Introductory Pump & System Training / October 7, 2026 / Virtual Live Course

Introductory Pump & System Training

Date: October 7, 2026 
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Professional Development Hours: 7.0 

Overview:

This training serves as the starting point for understanding pumps and pumping systems, providing a foundational introduction for early-career professionals and those seeking a structured refresher. The course examines key pump and system components, fundamental hydraulic principles, pump classifications, and performance curves, while also offering and overview of pump drivers, instrumentation, market segments, manuals, and common industry drawings.

Learning Path:

• Suggested prior to enrolling in Basic 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 - Introductory:

Introductory training is for individuals who are new to the subject or need a refresher. It provides awareness and an overview of the topic. The content is informative and aims to familiarize participants with key concepts, terminology and resources. 

Audience:

• Operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel. 

• Entry-level engineers and sales professionals.  

• Employees onboarding into pump or pumping system-related roles. 

Core Capability:

A core capability following this training is the ability to understand how pumps and pumping systems function together, read and interpret pump performance curves, and identify the most appropriate curve for a given duty point. 

Volume Discount:

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

SKU: VLC-InPST-03

Participants will be able to: 

• Identify common rotodynamic and positive displacement pump types and major pumping system components. 

• Describe the purpose and basic operating principles of pumps, drivers, and drives. 

• Read and interpret typical pump performance curves, including single-line curves, impeller trim curves, and reduced-speed curves. 

• Explain fundamental hydraulic concepts, including head, pressure, system curves, operating point, NPSH, and cavitation at a high level. 

• Recognize how fluid properties influence pump performance and system operation. 

• Identify common system components, instrumentation, and drawings used in pump applications, including P&IDs and IOM manuals.  

• Describe common pump industry terminology, symbols, and market applications. 

Section 1: Pump Types and Markets

•  What is a pump? 
•  Purpose of a pump.
•  Pump Classifications. 
•  Major Pumping Unit Components.
•  Major Pump Components.
•  Pump Industry Market Segments and Applications.

Section 2: Pump Performance Curves

• Typical Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pump Performance Curves.
• Specific Speed.
• Pump Slip.
• Variable Speed Pump Performance Curves.
• Behind Pump Performance Curves. 
• Fluid Properties Affecting Pump Performance. 

Section 3: Pump Systems

• What is a Pumping System?
• Purpose of a Pumping System.
• Pumping System Types.
• Flooded Suction vs Suction Lift.
• System Curve.
• Operating Point.
• Pressure and Head.
• NPSH and Cavitation.

 Section 4: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps

• Rotodynamic Pump Types (Overhung, Between-Bearings, etc.).
• Positive Displacement Pump Types (Reciprocating and Rotary).

 Section 5: Drivers and Drives 

• Pump Driver.
• Synchronous and Induction Motors.
• Electrical Parameters (Frequency, Voltage, Current, etc.).
• Motor Nameplate, Performance Curve and Data Sheet. 
• Driver Standards.
• Drives (VSD and VFD).

 Section 6: System Components

• System Design Standards.
• Suction and Discharge Piping. 
• Expansion Joints.
• Check, Isolation, and Control Valves.
• End-use Equipment, etc.
• Pump System Controls and Instrumentation. 
• Pump Industry Symbols and Subscripts. 
• Pump Industry Icons and Abbreviations. 

 Section 7: Manuals and Drawings

• General Safety Considerations and Calibration.
• Site Drawings (Mechanical Plans, P&ID's, PFD, etc.).
• Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (IOM) Manuals. 

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 [email protected]. 

• 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.