Answer to Question #4007 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

I'm thinking of looking for employment in the United States or Canada. I am a British health physics monitor/surveyor with a City and Guilds level 1 certificate and 14 years of experience in nuclear decommissioning and production. I was wondering what the employment prospects would be for someone like me in the United States or Canada. I don't know what the equivalent qualification is in the United States or Canada. Would I have to take the appropriate exams?

Thank you for your question about a career in decommissioning health physics. I've been in the field of decommissioning health physics for more than 10 years and find it both challenging and rewarding. Employment prospects have been very good in recent years thanks in large measure to the US Department of Energy's Accelerated Closure Program and the decommissioning of several nuclear power reactors licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Check out the D&D Science Consortium Web site for a good overview of the various decontamination and decommissioning disciplines and projects that may be of interest to you.

Concerning your specific question about qualifications, most prospective employers are interested in one's educational background and professional experience. Your 14-year experience in nuclear decommissioning and production is certainly a big plus. However, I am not aware of an equivalent to your City and Guilds level 1 certificate. Perhaps our certification process under the American Board of Health Physics comes close. An individual qualifies to sit for the two-part exam once education and experience prerequisites are met—and, upon successfully completing both parts of the exam, becomes a Certified Health Physicist. Finally, the answer to Question #1636 provides additional background information that may be helpful.

Eric W. Abelquist, CHP