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How to get a boiler operator license in Wisconsin

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority, sourced from Wisconsin's official board.

Wisconsin does not license boiler operators: the Department of Safety and Professional Services states that Wisconsin does not require boiler operator licenses and that those requirements are administered locally by city and county governments, so an operator should ask the city or county where the boiler will be operated. The department does certify Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspectors and regulates the vessels themselves under Wis. Admin. Code chapter SPS 341.

Issuing authority: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Industry Services, Boilers and Pressure Vessels program. Official page: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/BoilerPressureVesselInspector/Default.aspx

License levels in Wisconsin

Wisconsin issues no boiler operator license, so there are no state license levels. What applies instead is set out below.

Wisconsin boiler operator licensing at a glance

RequirementsWisconsin issues no boiler operator credential, so the state sets no operator experience, examination or age requirement, and the department's boiler operator FAQ points employers to Wisconsin Technical Colleges for boiler operator training for plant personnel. The one individual credential the department issues in this field is the certified Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspector. Under Wis. Admin. Code section SPS 305.60 no person may inspect a boiler or pressure vessel for the purpose of determining compliance with Wis. Admin. Code chapter SPS 341, or submit an inspection report to the department documenting compliance or noncompliance with that chapter, unless the person holds a department certification as a certified Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspector or is a certified in service field inspector working under the general supervision of one. An applicant must have passed the competency examination of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and must have completed one of the following: a degree in engineering from an accredited college or university plus at least 1,000 hours for one year of experience in the design, construction, operation or inspection of boilers or pressure vessels; an associate degree in mechanical technology from an accredited college or school plus at least 1,000 hours per year for at least two years of that experience; or at least 1,000 hours per year for at least three years of that experience. Application and fees are submitted through the LicensE portal.
ReciprocityThe department's application information does not use the word reciprocity, but it does provide for a competency examination taken, or a certificate of competency issued, in a state other than Wisconsin: the applicant uploads the National Board documentation and completes the department's Form 3120T.
RenewalThere is no operator credential to renew. The department's Trades Renewal Dates and Fees schedule lists the Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspector credential with a December 31 renewal date, a $120.00 renewal fee, a $25.00 late continuing education fee and a $200.00 reinstatement fee.
NotesWisconsin does not license boiler operators: the Department of Safety and Professional Services states that Wisconsin does not require boiler operator licenses and that those requirements are administered locally by city and county governments, so an operator should ask the city or county where the boiler will be operated. The department does certify Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspectors and regulates the vessels themselves under Wis. Admin. Code chapter SPS 341.

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Common questions

Do you need a license to work as a boiler operator in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not license boiler operators: the Department of Safety and Professional Services states that Wisconsin does not require boiler operator licenses and that those requirements are administered locally by city and county governments, so an operator should ask the city or county where the boiler will be operated. The department does certify Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspectors and regulates the vessels themselves under Wis. Admin. Code chapter SPS 341.
What boiler operator license levels does Wisconsin have?
Wisconsin issues no boiler operator license, so it has no state license levels. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Industry Services, Boilers and Pressure Vessels program is the body that regulates this work in Wisconsin.
How do you get licensed as a boiler operator in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin issues no boiler operator credential, so the state sets no operator experience, examination or age requirement, and the department's boiler operator FAQ points employers to Wisconsin Technical Colleges for boiler operator training for plant personnel. The one individual credential the department issues in this field is the certified Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspector. Under Wis. Admin. Code section SPS 305.60 no person may inspect a boiler or pressure vessel for the purpose of determining compliance with Wis. Admin. Code chapter SPS 341, or submit an inspection report to the department documenting compliance or noncompliance with that chapter, unless the person holds a department certification as a certified Boiler-Pressure Vessel Inspector or is a certified in service field inspector working under the general supervision of one. An applicant must have passed the competency examination of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and must have completed one of the following: a degree in engineering from an accredited college or university plus at least 1,000 hours for one year of experience in the design, construction, operation or inspection of boilers or pressure vessels; an associate degree in mechanical technology from an accredited college or school plus at least 1,000 hours per year for at least two years of that experience; or at least 1,000 hours per year for at least three years of that experience. Application and fees are submitted through the LicensE portal.
Does Wisconsin have boiler operator license reciprocity?
The department's application information does not use the word reciprocity, but it does provide for a competency examination taken, or a certificate of competency issued, in a state other than Wisconsin: the applicant uploads the National Board documentation and completes the department's Form 3120T.

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Sources: dsps.wi.gov, dsps.wi.gov, dsps.wi.gov, dsps.wi.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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