Stationary Engineer Certification

Stationary engineers operate and maintain large heating and ventilation systems in large buildings and facilities, such as malls and warehouses. Many states in the U.S. require stationary engineers to be certified by a state licensing board.

Training

The majority of stationary engineers are trained through a mixture of on-the-job training and apprenticeship instruction, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Subjects covered by apprenticeship programs offered by the International Union of Operating Engineers include boiler operation and maintenance, energy conservation, and indoor air quality.

Requirements

To become a state certified stationary engineer, candidates usually must be 18 years of age or older and reside in the state in which they are applying for licensure. The majority of states have work experience requirements and require that candidates pass a written exam.

Grades

States offering stationary engineer certification offer a number of grades of certification in specific types and sizes of equipment. For example, the Maryland Department of Labor offers five grades of licensure from grade 1 for 500 horsepower equipment in any building to grade 5, which allows engineers to operate equipment between 30 and 99 horsepower in buildings not for public use.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Stationary Engineers & Boiler Operators
• International Union of Operating Engineers: Stationary Engineer Training
• Maryland Department of Labor: License Requirements - Maryland Board of Stationary Engineers