Pump System Certification - Level 1: Training, Exam Prep & Certification Exam / December 2, 2025 / Virtual Live Course Bundle

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

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

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

For newer individuals, or those looking for a refresher, the PSC – Level 1 Training and Exam Prep covers all of the topics within PSC - Level 1 to prepare you to sit for the PSC – Level 1 Certification Exam. Attendees of this course will leave with increased pump and system knowledge and essential skills needed to pave the way for career growth through certification. 

• 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: 

This bundle includes:

1. PSC - Level 1 Training (Live Virtual Instructor Led).
2. On-Demand Domain Overviews and Domain Challenge Exercises.
3. On-Demand Sample Exams with Explained Answers.
4. PSC - Level 1 Certification Exam. 

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

• Attendees who have completed their application (and received approval) will have the opportunity to take the exam.
• Attendees can elect to schedule an on-demand exam via remote proctor for a later date (within 6 months of approval).
• 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. This course will cover some introductory content, but attendees should have introductory knowledge or are encouraged to complete the Introductory Pump & System |On-Demand Training.

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: LVT-PSC1-TEB-02

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).
• Two on-demand 70-question sample practice exams with explained answers.
• PSC – Level 1 Certification Exam with option to take on personal laptop. Attendees can elect to schedule an on-demand exam via remote proctor for a later date (within 6 months of approval 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

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. 

Alex Moser
Senior Engineer of Standards and Training

Alex Moser is the Senior Engineer of Standards and Training at the Hydraulic Institute with technical responsibility for standards, guidebooks, training, and technical programs as well as assisting the governmental regulations committees with technical expertise. Prior to joining the Hydraulic Institute, he held new product development and engineering management positions with a major pump manufacturer, with a focus on new pump design, system analysis, and testing. Mr. Moser obtained his B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alabama.

PDH Credits

Upon the successful completion of this training and on-demand content, you will receive a certificate of completion for a total of 11 PDHs | 0.11 CEUs | 11 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.

Candidate Behavior During the Exam

• No talking or reading questions aloud.
• Candidates must remain focused on the exam at all times.
• No smoking, vaping, or tobacco use during the exam.
• The candidate must not leave the testing area until the exam is submitted.

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.