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Boiler Operator License
Total cost: $70-$105
Governing Authority
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division
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
2
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$70-$105
Total Initial Fees
Biennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
No
CE Required
You must be at least 18 years old. Verify all eligibility requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Experience: 1+ year experience for high-pressure license. Approved programs: Approved training or on-the-job training under licensed engineer.
Pennsylvania offers 2 license grades: Stationary Engineer — Low Pressure, Stationary Engineer — High Pressure. Each grade covers different boiler types and capacities. Choose the grade that matches the equipment you will operate.
Written examination covering boiler operation, safety, ASME codes, and Pennsylvania regulations Administered by Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division. Passing score: 70%. Based on ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; PA Act of 1937. Exam fee: $35. Retake policy: May retake after 30 days.
Submit your application to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division. License fee: $35. Total initial fees: $70-$105.
Renew your license biennial (every 2 years). Renewal fee: $35.
Total startup cost for boiler operator licensing
License Fee
$35
Pennsylvania boiler operator license fee
Exam Fee
$35
Examination fee
Renewal Fee
$35
Renewal fee per cycle
Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees
Pennsylvania boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
2
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
Stationary Engineer — Low Pressure
For operating low-pressure steam and hot water boilers
Experience: Basic boiler operation experience
Boiler Types: Low-pressure steam (15 psi max) and hot water boilers
Stationary Engineer — High Pressure
For operating high-pressure steam boilers
Experience: 1 year experience
Boiler Types: High-pressure steam boilers exceeding 15 psi
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
Experience Required
1+ year experience for high-pressure license
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
Approved training or on-the-job training under licensed engineer
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.
Browse Boiler Operator study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Examination requirements and details
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Exam Provider
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Written examination covering boiler operation, safety, ASME codes, and Pennsylvania regulations
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; PA Act of 1937
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 Pennsylvania boiler operator license fee | $35 |
Exam Fee Examination fee | $35 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per cycle | $35 |
Total Initial Fees Total estimated initial costs including license and exam fees | $70-$105 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal requirements and ongoing obligations
Mostly verifiedBiennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
Not Required
Continuing Education
N/A
CE Hours per Cycle
Renewal Fee
$35
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.
Pennsylvania's boiler operator licensing dates back to the Act of 1937, making it one of the longer-standing programs in the country.
Pennsylvania requires stationary engineers to be licensed through the Department of Labor and Industry.
The Boiler Division administers examinations and issues licenses.
Pennsylvania's boiler law (Act of 1937) establishes the licensing framework.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Boiler Operator requirements in nearby states
See how Pennsylvania compares: Boiler Operator License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Boiler Operator Schools in Pennsylvania
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Study guides and practice tests for boiler operator licensing exams.
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Boiler Operator requirements in Pennsylvania verified against Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Pennsylvania requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 2 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Pennsylvania is overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler Division.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.