The Challenge
Like most industries, the pump and fluid handling industry faces the challenge of transferring the knowledge base of an aging workforce. Additionally, the tight labor market has resulted in many more entry- and mid-level job openings than qualified applicants to fill the positions. This leaves companies in the difficult situation of transferring important product-specific knowledge from their retiring workforce to the newer generation while not being fully staffed.
Industry Resources to Address the Challenge
To address this challenge, the Hydraulic Institute (HI) and its educational foundation, Pump Systems Matter (PSM), have aligned their focus on a strategic direction to:
Communicate how vital pumps are in society, publicizing the importance of the industry to the next generation (pumps.org/wwop)
Develop standardized introductory, basic and intermediate level training (training.pumps.org)
Develop new certifications covering fundamental knowledge (pumps.org/psc)
These three initiatives provide resources that inform, attract, train and certify employees in a standardized way. With the adoption of a standardized fundamental training and certification path, current and future employees are provided a clear direction that can improve their development and retention while allowing the employer to focus on transferring product-specific and competitive knowledge.
Pump System Certifications
The final deliverable of the workforce development initiative is a two-level certification program described in the HI 41.8 Program Guideline for Pump System Certification. This program focuses on broad knowledge areas applicable to most jobs in the industry, and the guideline is free to download at HI’s website. It identifies the body of knowledge and certification requirements for the Pump System Certified (PSC) Level 1 and Level 2 credentials, including a standardized examination and renewal process. As an example, the PSC Level 1 certification validates knowledge on 16 broad learning outcomes, as illustrated in Table 1 with the approximate percentage of distribution on the exam.
Geared toward new or entry-level employees, PSC Level 1 is applicable to most job functions within the pump industry. It validates that an individual: (a) understands the purpose, function and operating characteristics of pumps and systems, (b) has knowledge of basic pump industry calculations and fluid properties and (c) possesses the ability to analyze pump and system interactions to understand pump hydraulic selections.
The PSC Level 2 is for more experienced individuals with job functions in sales, assembly, engineering, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, operations or other similar positions. PSC Level 2 covers the same learning outcomes as Level 1 but digs deeper to validate that an individual has applied knowledge of the purpose, function, design and operating characteristics of pumps and systems. Therefore, it will cover more detailed primary topics, and the approximate distribution percentage of the learning objectives in Table 1 will change. Level 2 certified individuals have a strong understanding of pump industry best practices, calculations and tools to solve common pump and system operating issues.
| Number | Learning Outcome | Distribution | Number | Learning Outcome | Distribution |
| 1 | Introduction to Pumps | 10% | 9 | Varying the Operating Point | 6% |
| 2 | Pump Performance Curves and Power | 15% | 10 | Selection and Specification | 5% |
| 3 | Pump Systems | 15% | 11 | Testing | 5% |
| 4 | Rotodynamic Pump Designs and Types | 10% | 12 | Installation and Commissioning | 4% |
| 5 | Positive Displacement Pump Designs and Types | 5% | 13 | Maintenance | 3% |
| 6 | Components and Accessories | 5% | 14 | Troubleshooting | 3% |
| 7 | Drivers and Drives | 5% | 15 | Optimization and Analysis | 2% |
| 8 | System Design | 5% | 16 | Markets and Applications | 2% |
Timing
The PSC Level 1 certification exam is set to launch by the fall of 2024, with the PSC Level 2 certification exam following in 2025. Users can stay up to date on the certifications and learn how to implement them for their workforce at pumps.org/psc.
Training
Pump Systems Matter is developing training to help individuals prepare for the certification exam, but all training organizations are encouraged to review HI 41.8 and develop standardized training per the learning outcomes and guidance included to help individuals prepare for the certification exam.
In combination with training and educational offerings, PSC Level 1 and Level 2 set a standard of knowledge and experience while creating a learning path for entry-level and newer professionals in the industry. These certifications provide a standardized path for employers to train and onboard new hires, providing them with a tangible development plan and recognition for their success. The fundamental nature of these certifications lays the foundation for job-specific knowledge and skills, complementing the more specialized Pump System Assessment Professional (PSAP) certification already offered by HI, as well as any other future job-specific or specialized certifications that may be developed.
For more information on the certification or to get involved in the certification development efforts, visit pumps.org/psc. Download a free copy of HI 41.8 program guideline at pumps.org/product/hi-41-8-pump-system-certification.