This first in a series of eight modules for a course titled Quality Assurance Practices describes responsibilities for quality assurance, identified how quality assurance requirements are passed on to other organizations, defines the three phases of activities of the plant, and reviews the eighteen criteria applicable to the quality assurance program. The module follows a typical format that includes the following sections: (1) introduction, (2) module prerequisites, (3) objectives, (4) notes to instructor/student, (5) subject matter, (6) materials needed, (7) procedures, (8) data table, (9) reference materials, (10) test. (The course is one of fifteen technical courses for the second year of a two-year postsecondary curriculum in Nuclear Quality Assurance/Quality Control Technology.) (LRA)