SQEP stands for 'Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person.' In the nuclear industry, it refers to individuals who have the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and personal attributes to perform a role safely and effectively.

How do I know if I'm SQEP?

You may be considered SQEP if you meet industry standards in areas such as academic qualifications, work experience in regulated environments, relevant training, and behavioral competence. Many employers use a competency management system to assess and track SQEP status.

What is SQEP in the Nuclear Industry?

get into nuclear
Jul 10
5 min read

Updated: Jul 16

During your exploration of the nuclear industry, you might encounter the term "SQEP." This stands for Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person, relating to someone's capability, or "SQEP'ness," to perform a task or fulfil a role.

SQEP assessment process in the UK nuclear industry — Image by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

What does SQEP stand for?

Acronyms are an unavoidable aspect of working in highly technical fields, serving as shorthand that enables professionals to communicate complex concepts efficiently. In the nuclear industry, for instance, jargon is an integral part of daily life, permeating every level of operation and interaction.

Regardless of your role—whether you are an engineer, a safety officer, or a project manager—familiarity with this specialised language is crucial. If you find yourself unfamiliar with these terms, confusion can quickly arise, potentially leading to miscommunication and errors that could have serious implications.

'SQEP' is, in our view, one such acronym that embodies this phenomenon.

As an acronym, it stands for 'Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person'. At first glance, it may seem practical and straightforward; however, a deeper examination reveals its inherent complexity and the potential for subjective interpretation that can complicate its application in real-world scenarios.

Why is SQEP important for nuclear careers?

To begin with, what does 'Suitably Qualified' actually mean in the context of the nuclear industry? This question opens up a broader discussion about the criteria and standards used to assess qualifications. Who determines what suitably qualified entails, or, perhaps more importantly, how do we ascertain whether an individual's qualifications are appropriate for a specific role or position within this highly regulated field?

For some positions, the criteria for being 'suitably qualified' are clear and unmistakable. For instance, to be a procurement manager, it is generally accepted that one must possess a CIPS qualification, which signifies a recognised level of expertise and professionalism in procurement practices. This clarity helps streamline the hiring process and ensures that candidates meet a universally acknowledged standard.

However, in other areas, the definition becomes murky and can vary significantly from one context to another. For example, how do you determine if someone is 'Suitably Qualified' for an engineering position within the nuclear sector? An individual coming from a design office might possess a wealth of knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to their role, yet they may lack several other credentials or qualifications that are deemed necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the field.

This raises critical questions: Would they be knowledgeable about the stringent regulatory framework that governs nuclear engineering? Are they familiar with the specific safety protocols and operational standards that must be adhered to in this highly sensitive environment? In some cases, the ability to act as the 'end user'—understanding how systems and processes function in practice—can be just as important as formal qualifications.

Ultimately, the concept of being a 'Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person' is not merely a box to check; it is a nuanced evaluation that requires careful consideration of both formal education and practical experience. The subjective nature of what constitutes suitability can lead to differing opinions among stakeholders, making it imperative for organisations to establish clear guidelines and criteria that reflect both regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

This ensures that all personnel involved in the nuclear industry are not only qualified in their respective fields but also equipped to make informed decisions that prioritise safety and compliance with established standards.

According to the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), a SQEP is a person who has “sufficient qualifications, training and experience, and the ability to discharge the responsibilities of the post.” This is a legal and regulatory requirement under the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act.

The ONR expects duty holders (employers) to have systems in place to demonstrate that workers are SQEP — typically through documentation, internal audits, and performance reviews.

Why Is Being SQEP So Important in the Nuclear Industry?

Working in the nuclear industry involves handling complex systems and materials that can be dangerous if not managed properly. That’s why it’s essential that only people who are fully capable and trustworthy are allowed to do certain jobs. These people are called Suitably Qualified and Experienced Persons (SQEPs). This is how to get a nuclear job.

Here’s why this matters:

1. Safety Comes First

In nuclear work, even small mistakes can have serious consequences. SQEPs are trained to understand the risks and know how to avoid accidents. This helps protect:

Workers
The public
The environment

2. Following the Rules

The nuclear industry is heavily regulated. In the UK, for example, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) requires companies to prove that their staff are competent. If someone is doing a safety-critical job, they must be a SQEP. This is part of the legal conditions for running a nuclear site.

3. Confidence in Decision-Making

When a SQEP makes a decision—whether it’s designing a system, inspecting equipment, or approving a safety plan—others can trust that the decision is based on solid knowledge and experience.

4. Maintaining a Strong Safety Culture

Having SQEPs in key roles helps build a workplace culture where safety is taken seriously. It shows that the company values expertise and doesn’t cut corners.

5. Avoiding Delays and Costs

If unqualified people do the work, mistakes can lead to shutdowns, repairs, or even legal trouble. Having SQEPs helps keep projects on track and avoids costly errors.

Real-World Example: Becoming SQEP in the Nuclear Industry

“I transitioned from oil & gas into the nuclear sector and had to demonstrate I was SQEP before working on-site. My mechanical engineering degree helped, but what really mattered was proving I’d applied my skills in a safety-critical environment. I went through a panel interview with HR and technical leads reviewing my training, certifications, and past projects.”— James T., Nuclear Maintenance Engineer

What’s Included in SQEP’ing Someone

1. Qualifications Review

Academic degrees (e.g., engineering, physics, nuclear science)
Professional certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, nuclear-specific training)
Vocational qualifications or apprenticeships

2. Experience Assessment

Years of relevant industry experience
Hands-on work in similar roles or environments
Exposure to nuclear safety practices and procedures

3. Competency Evaluation

Technical skills (e.g., reactor operations, safety analysis, maintenance)
Soft skills (e.g., decision-making, communication, teamwork)
Ability to follow procedures and respond to abnormal situations

4. Training Records

Completion of mandatory training (e.g., radiation protection, emergency response)
Refresher courses and continuing professional development (CPD)
Site-specific inductions and safety briefings

5. Behavioural and Cultural Fit

Understanding of nuclear safety culture
Demonstrated commitment to safety and compliance
Ethical conduct and professionalism

6. Formal Assessment or Interview

Structured interviews or technical panels
Practical demonstrations or simulations
Written assessments or scenario-based evaluations

7. Documentation and Approval

SQEP status recorded in HR or competency management systems
Role-specific authorisations (e.g., Duly Authorised Person)
Periodic reviews and revalidation

How do you become SQEP?

Organisations within the nuclear industry typically assess SQEP status using a competency-based framework. Here’s what they look for:

Category	Example
Academic Qualifications	Engineering degree, HNC/HND in relevant technical discipline
Professional Memberships	Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), etc.
Relevant Experience	Work in safety-critical or regulated environments (e.g., aviation, oil & gas)
Training & Certifications	Radiation protection, manual handling, site induction, nuclear safety cases
Behavioral Fit	Leadership, communication, safety awareness, problem-solving under pressure

Most companies use an internal Competency Management System (CMS) to track these attributes over time and ensure individuals maintain their SQEP status.

Glossary: