A boiler is a closed, steam generating vessel used for heating purposes or to drive mechanical processes. In Ohio, to operate a boiler powered at more than 30 horsepower requires a boiler operator license from the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance. Two types of operator licenses are available: “Low Pressure” and “High Pressure.” In both cases, a license candidate must obtain training and work experience in the area of licensure, submit an application and pass a licensing exam with a score of 70 percent or better.

Training Required for a Low Pressure License

A low pressure boiler operates at pressures no more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) or temperatures not exceeding 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Eligibility for a low pressure boiler operator license can be achieved in one of two ways. First, the candidate can accumulate 2,000 hours of direct operating experience on a low pressure boiler under the supervision of a licensed boiler operator. Alternatively, the candidate need only accumulate 600 hours of direct operating experience if he has first completed an approved 50-hour boiler operator training course.

Training Required for a High Pressure License

A high pressure boiler operates at pressures greater than 160 psig or temperatures greater than 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Eligibility for a high pressure boiler operator license can be achieved in one of three ways. First, the candidate can accumulate 2,000 hours of direct operating experience on a high pressure boiler under the supervision of a licensed boiler operator. Second, the candidate need only accumulate 1,000 hours of direct operating experience if he has first completed an approved 75-hour boiler operator training course. Finally, the candidate need only accumulate 500 hours of direct operating experience if he both holds a valid low pressure boiler operator license and first completes an approved 75-hour boiler operator training course.

Licensing Examination Application

After accumulating the required training and experience, the license candidate must submit an application for a boiler operator examination. The document (see Resources) is available for download and printing on the Division of Industrial Compliance website. Along with the application, the candidate must submit signed affidavits from supervising boiler operators who can personally attest to his qualifications and work experience. Upon verification of the application, the candidate will receive an exam authorization notice.

Licensing Examination

The licensing examination is administered by PSI Services, a private company. The PSI boiler operator candidate information bulletin (see Resources) contains detailed information on scheduling procedures, rules and exam content. Should a candidate fail the exam, he will be allowed to retake it on another day. After successfully passing the exam, the Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance will issue the appropriate license.