Why Get Pump System Certified?
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Boost Your Career Potential
Take your expertise to the next level with Pump System Certification
(PSC) from the Hydraulic Institute—the industry’s trusted standard
for pump and system knowledge. Whether you’re advancing your
career or strengthening your technical foundation, PSC proves you
have the skills today’s employers demand.
Covering everything from pump types and performance to system
design and operation, PSC delivers a comprehensive understanding
of the fundamentals that power reliable, efficient pumping systems.
Even seasoned professionals gain value from refreshing core concepts,
while those newer to the industry benefit from a clear, structured
learning path.
Ready to prepare with confidence? Explore certification‑aligned training through Pump Systems Matter—your source for courses
designed to help you master the body of knowledge and succeed on exam day.
In-demand Knowledge and Skills
Certification validates that successful candidates have competencies employers are looking for that include, but are not limited to, the following:
Hydraulics & System Behavior
- Interpret pump curves
- Determine system and operating points
- Explain static and friction head
- Understand fluid property effects
Pump Types & Components
- Identify common pump types and basic operating principles
- Recognize major pump components and their functions
Performance & Calculations
- Perform power, efficiency, and energy calculations
- Select an efficient pump for a given design point
Motors, Drives & Controls
- Describe key considerations for motors, VFDs, and control methods
Installation, Operation & Maintenance
- Identify common operating issues
- Understand fundamental installation and maintenance practices
Applications & Markets
- Recognize major markets and application considerations
Hydraulics & System Analysis
- Analyze variable‑speed, parallel, and series pump curves
- Calculate system curves, total head, and NPSHA
- Evaluate impacts of changing system behavior (varying system curves)
- Apply POR and AOR operating region considerations
Pump Design & Components
- Understand key pump design principles
- Assess bearings, seals, and coupling selections
Motors, Drives & Controls
- Evaluate motors and VFDs and their proper use
- Compare and apply common pump control methods
Applications & Selection
- Understand selection considerations across a range of applications
Testing & Verification
- Describe standard factory testing practices for pumps
Installation, Operation & Reliability
- Identify root causes of installation, maintenance, and operational issues
Market & Industry Context
- Discuss major market drivers and industry trends
- Hydraulic system behavior and its effect on energy, reliability, and controllability
- Pump and system performance characteristics and their relationship to overall operation
- Identification, qualification, and quantification methods for estimating potential cost savings
- Process and equipment data collection and analysis techniques
- Analysis tools to conduct and manage pump system assessments
- Reporting and documenting results to build a business case
- Component and material selection for optimal reliability
- Pump system installation and maintenance practices
Benefits of Certification
Stand Out in a Competitive Industry
Certification showcases your commitment to excellence and sets you apart as a proven, knowledgeable professional in the pump and fluid‑handling field.
Validate the Skills Employers Value Most
PSC demonstrates that you have the essential technical foundation—pump performance, system behavior, controls, and more—backed by the Hydraulic Institute’s trusted standards.
Advance Your Career with Confidence
Whether pursuing a promotion, seeking new opportunities, or expanding your role, certification strengthens your credibility and opens doors to career growth.
Build a Strong, Well‑Rounded Knowledge Base
PSC covers the full breadth of pump and system fundamentals, ensuring you understand how equipment, controls, and applications work together for safe and efficient operation.
Earn Recognition in the Industry
Certification signals your commitment to quality and professionalism—qualities that customers, colleagues, and employers notice and value.
Increase Your Impact on System Performance
Certified professionals are better equipped to evaluate system behavior, make informed decisions, and contribute to more reliable, energy‑efficient pumping systems.
Boost Your Organization’s Performance
A certified team reduces downtime, supports better maintenance practices, and strengthens system reliability—directly contributing to operational and cost improvements.
Stay Aligned with Industry Standards
Certification keeps your knowledge current with Hydraulic Institute guidance and best practices—ensuring you work to the latest industry expectations.
Who is This For?
PSC is built for driven professionals who want to elevate their expertise and accelerate their careers in the pump and fluid‑handling industry, including:
- Engineers ready to deepen their technical mastery and stand out in a competitive field
- Operations and maintenance technicians looking to broaden their capabilities and advance into higher‑impact roles
- Sales and application professionals who want to strengthen their credibility and deliver smarter, more dependable system solutions
- Engineering students eager to launch their careers with a powerful credential recognized across the industry
PSC equips you with the knowledge employers look for—and the confidence to take your career to the next level.
Where Can PSC’s Work?
Pump System Certification is valuable to any industry that supports or relies on moving fluids, such as:
- Water & Wastewater Treatment
- General Industry
- Oil & Gas
- Building Services
- Power Generation
- Agriculture
- …and the Manufacturers and Engineering Firms serving them
What Jobs Can They Perform?
Certified individuals may be employed as (but not limited to):
- Reliability or Rotating Equipment Engineers
- Pump System Designers
- Application Engineers and Inside Sales
- Field Service Technicians
- Sales Engineers and Manufacturer Representatives
- Pump Engineers
- Product Managers
- … and more
For more information on relevant careers, vist Pump PROfiles
Download the Flyer
Download our one-page flyer that summarizes the benefits of PSC.
Take The Next Step in Your Career
Ready to proving your pump and systems knowledge? Here’s what you can do now to become one step closer to becoming Pump System Certified:
Discover if you’re eligible and get detailed information about the certification process.
Enroll in our on-demand training, designed to prepare you for the exam.
Take the final step and register for the exam.
Questions? Contact us via our Customer Service Center!