Maintaining competence in radiation protection in France with the INSTN expertise

One of the most important challenges in the industrial uses of ionising radiation is the implementation of efficient Radiation Protection (RP) in the occupational, public and environmental fields. All domains using ionising radiations are concerned by a sustainable Education and Training (E and T) in Radiation Protection. In a context of both the increasing demand for, and decreasing number of, radiation protection experts available in Europe, E and T is an essential aspect to reinforce the RP expertise and to enhance a radiation protection culture. Education and Training can help local skills shortages by facilitating the mobility of graduates through European recognition of their qualifications. This background taking into account, the National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) within the french alternative energies and atomic energy commission (CEA) has been proposing E and T courses to several groups of trainees concerned by Radiation Protection since 1956. These courses cover different levels of E and T in Radiation Protection (High school Diploma to post-graduate education and professional training). The INSTN calls upon approximately 1,200 researchers and experts as French and foreign University Professors, engineers and experts from the industry, medical domain and regulatory agencies. At the national level, INSTN plays a pivotal role in every level of Radiation Protection Education from high school graduate to engineer level. Four types of courses have been developed by INSTN, each corresponding to a category of personnel: i) first level of general training in Radiation Protection (PNR, eight weeks), ii) the Technician Diploma in Radiation Protection (BT, four months + one months of practical work), iii) the Advanced technician Diploma (BTS, six months + two months of practical work) and iv) the Master in Radiation Protection (six months + six months of practical work). Those highly specialized theoretical and practical courses, which are recognized by professionals and operators, are open to students, but also to employees willing to improve their professional qualification in the Radiation Protection field. Moreover, the INSTN gives answer to satisfy needs in RP training both in the requirements from professionals and operators (workers in nuclear industry, RP inspectors, Competent Person in Radiation Protection, Radioactive material drivers..;). The institute is in charge of organising short trainings for professionals (Continuous Professional Development CPD) and it brings training solutions to special needs for national and/or international trainings. (authors)