Every reliability action in a control room starts with a conversation. Get the wording wrong and a switching order goes to the wrong element. The NERC RC exam tests this directly: who issues what, what counts as an Operating Instruction, and how three-part communication closes the loop.
Test Tips
- Know the definition. An Operating Instruction is a command to change or preserve the state, status, output, or input of a BES Element or Facility. A discussion of general information or options is not an Operating Instruction. Exam distractors love this line.
- Three parts, in order: issue, repeat back, confirm. The receiver repeats the instruction (not necessarily verbatim). The issuer then confirms the repeat-back is correct or reissues the instruction.
- Reliability Directive vs. Operating Instruction. A Reliability Directive is issued by an RC when action is necessary to address an Emergency or Adverse Reliability Impact. Every Reliability Directive is an Operating Instruction, but not the other way around.
- COM-002-4 is about protocols and training. Entities must have documented communications protocols and must train operating personnel on them. The standard does not tell you what to switch; it tells you how to communicate the instruction.
- COM-001 is about capability. Think phones and links: interpersonal communication capability between the RC, its TOPs and BAs, and adjacent RCs, plus alternates. Do not mix this up with COM-002 protocols.
- Watch the trap answers. Options like "the receiver acknowledges with 'OK'" or "the issuer skips confirmation during emergencies" are wrong. Emergencies make the protocol more important, not optional.
5 Practice Questions
Question 1
Which of the following is an Operating Instruction?
- A discussion of potential options to relieve a loading concern
- A command to open a specific breaker
- A general status update on system conditions
- A request for the TOP's opinion on a limit
Question 2
In three-part communication, what is the second part?
- The issuer states the instruction
- The receiver repeats the instruction back
- The issuer logs the instruction
- The receiver requests a written copy
Question 3
The RC issues an oral instruction and the TOP's repeat-back is incorrect. What should the RC do?
- Assume the TOP understood and move on
- Reissue the Operating Instruction
- Send the instruction by email only
- Wait for the TOP to call back
Question 4
Which best describes a Reliability Directive?
- Any routine switching request between operators
- A communication from a BA about its ACE
- An RC-initiated communication requiring action to address an Emergency or Adverse Reliability Impact
- A planning-horizon study request
Question 5
Which standard family addresses the interpersonal communication capability between an RC and the TOPs and BAs in its area?
- COM-001
- BAL-003
- VAR-002
- PRC-024
Answer Key & Explanations
- B. A command to change the state of a BES Element is an Operating Instruction. Discussions of options or general information are explicitly excluded by the glossary definition.
- B. Issue, repeat back, confirm. The repeat-back by the receiver is the second part (COM-002-4).
- B. If the response is not correct, the issuer must reissue the instruction rather than assume understanding (COM-002-4).
- C. A Reliability Directive is RC-initiated and requires action to address an Emergency or Adverse Reliability Impact per the NERC Glossary.
- A. COM-001 covers communications capability, including interpersonal communication between the RC and its TOPs, BAs, and adjacent RCs.
Always verify current effective standard versions at nerc.com before relying on any citation.
An Operating Instruction changes or preserves the state, status, output or input of a BES Element or Facility; general information and discussion of options do not qualify. Keep that distinction in focus and join the free 30-day RC study sprint: https://epgsolutions.services/pages/free-30-day-rc-study-sprint