Pump System Certification - Level 1: Hybrid Training, Certification Prep and Certification Exam /January 29, 2026 / Virtual Live Training Bundle

Pump System Certification - Level 1: Training, Exam Prep & Certification Exam Bundle

Overview of Pump System Certification (PSC) - Level 1:

PSC – Level 1 is a certification for the pump and fluid handling industry that validates an individual understands the purpose, function, construction and operating characteristics of pumps and systems. Individuals are certified based on their experience and passing a proctored examination that covers topics in the PSC – Level 1 Body of Knowledge. In short, certified individuals have knowledge of:

• Pump types, their construction, operating principles and performance curves.
• System types, system curves and the system operating point.
• Motors and variable frequency drives.
• Pump and system calculations including frictional head loss, power, efficiency and the affinity rules.
• Basics of markets and applications.
• Basics of installation, maintenance and common causes of operating issues how to make informed hydraulic selections.

This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions, enables them to collaborate with more experienced individuals to solve complex issues, and prepares them to advance their career. For full details on PSC – Level 1, visit www.pumps.org/psc, and download the HI 41.8 Program Guideline.

Overview of Training, Exam Prep, and Certification Exam: 

For newer individuals, or those looking for a refresher, the Introductory and Basic Pump & System Training, the PSC – Level 1 Exam Prep cover all of the topics within PSC - Level 1 to prepare you to sit for the PSC – Level 1 Certification Exam. Attendees of this hybrid (on-demand and live virtual training) will leave with increased pump and system knowledge and essential skills needed to advance their career through certification. 

Note: The 'Introductory Pump & System On-Demand Training' take about five hours to complete and has to be completed prior to attending the 'Live Virtual Basic Pump & System Training'. 

This bundle includes:

1. Introductory Pump & System Training (On-Demand). This five hour on-demand training must be completed prior to attending the live virtual training.
2. Basic Pump & System Training/January 29, 2026 / Virtual Live Training.
3. Pump System Certification (PSC) - Level 1: Exam Prep (On-Demand).
4. On-Demand Sample Exams with Explained Answers.
5. PSC - Level 1 Certification Exam. 

NOTES: 

1. The Introductory Training product has to be completed prior to attending the Live Virtual Basic Pump & System Training. This product will take approximately 5 hours for completion & the participants will also receive the PDH Certificate upon completion.

2.  An application is required to be submitted and approved before sitting for the PSC – Level 1 Certification Exam. 

3. Attendees can elect to schedule an on-demand exam via remote proctor for a later date (within 6 months of approval).

4. Scientific calculators are allowed for the exam. Programmable calculators, phones, or similar devices are not allowed. 

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. Knowledge of basic algebra is required to complete basic pump system calculations.

Audience: 

Engineers, sales, and other technical positions. Operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel with requisite introductory knowledge and have a desire to advance and broaden their knowledge.

SKU: VLC-PSC1-TEB-01

Course Content:

Note: The 'Introductory Pump & System On-Demand Training' takes about five hours to complete and has to be completed prior to attending the 'Live Virtual Basic Pump & System Training'. 

1. Introductory Pump & System Training (On-Demand). This five hour on-demand training has to be completed prior to attending the live virtual training.

2. Basic Pump & System Training/January 29, 2026 / Virtual Live Training.

3. Pump System Certification (PSC) - Level 1: Exam Prep (On-Demand).

4. On-Demand Sample Exams with Explained Answers.

5. PSC - Level 1 Certification Exam. 

Course Outline for Introductory Pump & System On-Demand Training

• Module 1: Introduction to Pumps
• Module 2: Introduction to Pumps Drivers
• Module 3: Introduction to Fluid Properties
• Module 4: Introduction to system Hydraulics
• Module 5: Introduction to Basic Operational Theory
• Module 6: Introduction to Pump Selection and Data

Course Outline for Basic Pump & System Training

Section 1 - Pumps, Performance Curves, Power Consumption, and Markets

• Domain 1: Introduction to Pumps 
  • The Pump, Pump System and Major Components. 
  • Pump Classifications.
  • Rotodynamic Pump Types, Classifications, and Application Considerations.
  • Positive Displacement Pump Types, Classifications, and Application Considerations. 
• Domain 2: Pump Performance Curves and Power Consumption  
  • Pump Performance Curves.
  • Behind Pump Performance Curves: Understanding the Basics and Information Plotted.
  • Power and Efficiency.
  • Affinity Rules.
• Domain 16: Markets and Applications 
  • Pump Industry Market Segments and Applications.

Section 2 – Pump Systems

• Domain 3: Pump Systems
  • Pumps and Pumping Systems.  
  • The System Curve and Operating Point.
  • Fluid Properties Affecting Pump Performance. 
  • Pressure and Head.
  • Friction Losses.
  • NPSH and Cavitation. 
  • Factors that Affect the Pump AOR.

Section 3 - Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps

• Domain 4: Rotodynamic Pump Designs and Types 
  • Rotodynamic Pumps and Specific Speed. 
  • Characteristics of Rotodynamic Pump Types.
  • Common Rotodynamic Pump Components.
• Domain 5: Positive Displacement Pump Designs and Types
  • Positive Displacement Pump Types and Performance.
  • Reciprocating Pumps.
  • Rotary Pumps.
  • Performance and Power.
  • Application Considerations.

Section 4 - Drivers & Drives

• Domain 7: Drivers and Drives 
  • Pump Drivers.
  • Electrical Parameters and 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

• Domain 6: Pump Components and Accessories 
  • The Pump Nameplate and Static Sealing Methods.  
  • Compression Packing and Mechanical Seals.  
  • Bearings and Bushings.  Couplings, Drive Shafts, and Gears.  
• Domain 8: System Design Considerations 
  • System Design Standards and Major System Components.  
  • Pump System Controls and Instrumentation. 

Section 6 - Pump Selection, Testing and Operations

• Domain 9: Varying and Pump Operating Point 
  • The Operating Point. 
  • Affinity Rules for Speed and Impeller Diameter Changes. 
  • Control Methods to Vary the Pump Operating Point. 
  • Impeller Trimming. 
  • Pump Performance Curve Shapes.
  • Parallel and Series Pumping.
• Domain 10: Pump Selection & Specification 
  • Pump Selection Process. 
• Domain 11: Testing 
  • 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

• Domain 12: Pump Installation, Commissioning and Startup 
  • Site Drawings.  
  • Pump Manufacturer’s IOM Manuals.  
  • Basic Installation, Priming, and Startup.  
• Domain 13: Maintenance 
  • General Safety Considerations and Calibration of Instrumentation.
  • Basic Maintenance Practices.

Section 8 - Pump System Analysis & Troubleshooting

• Domain 14: Troubleshooting 
  • Troubleshooting Common Operating Problems. 
• Domain 15: Pump System Optimization and Analysis 
  • Life Cycle Cost (LCC). 
  • Pump System Optimization (PSO).  

Registration Includes

• Downloadable Slide Deck (PDF) (see Handouts tab after registration) & and the equation and reference sheet.
• Two on-demand 70-question sample practice exams with explained answers.
• Attendees can elect to schedule an on-demand exam via remote proctor for a later date.

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.

Group Registration

A 5% discount is offered for groups of five or more and 10% discount for groups of ten or more. Reach out to training@pumps.org for discount codes for groups. 

Refunds & Cancellations

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

PDH Credits

Upon the successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate of completion for 13 PDHs | 0.13 CEUs | 13 CONTACT HOURS.

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.

Remote Proctoring Standard Rules:

HI offers remote online-proctored exams as a safe, secure, and easy way to take the certification exam via MonitorEDU. To learn more about how the remote exam proctoring works, go to www.monitoredu.com/faq.

Permitted Materials:

Candidates are allowed to have the following materials while taking the certification exam:

• Scientific calculator.
• White board/sheet with marker/eraser.
• HI issued formula reference sheet (printed or on-screen).

Room Requirements:

• The exam must be taken in a private room with no other individuals present.
• No external cameras are allowed except those used for proctoring.
• Bookcases should be covered to prevent hidden cameras.
• The room should be organized and free of clutter.
• The space must be well-lit with no glare from sunlight or artificial lighting.
• The environment must be quiet—no background noise, including music, television, or conversations.

Desk & Testing Area Requirements:

• The test must be taken on a hard, flat surface, such as a desk, table, or counter.
• The candidate must sit on a chair, bench, or another hard, flat surface.
• Testing on beds, sofas, or recliners is prohibited, as these areas allow for concealed materials.
• The test area must remain free of clutter.
• Only authorized materials and aids are permitted.
• Any permitted materials must be visible to the proctor at all times.
• Beverages must be in a clear or plain container.

Candidate Appearance & Attire:

• Candidates must wear plain clothing with no visible logos or text.
• Hats and hoodies are not permitted, except for religious purposes - but we will still inspect the ears for prohibited items (see below)
• No smart glasses, electronic eyewear, or wearable technology.
• No jewelry except for relationship rings.
• No watches, wristbands, or fitness trackers.
• No headphones, earbuds, or listening devices of any kind.

Other Rules & Compliance:

• Candidates must follow all instructions from the proctor.
• Professional conduct is required at all times.

Technology & Equipment Restrictions:

• Dual monitors are not allowed.
• The placement of the phone for proctoring must follow the proctor’s instructions to ensure a clear view of the testing environment, the candidate, and the device the candidate is testing on.

Please contact us at certifications@pumps.org for any questions on proctoring the certification exam.