Oral Board Facilities

DOE-HDBK-1080-97

department should always be present to ensure consistent application of the training and

qualification requirements.

DOE Order 5480.20A, Personnel Selection, Qualification, and Training Requirements for

DOE Nuclear Facilities, assigns the DOE field organizations responsibility to observe,

review, or actively participate as co-evaluators on oral boards for certain positions. The

DOE field organizations should determine the extent of their involvement with facility oral

boards, and the qualifications necessary to participate in the examination process. The

DOE field organization representative should grade only in areas of expertise. DOE

representatives participating as co-evaluators should follow the same guidelines as other

board members with respect to preparation, participation, and grading.

The number of persons present during an oral board should be limited to ensure board

integrity and to minimize distractions to the trainee. Other trainees should not be allowed

to be present during an oral board. Other examiners may be present either to witness the

oral board as part of their training or to audit the performance of the examiner(s)

administering the oral board. Others may be allowed to observe the oral board if (a) the

board chair approves their presence, and (b) the trainee does not object to the observers'

presence.

The conduct of observers should be described in the facility procedure on oral

examinations. Observers should neither enter into the questioning, nor interrupt the

proceedings. Any comments they wish to make or questions they have concerning the

conduct of the board should be held until the examination is completed and the trainee is

out of the room or area.

5.3.3

Oral Board Facilities

Facilities should have a room that can be used to conduct oral boards. The room should be

designed in such a way that it provides an atmosphere that is conducive to conducting an

oral board effectively and without interruptions from outside sources. Below is a list of

items to consider when establishing an oral board room:

Black/green board and chalk, or a white board and markers is available for

use by the trainee.