Boiler Certification

An extension has been granted to operators required to complete a Boiler Refresher by August 1, 2023. These operators will now have through December 31, 2023 to submit their proof of completion. Further details will be mailed to those that have been impacted.

Bates Technical College offers Boiler Operator Certification Testing for:

• Class I Chief Operating Engineer
• Class II and III Operating Engineer
• Class IV and V Boiler Fireman

Certification is required to operate boilers in the City of Tacoma. Bates administers testing monthly at South Campus, 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma. Call 253.680.7402 for more information about scheduling a test.

All boiler operator certificates must be renewed annually. Renewal notices will be mailed out by June 1. The cost is $60 to renew between June 1 and the expiration date (Aug. 1). If certificates are not renewed by the expiration date, certificates will enter a 45-day grace period (ending on Sept. 15). During this grace period, a late fee of $25 will be added. Therefore, the total cost to renew a certificate throughout the grace period is $85.

About Boiler Refresher

• It is required to take a Boiler Refresher course every five years.
• Refresher courses are usually eight hours long and finished in one or two days. They consist of a review of operation safety and give operators an overview of new technology. An open book test (on what was covered in class) will be given at the end.
• Students will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the class. You must submit a copy of that Certificate of Completion as proof of attendance.
• Notification will be mailed out a year in advance as a reminder to take a Boiler Refresher course and will include a list of institutions that offer approved courses. This requirement is in addition to paying your annual renewal fee.
• Failure to complete a course will result in the expiration of your certificate.
• The tuition paid for the Boiler Refresher course cannot be applied towards your annual renewal fee.

If you are interested in being a boiler instructor, please call 253.680.7402.