Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed Boiler Operator in Virginia. State license required. Total initial fees: $70-$105. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Boiler Operator — BO
Governing Authority
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
9% of data points are verified against official sources. 29 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
2
License Grades
Yes
Exam Required
$70-$105
Total Initial Fees
Biennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
No
CE Required
Virginia boiler operator licensing overview
Mostly verifiedRequired
State License
2
License Grades/Classes
18+
Minimum Age
License Grades / Classes
Low Pressure Boiler Operator
For operating low-pressure boilers
Experience: Basic training or experience
Boiler Types: Low-pressure steam and hot water boilers
High Pressure Boiler Operator
For operating high-pressure 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.
Education, experience, and training requirements
Mostly verifiedEducation Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Experience required for high-pressure license
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Training Programs
Approved training programs or 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.
Examination requirements and details
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Exam Provider
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Passing Score
70%
Exam Details
Written examination on boiler operation, safety, and Virginia regulations
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Applicable Codes & Standards
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; VA Code Title 40.1
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.
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 Virginia 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 |
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
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.
Virginia's boiler operator licensing is administered through the Department of Labor and Industry's Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety division.
Virginia requires boiler operators to be licensed through the Department of Labor and Industry.
Two levels: low-pressure and high-pressure boiler operator.
The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety program administers licensing.
There is no interstate compact for boiler operators.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#20 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators (SOC 51-8021)
Entry Level
N/A
25th percentile
Median
$64,200
-3% vs. national avg ($65,850)Experienced
N/A
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Source: BLS OEWS – Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2022-2032
Projected Growth
+2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
N/A
over 10 years
Annual Openings
N/A
per year (avg.)
N/A currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2022-2032 (September 2023)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Virginia Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
Estimated total: 4–12 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Virginia Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Virginia Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
Study guides and practice tests for boiler operator licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Virginia requires boiler operators to hold a state license. 2 license grade(s) are available for different boiler types and capacities. Boiler safety in Virginia is overseen by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry — Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.