Basic Pump & System Training / July 16, 2026 / Virtual Live Course

Basic Pump & System Training 

Date: July 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Professional Development Hours: 7.0 

Overview: 

This training provides individuals with a basic, foundational understanding of pump and system interaction, common pump and system calculations, and system operating behavior. Designed for those seeking to strengthen their working knowledge, the course addresses operating point determination, power consumption, and efficiency, while also covering common pump and system components, factory performance testing, construction features, and key installation and maintenance considerations. 

 This training builds on Introductory Pump & System Training concepts.

Learning Path:

• Recommended following completion of the Introductory Pump & System Training. 
• Suggested prior to enrolling in the Intermediate Pump & System Training. 
• Recommended preparatory training for individuals pursuing Pump System Certification (PSC) Level 1.

Click here for full PSC Level 1 Certification training and preparation recommendations. 

Learning Level - Basic:

Basic level training is designed for individuals who are new to the subject matter. It covers basic concepts, skills, and practices. Participants acquire a foundational understanding of the topic and develop basic competencies. 

Audience:

• Technicians, operators, and mechanics with relevant experience. 
• Early- to mid-career engineers. 
• Technical sales and technical support professionals. 

Core Capability: 

A core capability following this training is the ability to understand how pumps, drivers, and systems interact, and to evaluate the effects of system conditions, operating changes, and control methods on pump performance, efficiency, power consumption, and reliability.  

Volume Discount:

This product qualifies for volume discounting. See the "Registration and Pricing" tab for more information.

SKU: VLC-BPST-03

Participants will be able to: 

• Identify rotodynamic and positive displacement pump types and describe their typical applications. 

• Read and interpret pump performance curves and explain how the affinity rules affect pump performance. 

• Determine pump power and calculate efficiency using performance data and operating conditions. 

• Explain pump system fundamentals, including system curves, operating point, pressure, head, friction losses, NPSH/NPIP, and cavitation. 

• Describe the influence of specific speed and operating region on rotodynamic pump performance. 

• Recognize common driver and drive characteristics, including motor types, starting methods, and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 

• Identify major pump components, sealing methods, bearings, couplings, and system control devices, and explain their basic functions. 

• Apply basic pump selection principles, including impeller trimming and series and parallel operation. 

• Describe factory performance testing, acceptance grades, and common test arrangements at a high level. 

• Recognize basic installation, commissioning, startup, and maintenance practices. 
• Identify common operating problems and apply basic pump system analysis concepts, including life cycle cost and pump system optimization, to support troubleshooting discussions. 

Section 1: Pumps, Performance Curves, and Power Consumption

• Pump Classifications. 
• Rotodynamic Pump Types, Classifications, and Application Considerations. 
• Positive Displacement Pump Types, Classifications, and Application Considerations.  
• Pump Performance Curves. 
• Power and Efficiency. 
• Affinity Rules. 
• Affinity Rules for Speed and Impeller Diameter Changes. 

Section 2: Pump Systems 

• The System Curve and Operating Point.
• Pressure and Head. 
• Friction Losses. 
• NPSH and Cavitation.  
• Factors that Affect the Pump AOR. 

 Section 3: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps

• Rotodynamic Pumps and Specific Speed.  
• Rotodynamic Pump Types. 
• Positive Displacement Pump Types. 

 Section 4: Drivers and Drives 

• Electrical Parameters. 
• Applicable Driver Standards. 
• Motor Types, Enclosures, and Frame Sizes. 
• Motor Starting Methods and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). 

 Section 5: Pump Components, Accessories & System Design Considerations

• The Pump Nameplate and Static Sealing Methods. 
• Compression Packing and Mechanical Seals.   
• Bearings and Bushings.   
• Couplings, Drive Shafts, and Gears.   
• System Design Standards. 
• Pump System Controls. 

 Section 6: Pump Selection, Testing and Operations 

• The Operating Point.
• Control Methods to Vary the Pump Operating Point.  
• Impeller Trimming.  
• Parallel and Series Pumping. 
• Pump Selection Process.  
• Factory Performance Testing.  
• Additional Tests – NPSH, NPIP, and Hydrostatic.  
• Factory Performance Test Acceptance Grades.  
• Typical Factory Performance Test Arrangements.  

 Section 7: Pump Installation, Commissioning, Startup & Maintenance

• Basic Installation, Priming, and Startup.   
  
• Basic Maintenance Practices. 

Section 8: Pump System Analysis & Troubleshooting

• Troubleshooting Common Operating Problems.  
• Life Cycle Cost (LCC).  
• Pump System Optimization (PSO).   

Registration Fees:

Members, Associate Members, Standards Partners, and Training Partners of the Hydraulic Institute (HI) receive 25% discount on all available PSM training. Employees of Members, Associate Members, Standards Partner, and Training Partner organizations must log-in with their company email address in order for the discounted registration fee to apply. Industry Partners and Academic Partners receive 5% discount on all PSM training. Click here to learn more about HI membership.

Membership Question?  Call us at 973-267-9700, email us, or view the HI website for more information.

Volume Discount:

Receive volume discounts up to 20% off on select training and certification products. Add products in cart to see the applicable discounts. Member and partner discounts are combined with volume pricing for additional savings.

Refunds & Cancellations:

All refund requests must be made in writing at training@pumps.org. 

• Virtual Live instruction.
• Downloadable Slide Deck (PDF) (see Handouts tab after registration).

Professional Development Hours (PDH):

Upon the successful completion of this training and passing the required quiz, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for the number of credit hours noted on the "Overview" tab.

Note: 1.0 PDHs is equivalent to 0.10 CEUs or 1.0 Contact Hours

Licensed Professional Engineers:

Continuing professional development is a vital component of the engineering licensure process. Most state licensing boards require continuing professional development as a condition for licensure and renewal of the license to practice engineering. The acceptance of continuing education as it applies to fulfillment of the state licensing requirements for professional designations is at the pleasure of the individual state licensing boards. It is the responsibility of the individual participants to be knowledgeable about their state requirements. Pre-approval of training providers and courses is not required by most state licensing boards, except for the following:

Florida Board of Professional Engineers

Pump Systems Matter is a board-approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers: License # CEA361.

New York State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying, and Geology

Pump Systems Matter is approved as a sponsor of continuing education for professional engineers in New York State: NYS Sponsor # 241.