Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the questions below for more information.

What is Building Operator Certification?

Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a competency-based training and certification for building operators offering improved job skills. Operators earn certification by attending training classes on a variety of topics, including facility electrical and lighting systems, HVAC, indoor air quality, sustainability, and energy conservation. Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on projects using the students' own facilities so that experience is relevant and practical.

How do I become certified?

Certification is offered on two levels. Level I provides a foundation in building systems and equipment. Level II emphasizes equipment troubleshooting and maintenance.

To be certified, you must

  • register for BOC classes.
  • successfully complete all classes and exams.
  • successfully complete project assignments.
  • submit a certification application to BOC.
  • renew certification annually.
What will I get from the BOC training and certification?

The training is a professional certification in facilities maintenance that demonstrates your commitment to the industry. From training, you get

  • the most current techniques in building operations.
  • an improved skill set in facility maintenance and operation.
  • advanced skills in maintaining, troubleshooting and optimizing performance of building systems.
  • increased opportunities for employment advancement.
  • continuing education credits for course work.
  • a nationally registered credential- recognized in 24 states.
  • a BOC certificate and identification card.
  • a twice-yearly newsletter with technical articles, graduate profiles and news about training and continuing education opportunities.
How is the training done?

Each of the classes (usually scheduled one day a month) consists of classroom study, small group exercises, tests and project assignments, some performed at your own work facility. These projects demonstrate your ability to perform skills addressed in the BOC classes. Some project work requires you to gather information about your facility, and provide descriptions of and recommendations for particular systems. These work assignments will give you a useful overview of your facility's operational characteristics, energy consumption and maintenance status.

Who are the instructors?

Each BOC class in a series is taught by an instructor who specializes in that subject. BOC instructors are industry experts in facility maintenance and operation. They are skilled educators with an average of 10 years of instruction experience in the workplace. All BOC instructors are evaluated by the students and are consistently ranked "very good to excellent."

Where and when are the trainings held?

BOC trainings are scheduled in a variety of locations year-to-year to minimize travel time for participants. Visit training locations and schedules for the course series site nearest to you.

What will be my time commitment necessary for study and out-of-class projects?

Level I: A total of 56 hours of classroom training over several months, and five project assignments, with each taking approximately four hours to complete. This is a total time commitment of 74 hours.

Level II: A total of 49 hours of classroom training over a few months, plus three project assignments again, approximately four hours each. This is a total time commitment of 61 hours.

Is the BOC training accredited?

BOC is accredited by a number of industry organizations and BOC hours can count towards other credential continuing education requirements.

Who is sending employees to the BOC trainings?

Major employers across the country send operators to BOC training for certification. Since 1996, over 8,000 operators have earned BOC certification. Awareness of BOC certification is as high as 45% among employers in many regions and is utilized as a key staff training tool for professional development.

Register for training in your state