The Common Q Overview Training Course will prepare the successful student to perform basic operations with Common Q software and hardware. The Course will also prepare the successful student to perform project document technical reviews, support pre-installation testing, and/or support training activities using appropriate Human Performance tools. This course is intended for Project Staff, Engineers, and Operations/Maintenance Training personnel who require a general understanding of the Common Q Platform hardware, software, and engineering tools used to configure and program the Advant Controller 160 (AC160). The course provides an overview of the Westinghouse Common Q safety system platform, with an emphasis on the AC160 and associated system hardware and engineering tools used to configure and program the system.  No previous experience with the Common Q System is necessary, although some background in computer technology and control systems may be helpful.   

Consistent with the Nuclearning^® Educational Model, the Common Q Overview Training Course incorporates numerous student-centered learning activities to help the student learn and remember the concepts being studied. This approach puts the student at the center of the learning process making them an active participant in all learning activities. Specifically, laboratory exercises are conducted using the engineering tools Application Builder and Function Chart Builder to create and modify applications for the AC160 system.

It is very difficult, in operating plants, to find opportunities to train on actual plant equipment. The Westinghouse Common Q Overview Training Course addresses this problem by using hands-on training equipment that is very similar to that found in the actual plant. Students conduct laboratory exercises using engineering tools to create and modify various program applications using a Westinghouse-supplied training system.  This equipment provides the student with an invaluable opportunity to work on energized equipment in a safe, learning-friendly environment. In this environment, students can see the effect of switch manipulations, practice procedures, and troubleshoot problems while utilizing all of their human performance skills. The net result is the creation of a learning environment that is as similar to the plant as possible.

This course is taught at the utility site using a generic Westinghouse Common Q training system.

The Common Q System Overview Course is two and one half (2.5) days (20 hours) in length. Since hands-on learning is an integral part of the course, the maximum number of students should be held to twelve (12) or fewer.

The following is a high-level, typical daily outline of the Common Q System Overview Course.  This daily schedule may vary due to student backgrounds and class pace.

Day 1

• Common Q Platform Introduction – Key Terms and Concepts
• Definitions, Categories, and Requirements
• System Components
• Hardware Introduction

Day 2  

• Hardware Introduction (Continuied)
• IO Modules and available functions
• PM646A Base Software loading exercise
• Software Introduction

Day 3 (half-day)          

• Configuration and Programming AC160 Systems
• AC160 Programming exercises
• Review – Q&A

Although Westinghouse does not grant a Common Q qualification to utility personnel for this training, many utilities, at their discretion, use successful completion of this course to grant a qualification. 

The Westinghouse Common Q Overview Training Course provides each student with a challenging and effective way to develop their understanding of this critical plant system.  By the end of the course, the successful student will have the knowledge and skills required to perform basic operations with Common Q software and hardware.

Satisfactory completion of the course will be measured by training completion of all labs and course attendance each day.