[en] The Operator Certification Division of the Atomic Energy Control Board authorizes Control Room Operators and Shift Supervisors at nuclear power stations in Canada. In the past, this has been accomplished primarily by setting and grading written examinations and, from time to time, by administering ad hoc simulator based examinations. Since 1993, the AECB has implemented simulator based examinations as a key component of its authorization process. Prior to introducing this new regulatory examination, a great deal of work was done to develop a method where an objective marking scheme, based on generic performance expectations, could be used to determine whether the performance of a candidate is satisfactory. A working group of staff from Canadian nuclear stations and from the AECB worked for nearly two years to develop this examination method. The method was refined during a two year introductory period. The validity of the method was assessed independently by a consultant. This assessment contributed to the credibility of the method developed by the working group. What was not anticipated, however, was the impact that the implementation of such a systematic examination method would have on the stations. The assessments of candidates on the simulators has forced the stations to revise many aspects of their operation and training. This revision has resulted in the clarification of station performance expectations for Control Room Operators and Shift Supervisors and in improvements in many areas of station operation such as teamwork, operating procedures and communications. (author)