The First Female Certified Nuclear Inspector in Korea Emerges

First Female Passer in 25 Years

The first female certified nuclear inspector in South Korea has been born.

Cha Yoon-jung, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Technical Support Center

The Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) announced on the 17th that Cha Yoon-jung, a technical researcher in the Nuclear Certified Inspector Group, has become the first woman in the country to obtain the certified nuclear inspector qualification.

A certified nuclear inspector is responsible for verifying that pressure equipment used in domestic nuclear power plants is safely manufactured and operated according to technical standards throughout the manufacturing, construction, and operation processes. This certification is operated by the Korea Electrical Association (KEA). KEA establishes the Korea Electric Power Industry Code (KEPIC) to ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of power industry facilities and equipment, and conducts related training and qualification exams for personnel.

Researcher Cha is the first female to pass the certified nuclear inspector exam in South Korea since the system was established 25 years ago. She started working at KIMS in 2017 and has handled various tasks ranging from basic administrative duties to certified inspection contracts, in-house training, and certification management. She began studying for the qualification in 2018 and experienced four failures over six years. After five attempts, she finally succeeded this year. The exam is highly challenging, with only two people passing in 2022.

Researcher Cha said, “I feel that I have finally taken my first proper step as a member of the certified nuclear inspectors,” adding, “I will continue to challenge myself and study for the remaining certifications, always maintaining my initial determination and doing my best in my work.” She is from Busan and graduated from Mandeok Middle School, Mandeok High School, and Pukyong National University with a degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.

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