How to get a boiler operator license in Oregon

Oregon does not license boiler operators or stationary engineers; the Building Codes Division's own exhaustive list of boiler license classes in OAR 918-225-0691 (Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5-A, 5-B and 6) covers only installation, alteration and repair work, so the state credentials boiler installers, piping mechanics and welders while regulating boiler operation through permits and inspections rather than an operator license.

License levels in Oregon

• Class 1 Trainee/Helper
• Class 2 Pressure Vessel Installer
• Class 3 Building Service Mechanic
• Class 4 Boilermaker
• Class 5 Pressure Piping Mechanic
• Class 5-A Process Piping Mechanic
• Class 5-B Refrigeration Piping Mechanic
• Class 6 Welder

Oregon boiler operator licensing at a glance

Common questions

Do you need a license to work as a boiler operator in Oregon?

Oregon does not license boiler operators or stationary engineers; the Building Codes Division's own exhaustive list of boiler license classes in OAR 918-225-0691 (Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5-A, 5-B and 6) covers only installation, alteration and repair work, so the state credentials boiler installers, piping mechanics and welders while regulating boiler operation through permits and inspections rather than an operator license.

What boiler operator license levels does Oregon have?

The levels are Class 1 Trainee/Helper, Class 2 Pressure Vessel Installer, Class 3 Building Service Mechanic, Class 4 Boilermaker, Class 5 Pressure Piping Mechanic, Class 5-A Process Piping Mechanic, Class 5-B Refrigeration Piping Mechanic, Class 6 Welder.

How do you get licensed as a boiler operator in Oregon?

Applicants file the Boiler License Application (form 440-2488), list experience in the work categories required by rule, submit a Boiler Experience Verification form (440-2488A) from each employer for Classes 3 through 5-B, include a 2 inch by 2 inch passport style photo, and pay an $82.50 application fee per class. After approval the division mails a letter of authorization to schedule the licensing exam, and results are mailed within two weeks. Under OAR 918-225-0691: Class 1 Trainee/Helper requires no experience and permits work of a mechanical nature only under the direct supervision of a qualified licensed person, with no code welding. Class 2 requires no experience and permits installing or repairing unfired pressure vessels by non-welded methods. Class 3 requires 2,000 hours installing and repairing boilers and permits installing or repairing boilers and unfired pressure vessels by non-welded methods. Class 4 requires 2,000 hours of welding plus 2,000 hours of non-welding work on boilers and vessels. Classes 5, 5-A and 5-B each require 2,000 hours of the applicable pipe welding or brazing plus 2,000 hours on pressure piping. Class 6 requires qualification as a welder under ASME Section IX and permits welding only while employed by an approved welding employer and under the supervision of a Class 4, 5, 5-A or 5-B licensee. Class 2 through 5-B applicants must also submit proof of a high school diploma, GED or equivalent (a college degree substitutes), and Class 6 applicants must submit a written statement from the employer.

Does Oregon have boiler operator license reciprocity?

Not applicable in the operator sense, Oregon does not license boiler operators. The Building Codes Division's individual boiler credentials (Class 1 through 6) are installation, repair and welding trade licences, not an operating licence; OAR 918-225-0470 requires only that a person operating a boiler be suitably trained, with no licence or certificate required. Consistently, the Division's own reciprocal licenses page lists reciprocity only for electrician licences (with Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) and plumber licences (with Idaho and Montana); the words boiler and elevator appear nowhere on it.

Related

Sources: www.oregon.gov, secure.sos.state.or.us, www.oregon.gov, www.oregon.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.