 training requirements 
creates a reliability gap.”  See FERC Order 693 at P 1343 and 1347.  
Rationale for GOP:  
Extending the applicability to Generator Operators (GOPs) that have dispatch personnel at a 
centrally located dispatch center is necessary to address the FERC directive that the ERO 
develop specific requirements addressing the scope, content and duration appropriate for 
certain GOP personnel. The Commission explains in Order No. 693 at P 1359 that “although a 
generator operator typically receives instructions from a balancing authority, it is essential that 
generator operator personnel have appropriate training to understand those instructions, 
Page 18 of 20

Application Guidelines
particularly in an emergency situation in which instructions may be succinct and require 
immediate action.” Order No. 742 further clarified that the directive “applies to generator 
operator personnel at a centrally‐located dispatch center who receive direction and then 
develop specific dispatch instructions for plant operators under their control. Plant operators 
located at the generator plant site are not required to be trained in PER‐005‐2.” Based on the 
FERC order, this applicability section clarifies which GOP personnel are subject to the standard. 
Rationale for changes to R2:  
Transmission Owners personnel at local transmission control centers have been added to the 
PER standard and are subject to Requirements R2, R3 and R4 of PER‐005‐2. The reason for 
adding Transmission Owners is to address Order No. 693 and Order No. 742 FERC directives to 
include local transmission control center operator personnel.  
Rationale for R3:  
This Requirement was brought forward from the previous version with the addition of 
Transmission Owners. It provides an entity with an opportunity to create a baseline from which 
to assess training needs as it develops a systematic approach.  
Rationale for changes to R4:  
The requirement mandates the use of specific training technologies. It does not require training 
on Interconnection Reliability Operating Limits (IROLs). The standard allows entities that gain 
operational authority or control over a Facility with IROLs or established protection systems or 
operating guides to mitigate IROL violations within 12 months to comply with Requirement R4 
to provide them sufficient time to obtain simulation technology. 
The requirement to provide a minimum of 32 hours of Emergency Operations training has been 
removed since the appropriate number of hours would be identified as part of the systematic 
approach in Requirement R1 and Requirement R2 through the analysis phase and outlined in a 
continuous education section of their training program. Any additional hours may be 
duplicative or repetitive for the entity in providing training to its personnel. Requirement R4.1 
covers the FERC directive for the creation of an implementation plan for simulation technology.  
Rationale for R5: 
This is a new requirement applicable to Operations Support Personnel.  In FERC Order No. 742, 
the Commission noted that NERC, in developing Reliability Standard PER‐005‐1, did not comply 
with the directive in FERC Order No. 693 to expand the applicability of training requirements to 
include operations planning and operation support staff who carry out outage planning and 
assessments and those who develop System Operating Limits (SOL), Interconnection Reliability 
Operating Limits (IROL), or operating nomograms for Real‐time operations. This requirement 
contemplates that entities will look to the systematic approach already developed under 
Requirement R1. The entity can use the list created from Requirement R1 and select the BES 
company‐specific Real‐time reliability‐related tasks with which Operations Support Personnel 
are involved. 

Page 19 of 20

Application Guidelines
Rationale for R6:  
This requirement requires the training of certain GOP dispatch personnel on how their job 
function(s) impact the reliable operations of the BES during normal and emergency operations. 
This requirement mandates the use of a systematic approach which allows for each entity to 
tailor its training to the needs of its organization. 

This is a new requirement applicable to certain GOPs as described in the applicability section.  
In FERC Order No. 742, the Commission noted that in developing proposed Reliability Standard 
PER‐005‐1, NERC did not comply with the directive in FERC Order No. 693 to expand the 
applicability of training requirements to include GOPs centrally‐located at a generation dispatch 
center with a direct impact on the reliable operation of the BES. The Commission acknowledged 
that the training for GOPs need not be as extensive as the training for TOPs and BAs.  FERC also 
stated that the systematic approach to training methodology is flexible enough to build on 
existing training programs by validating and supplementing the existing training content, where 
necessary, using systematic methods.  

Version History
Version

Date

Action

1 

2/10/2009 

Adopted  by the NERC Board of 
Trustees 

1 

11/18/2010 

FERC Approved 

1 

8/26/2013 

Updated VSLs based on June 24, 2013 
approval. 

2/6/2014 

Adopted  by the NERC Board of 
Trustees 

Change Tracking

2 

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