Pump System Certification - Level 1: Training, Exam Prep & Certification Exam / October 13 - 14, 2025 / Kansas City, MO

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

Dates: Monday, October 13 - Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Location: Kansas City, MO
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CT)

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 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 in-person course will leave with increased pump and system knowledge and essential skills needed to pave the way for career growth through certification. 

This bundle includes:

1. PSC - Level 1 Training & Exam Prep (live in-person).
2. Domain Exercise Booklet with Explained Answers.
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 will have the opportunity to take the exam directly following the training on their personal computer with a live proctor.
• Attendees can elect to schedule an on-demand exam via remote proctor for a later date.
• 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: LIT-PSC1-TEB-01

Location

This in-person course is being held at the following location:

Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, USA, 64111

If you require a hotel room for your stay, we are happy to provide a discounted rate at the hotel. The room block closes on September 22, 2025.

Please click here to secure your hotel room.

Meals

Breakfast, break refreshments, and lunch will be provided. Please inform PSM staff if you have any dietary restrictions. 

Course Outline

NOTE: During the instruction, the presenter will stop periodically to allow attendees to take Domain Exercises. All materials for these exercises will be provided on-site by PSM staff. 

Day 1: October 13, 2025

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. 

Day 2: October 14, 2025

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

• Breakfast, break refreshments, and lunch each day.
• Live in-person instruction each day.
• Printed Material. Domain exercise book used during the course instruction and the equation and reference sheet.
• 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 via live proctor following the training. Attendees can elect to schedule an on-demand exam via remote proctor for a later date.
• Access to the Hydraulic Institute's Table Top Reception on Tuesday, October 14th 6:00-7:30pm is included in the price of this registration. More information can be found here.

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. 

Jim Swetye

Former Vice President of Knowledge and Education for the Hydraulic Institute
Swetye Services, LLC

Jim Swetye has a career spanning over 40years in the pump industry, holding various roles in training, product management, marketing, and sales at companies such as Grundfos, Pentair Water, and Crane Pumps & Systems. He previously served as the Vice President of Knowledge and Education for the Hydraulic Institute and was a member of the Board of Directors of Pump Systems Matter. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hiram College and a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University. Currently, he provides technical support services to the pump industry, specializing in training, curriculum development, and technical writing.

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.