The Hydraulic Institute (HI) has 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.
A Three-Tiered Pathway from Foundational to Advanced Expertise
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 clear learning path:
- PSC Level 1 – Foundational understanding
- PSC Level 2 – Applied system analysis
- PSAP – Advanced optimization and assessment
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.
Industry Need Behind the Certification
“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 of the 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.”
What PSC 2 Adds to the Learning Path
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 of pump system data
- Diagnostics and problem-solving
- 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.
Alignment with Pump Systems Matter (PSM) Training Levels
HI’s certification levels align with PSM’s tiered learning approach:
| PSM Learning Level | HI Certification |
|---|---|
| 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.
Addressing Workforce Development Challenges
The completion of the PSC learning path comes at a critical time to address an aging workforce and increased demand for pump system expertise. The new pathway addresses these challenges by:
- Strengthening applied technical capability – Moving beyond fundamentals to system-level analysis and operational understanding
- Formalizing knowledge progression – Establishing a clear, industry-recognized learning path
- Streamlining training investment – Enabling organizations to align internal training with industry standards
- Supporting talent retention and advancement – Providing individuals with credentials that reflect growing responsibility and expertise
Executive Commentary
“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.”
