There is an expansion of nuclear power plant control room simulator use beyond traditional operator training. Modern simulator designs require more robust capabilities to serve the diverse needs of multiple user groups including researchers and educators. A common framework for evaluating simulator features to support training, research, and education is critical to ensure future simulators enable research for immediate and future plant modernization and advanced reactor deployment needs. An initial framework comprised of 8 feature categories was developed by reviewing published simulator-based research and analyzing simulator features against research objectives and results. Future research will focus on evaluating the suitability of this framework in characterizing and differentiating simulators across training, research, and education use cases.