5402 - Boiler Plant Operating

Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This standard is for use in grading nonsupervisory jobs concerned primarily with the operation and operational maintenance of single and multiple fuel water or fire tube boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment. These boilers operate at various pressures and temperatures in automatic or manual modes to produce steam or high temperature hot water to provide heat for buildings, to operate industrial and institutional facilities and equipment, and to generate electricity.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT OPERATION FAMILY, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Water Treatment Operator - Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Treatment Operator - Class I is the entry-level water treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class I must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and one year of relevant work experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, which evaluates an operator's knowledge of tasks related to water treatment practices. To pass an ABC exam, an operator must demonstrate knowledge of the core competencies. The specifications for the different levels of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job. ABC certifications are renewed every two years; often certified individuals seek advanced levels of credentialing as additional experience is gained. See the agency's website for more information.

Click here to go to Water Distribution Operator Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Distribution Operator - Class I is the entry-level water distribution operator certification. Candidates for Class I must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and one year of relevant work experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination demonstrating knowledge of the core competencies related to water distribution practices. The specifications for the different levels (classes) of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job. ABC certifications are renewed every two years. For more information, see the agency's website.

Click here to go to Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class IV is an advanced career-level biological wastewater treatment operator certification offered by ABC. Candidates for Class IV must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus 1,800 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of acceptable experience including 2 years of direct responsible charge experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, which evaluates an operator's knowledge of tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants. The specifications for the different levels of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job.

Click here to go to Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) COOL Snapshot page.

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE). A CPE possesses the professional expertise and knowledge required to successfully perform plant and facilities supervisor activities. Candidates must at minimum have six years of experience in management in plant/facility engineering, or eight years of experience in the field overall. Education and experience as a registered professional engineer can be substituted for years of experience. Candidates must also pass a multiple-choice examination. The examination covers the topics of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, economics/management, environmental engineering, maintenance, OSHA, energy, controls and instrumentation, and HVAC. This credential must be renewed every three years, by earning at least eight recertification credits every three years.

Click here to go to Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) COOL Snapshot page.

The Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) posesses the professional expertise and knowledge required to successfully perform plant and facilities supervisory activities. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in maintenance management. Candidates must also pass a written examination. Recertification occurs through earning at least five recertification credits every three years.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Wastewater Collection Operator Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Collection Operator Class I certification is for collection operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of equipment operation, evaluation and maintenance, collection system operation, maintenance, and restoration, lift station operation and maintenance, collection system monitoring, evaluation and adjustment, and security, safety and administrative procedures. Wastewater Collection Operator Class I applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and one year of acceptable experience. Applicants must also pass a written exam. Applicants who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Wastewater Collection Operator Class II COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Collection Operator Class II certification is for wastewater collection operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of equipment operation, evaluation and maintenance, collection system operation, maintenance, and restoration, lift station operation and maintenance, collection system monitoring, evaluation and adjustment, and security, safety and administrative procedures. Wastewater Collection Operator Class II candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of acceptable experience. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Wastewater Collection Operator Class III COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Collection Operator Class III certification is for wastewater collection operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of equipment operation, evaluation and maintenance, collection system operation, maintenance, and restoration, lift station operation and maintenance, collection system monitoring, evaluation and adjustment, and security, safety and administrative procedures. Wastewater Collection Operator Class III candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 900 contact hours of post high school education, and four years of acceptable experience including two years of direct responsible charge. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Wastewater Collection Operator Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Collection Operator Class IV certification is for wastewater collection operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of equipment operation, evaluation and maintenance, collection system operation, maintenance, and restoration, lift station operation and maintenance, collection system monitoring, evaluation and adjustment, and security, safety and administrative procedures. Wastewater Collection Operator Class IV candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 1,800 contact hours of post high school education, and four years of acceptable experience including two years of direct responsible charge. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Water Distribution Operator Class II COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Distribution Operator Class II certification is for water distribution operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of distribution system components, equipment installation, operation and maintenance, disinfection monitoring, evaluation, adjustment, and laboratory analysis/interpretation, and security, safety administrative procedures and public interactions. Water Distribution Operator Class II candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of acceptable experience. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed the other program's certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Water Distribution Operator Class III COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Distribution Operator Class III certification is for water distribution operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of distribution system components, equipment installation, operation and maintenance, disinfection monitoring, evaluation, adjustment, and laboratory analysis/interpretation, and security, safety administrative procedures and public interactions. Water Distribution Operator Class III candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 900 contact hours of post high school education, and four years of acceptable experience including two years of direct responsible charge. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed the other program's certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Water Distribution Operator Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Distribution Operator Class IV certification is for water distribution operators with knowledge and skills in the areas of distribution system components, equipment installation, operation and maintenance, disinfection monitoring, evaluation, adjustment, and laboratory analysis/interpretation, and security, safety administrative procedures and public interactions. Water Distribution Operator Class IV candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 1,800 contact hours of post high school education, and four years of acceptable experience including two years of direct responsible charge. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed the other program's certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class I is the entry-level wastewater treatment operator certification offered by ABC. Candidates for Class I must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, which evaluates an an operator's knowledge of tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants. The specifications for the different levels of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job.

Click here to go to Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class II is an intermediate-level wastewater treatment operator certification offered by ABC. Candidates for Class II must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and 3 years of acceptable experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, which evaluates an operator's knowledge of tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants. The specifications for the different levels of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job.

Click here to go to Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class III is a mid-career level biological wastewater treatment operator certification offered by ABC. Candidates for Class III must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 900 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of acceptable experience including 2 years of direct responsible charge. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible through ABC's system that allows for substitution of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, which evaluates an operator's knowledge of tasks related to the operation of wastewater treatment plants. The specifications for the different levels of exams are based on a weighting of the job analysis results so that they reflect the criticality of tasks performed on the job.

Click here to go to Water Treatment Operator Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Treatment Operator Class II is for operators in water treatment with knowledge and skills in the areas of treatment process, laboratory analysis, equipment operation and maintenance, source water characteristics, security, safety, compliance, and administrative procedures. Water Treatment Operator Class II candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of acceptable experience. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Water Treatment Operator Class III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC),Water Treatment Operator Class III is for operators in water treatment with knowledge and skills in the areas of treatment process, laboratory analysis, equipment operation and maintenance, source water characteristics, security, safety, compliance, and administrative procedures. Water Treatment Operator Class III candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 900 contact hours of post high school education, and four years of acceptable experience that includes two years of direct responsible charge. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Water Treatment Operator Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Water Treatment Operator Class IV is for operators in water treatment with knowledge and skills in the areas of treatment process, laboratory analysis, equipment operation and maintenance, source water characteristics, security, safety, compliance, and administrative procedures. Water Treatment Operator Class IV candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 1,800 contact hours of post high school education, and four years of acceptable experience that includes two years of direct responsible charge. Candidates must also pass a written exam. Candidates who are currently certified by another certification program and have taken and passed their certification exam with a score of 70 or above may qualify for certification through reciprocity.

Click here to go to Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class I is an entry-level biological wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class I must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and one year of relevant work experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for biological industrial waste operators.

Click here to go to Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class II is an intermediate-level biological wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class II must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and 3 years of relevant work experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for biological industrial waste operators.

Click here to go to Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class III is a mid-career level biological wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class III must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 900 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of relevant work experience including 2 years of direct responsible charge. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for biological industrial waste operators.

Click here to go to Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Biological Industrial Waste Operator - Class IV is an advanced career-level biological wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class IV are required to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus 1,800 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of acceptable experience including 2 years of direct-responsible charge experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for biological waste operators.

Click here to go to Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class I is the entry-level physical/chemical wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class I must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and one year of relevant work experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for physical/chemical industrial waste operators.

Click here to go to Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class II COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class II is an early-mid career-level industrial wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class II are required to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and 3 years of related work experience. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for physical/chemical industrial waste operators.

Click here to go to Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class IV is an advanced career-level industrial wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class IV are required to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, plus 1,800 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of acceptable experience including 2 years of direct-responsible charge experience. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for physical/chemical industrial wastewater operators.

Click here to go to Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class III COOL Snapshot page.

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Physical/Chemical Industrial Waste Operator - Class III is an intermediate career-level industrial wastewater treatment operator certification. Candidates for Class III are required to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, 900 contact hours of post-high school education, and 4 years of relevant work experience including 2 years of direct-responsible charge. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies for physical/chemical industrial waste operators.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in lubricating, performing readings, conducting rounds, and performing routine preventive maintenance. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and one year of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in tearing down equipment, performing repairs, installing, and reinstalling. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system with a minimum of two years performing Class II duties. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in inspecting and managing Class I and II duties and analyzing and performing predictive maintenance. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and five years of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system with a minimum of two years performing Class III duties. Candidates must pass a written exam.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Biomass Plant Technicians
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