The Hydraulic Institute (HI), the global authority on pumps and pump systems, today announced the launch of Pump System Certification Level 2 (PSC 2), completing HI’s standardized learning path designed to advance pump system competency across the industry.
PSC 2 builds on the successful introduction of Pump System Certification Level 1 (PSC 1) in 2025 and establishes prerequisite competencies for HI’s established and more advanced Pump System Assessment Professional (PSAP)certification. Together these certifications create a learning path from foundational understanding (PSC 1) to applied system analysis (PSC 2) to advanced optimization and assessment (PSAP). The learning path is fully aligned with training programs delivered through Pump Systems Matter (PSM), HI’s educational foundation, ensuring a cohesive and scalable approach to workforce development for the pump and fluid-handling industries.
“In support of HI’s strategic priority to enable a sustainable and talented workforce, PSC was a multi-year endeavor that defines minimum pump system competencies to address industry needs,” said Peter Gaydon, Deputy Executive Director, Hydraulic Institute. “With the launch of PSC 2 the learning path is complete – providing individuals and organizations with a structured and measurable way to advance workforce expertise.”
Advancing Pump System Competencies from Basic to Advanced
Building directly on PSC 1, PSC 2 expands the depth and complexity of competencies within 16 core knowledge domains. While PSC 1 validates foundational fluency, PSC 2 focuses on interpretation, diagnostics, and applied system behavior in real-world environments. Together, PSC 1 and PSC 2 prepare professionals for the higher-level expertise required for HI’s PSAP certification.
HI’s certification levels align with PSM’s tiered learning levels:
- Introductory & Basic Learning → PSC Level 1
- Intermediate Learning → PSC Level 2
- Advanced Learning (Optimization & Assessment) → PSAP
This alignment ensures that training, certification, and development reinforce one another, offering a transparent and industry-recognized roadmap from entry-level through advanced pump system expertise.
Supporting Industry Workforce Development Needs
The completion of the PSC learning path comes at a critical time to address an ageing workforce and increased demand for pump system expertise and addresses these challenges by:
- Strengthening applied technical capability – Moving beyond fundamentals to system-level analysis and operational understanding
- Formalizing knowledge progression – Establishes a clear, industry-recognized learning path from foundational to advanced pump system competencies
- Streamlining training investment – Enables organizations to align internal training with industry standards
- Supporting talent retention and advancement – Provides individuals with a credential that reflects growing responsibility and expertise
“HI renewed its focus on pump system training to give the industry a consistent, scalable approach to workforce development,” said Michael Michaud, Executive Director of the Hydraulic Institute. “With PSC Level 2 now available, both organizations and individuals can follow a complete learning path that builds confidence, capability, and a shared technical foundation across the industry.”
Registration Now Open
Training and exam preparation for Pump System Certification Level 2 are now available through Pump Systems Matter, with multiple learning formats designed to support diverse experience levels and training preferences. Eligible candidates may now apply to sit for the PSC 2 exam.
For more information on Pump System Certification, training alignment, and registration, visit: https://www.pumps.org/psc.
About the Hydraulic Institute (HI)
Founded in 1917, the Hydraulic Institute (HI) is the largest association of pump manufacturers in North America. As the global authority on pumps and pump systems, HI develops standards and technical resources including application guidebooks, online tools, and calculators. HI manages efficiency programs that stem from its advocacy work with the US Department of Energy including the HI Energy Rating label which is used to identify efficient equipment and the Pump System Assessment Professional (PSAP) certification which designates qualified individuals. Both programs work to promote the efficient use of pumps and pumping systems. The Institute’s educational foundation, Pump Systems Matter (PSM), provides product neutral training on energy efficiency, reliability, and effective applications of pump systems through an extensive catalog of live, virtual, and on-demand courses and webinars.
