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Boiler Operator License
Total cost: $100-$200
Governing Authority
Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal — Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
1
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$100-$200
Total Initial Fees
Annual to Biennial (varies by jurisdiction)
Renewal Period
No
CE Required
You must be at least 18 years old. Verify all eligibility requirements with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal — Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety.
Education: Varies by jurisdiction. Experience: Varies by jurisdiction and class. Approved programs: On-the-job training.
Illinois offers 1 license grade: Stationary Engineer License. Each grade covers different boiler types and capacities. Choose the grade that matches the equipment you will operate.
Chicago requires a stationary engineer license; exam tests knowledge of construction, management, and operation of steam engines and steam/hot water boilers; state oversees boiler inspections via OSFM, not operator licensing Administered by Local jurisdictions (e.g., City of Chicago). Passing score: 70%. Based on ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Exam fee: $50-$100. Retake policy: Varies by jurisdiction.
Submit your application to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal — Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety. License fee: $50-$100. Total initial fees: $100-$200.
Renew your license annual to biennial (varies by jurisdiction). Renewal fee: $50.
Total startup cost for boiler operator licensing
License Fee
$50-$100
Illinois boiler operator license fee
Exam Fee
$50-$100
Examination fee
Renewal Fee
$50
Renewal fee per cycle
Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees
Illinois boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
1
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
Stationary Engineer License
Required for operating boilers and steam equipment in certain municipalities
Experience: Varies by local jurisdiction
Boiler Types: Steam boilers and related equipment
Boiler operator licensing requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require multiple grades of licenses based on boiler size and pressure rating, while others do not require a state-level license at all. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code provides the national standard for boiler safety. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.
Not sure if you need a boiler operator license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education, experience, and training requirements
Mostly verifiedEducation Required
Varies by jurisdiction
Experience Required
Varies by jurisdiction and class
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
On-the-job training
Boiler operator training typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Many states require a combination of formal education and documented operating experience before licensure. The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) and industry associations offer additional training and certification programs.
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Examination requirements and details
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Exam Provider
Local jurisdictions (e.g., City of Chicago)
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Chicago requires a stationary engineer license; exam tests knowledge of construction, management, and operation of steam engines and steam/hot water boilers; state oversees boiler inspections via OSFM, not operator licensing
Retake Policy
Varies by jurisdiction
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Boiler operator examinations typically cover ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, boiler operation principles, safety procedures, and state-specific regulations. Some states use examinations from the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE), while others administer their own exams.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Boiler Operator Exam Prep Materials
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Insurance and bonding requirements
Mostly verifiedInsurance Required
No
Bonding Required
No
Most states do not require individual boiler operators to carry personal insurance or bonding. Employers typically carry workers' compensation and general liability insurance that covers boiler operations. Facilities with boilers are generally required to have boiler and machinery insurance.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
License Fee Illinois boiler operator license fee | $50-$100 |
Exam Fee Examination fee | $50-$100 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per cycle | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees | $100-$200 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal requirements and ongoing obligations
Mostly verifiedAnnual to Biennial (varies by jurisdiction)
Renewal Period
Not Required
Continuing Education
N/A
CE Hours per Cycle
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Renewal requirements vary by state. Most states that license boiler operators require annual or biennial renewal. A few states require continuing education to maintain licensure. Failure to renew on time may result in lapse of license and the need to retake examinations.
While Illinois lacks a statewide boiler operator license, the City of Chicago has a robust stationary engineer licensing program with multiple classes.
Illinois does not have a statewide boiler operator license, but some municipalities (notably Chicago) require a stationary engineer license.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal oversees boiler inspections.
City of Chicago requires stationary engineers to be licensed for operating heating and power plants.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Boiler Operator requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Boiler Operator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Illinois compare to other states for boiler operator? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your boiler operator license →
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Boiler Operator Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides and practice tests for boiler operator licensing exams.
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Boiler Operator requirements in Illinois verified against Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal — Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety, March 2026.
Moving to Illinois? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Boiler Operator license to Illinois →
Transfer your Boiler Operator license from Illinois to: Indiana → | Iowa → | Kentucky → | Missouri → | Wisconsin →
Illinois requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 1 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Illinois is overseen by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal — Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.