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Boiler Operator License
Total cost: $125-$175
Governing Authority
Massachusetts Department of Public Safety — Board of Boiler Rules
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
5
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$125-$175
Total Initial Fees
Annual (every year on birthday)
Renewal Period
No
CE Required
You must be at least 18 years old. Verify all eligibility requirements with the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety — Board of Boiler Rules.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; progressively more knowledge required for higher grades. Experience: Progressive: 0 years (5th Class) to 6+ years total for 1st Class Engineer. Approved programs: On-the-job training under licensed engineers; approved training programs available.
Massachusetts offers 5 license grades: 5th Class Fireman, 4th Class Engineer, 3rd Class Engineer, 2nd Class Engineer, 1st Class Engineer. Each grade covers different boiler types and capacities. Choose the grade that matches the equipment you will operate.
Written examination covering boiler operation, steam engineering principles, ASME codes, and Massachusetts boiler laws (MGL Chapter 146) Administered by Massachusetts Board of Boiler Rules. Passing score: 70%. Based on ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; MGL Chapter 146. Exam fee: $75. Retake policy: May retake after 30 days; must pay re-examination fee.
Submit your application to the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety — Board of Boiler Rules. License fee: $50. Total initial fees: $125-$175.
Renew your license annual (every year on birthday). Renewal fee: $50.
Total startup cost for boiler operator licensing
License Fee
$50
Massachusetts boiler operator license fee
Exam Fee
$75
Examination fee
Renewal Fee
$50
Renewal fee per cycle
Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees
Massachusetts boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
5
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
5th Class Fireman
For operating low-pressure boilers and small heating plants
Experience: None required
Boiler Types: Low-pressure boilers under 15 psi steam
4th Class Engineer
For operating boilers up to 50 HP equivalent
Experience: 1 year experience as 5th Class Fireman
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 50 HP
3rd Class Engineer
For operating boilers up to 200 HP equivalent
Experience: 1 year experience as 4th Class Engineer
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 200 HP
2nd Class Engineer
For operating boilers up to 1,000 HP equivalent
Experience: 2 years experience as 3rd Class Engineer
Boiler Types: Boilers up to 1,000 HP
1st Class Engineer
Unlimited boiler operation — chief engineer
Experience: 2 years experience as 2nd Class Engineer
Boiler Types: All boiler types, unlimited capacity
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
High school diploma or equivalent; progressively more knowledge required for higher grades
Experience Required
Progressive: 0 years (5th Class) to 6+ years total for 1st Class Engineer
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
On-the-job training under licensed engineers; approved training programs available
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
Massachusetts Board of Boiler Rules
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Written examination covering boiler operation, steam engineering principles, ASME codes, and Massachusetts boiler laws (MGL Chapter 146)
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days; must pay re-examination fee
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; MGL Chapter 146
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 Massachusetts boiler operator license fee | $50 |
Exam Fee Examination fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per cycle | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees | $125-$175 |
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 (every year on birthday)
Renewal Period
Not Required
Continuing Education
N/A
CE Hours per Cycle
Renewal Fee
$50
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.
Massachusetts has one of the oldest and most structured boiler engineer licensing programs in the country, dating back to the early 1900s. The 5-class system from Fireman to 1st Class Engineer requires progressive advancement.
Massachusetts has one of the most comprehensive boiler operator licensing programs in the nation, with 5 grades (5th Class through 1st Class).
The Board of Boiler Rules under the Department of Public Safety administers examinations and issues licenses.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 146 governs boiler and engine operation and requires licensed engineers for all boiler plants above certain thresholds.
Licensed engineers must be on duty whenever a high-pressure boiler is in operation.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Boiler Operator requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $125 | 4–12 wks | |
| Connecticut | $100 | 4–12 wks | → |
| Maine | $60 | 4–12 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $50 | 4–12 wks | → |
| New York | $100 | 4–12 wks | → |
See how Massachusetts compares: Boiler Operator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare boiler operator requirements across all states →
Boiler Operator licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Massachusetts compare to other states for boiler operator? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
Boiler Operator Schools in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts verified against Massachusetts Department of Public Safety — Board of Boiler Rules, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Boiler Operator license to Massachusetts →
Transfer your Boiler Operator license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →
Massachusetts requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 5 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Massachusetts is overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety — Board of Boiler Rules.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.