Washington Boiler Operator Contractor License

The Boiler Operator Contractor License allows you to do the following work:

• Operate boilers in the cities of:
  • Seattle
  • Spokane
  • Tacoma

How to Get the Boiler Operator Contractor's License in Washington?

In the state of Washington, a license is not needed to perform the duties of a boiler operator. However, there are 3 cities that do require a license: Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma. The requirements for each city are listed below.

• Requirements and application process for Seattle

  • Read the law, code, and requirements for license prequalification
  • Submit a license application, a school certificate of completion and/or an affidavit
    • Preferrably, submit the information through the Seattle Services Portal or mail it to ATTN: Trade Licensing Program at P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
  • Expect an email from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections once the application is approved. Follow the instructions and the link on that email to take a written examination
  • Once completed, contact the department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 206-684-5174 to schedule an oral test for grades I, II, and III Steam Engineers and Boiler Supervisors
  • Send the corresponding fees to obtain your license after both tests have been completed
  • Expect an answer from the department regarding the license
• Requirements and application process for Spokane

  • Choose the desired license and meet its requirements:
    • 1st Class Boiler Operator (1stC):

      • Two years of practical experience as a boiler operator with eighteen months of that experience in a high pressure plant; or, certification from a recognized school of technology devoted to steam engineering and one year of practical experience as a boiler operator
      • This license authorizes the holder to operate any and all boilers
    • 2nd Class Boiler Operator (2ndC):

      • One year of practical experience as a boiler operator in a high-pressure plant
      • The license authorizes the holder to operate a steam plant not exceeding 8,000,000 BTU input or to act and operate as assistant operator to a 1st Class Boiler Operator
    • 3rd Class Boiler Operator (3rdC):

      • One year of practical experience as a boiler operator
      • This license authorizes the holder to operate a steam plant not exceeding 4,000,000 BTU input or to have charge of an opposite shift to a 2nd Class Boiler Operator
    • Small High-Pressure Boiler Operator (SHPB):

      • No experience required; applicant must be 18 years old
      • This license authorizes the holder to operate a small high-pressure boiler not to exceed 800,000 BTU input or 150 PSI
    • Low-Pressure Boiler Operation (LPB):

      • No experience required; applicant must be 18 years old
      • This license authorizes the holder to operate any low -pressure boiler not to exceed 15 lbs (steam) or not to exceed 160 PSI and/or 250 degrees Fahrenheit (water)
  • Apply online or fill out and submit a completed application, along with the corresponding fees to the Development Services Center (808 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201-3336). This must be received the Monday before the examination date
  • If approved, purchase the license and send payment throught the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) website
  • Contact the department to request the mailing of the license
• Requirements and application process for Tacoma

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Meet at least one the experience requirements for the desired license:
    • Class I Chief Operating Engineer:

      • Provide verification of an aggregate of five years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Have proof of attendance of a recognized school of technology and shall furnish verification of an aggregate of three years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Have proof of attendance of a recognized training program and shall furnish verification of an aggregate of four years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
    • Class II Operating Engineer:

      • Have verification of an aggregate of four years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Have attended a recognized school of technology and provide verification of an aggregate of two years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Have attended a recognized training program and shall furnish verification of an aggregate of three years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
    • Class III Operating Engineer:

      • Provide verification of an aggregate of three years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Have attended a recognized school of technology and shall furnish verification of an aggregate of one year experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Have attended a recognized training program and shall furnish verification of an aggregate of two years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
    • Class IV Boiler Fireman:

      • Verification of an aggregate of one years' experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Attendance a recognized school of technology and furnish verification of an aggregate of 80 hours observation experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
      • Attendance a recognized training program and shall furnish verification of an aggregate of 120 hours observation experience operating high or low pressure boiler plants or equivalent experience
    • Class V Boiler Fireman:

      • Must provide evidence of qualifications for examination
  • Fill out and submit a completed application before the cutoff date, along with the corresponding application and examination fees. Make sure to attach all the documents that verify fulfillment of experience requirements
  • Take and pass the examination. For more information about scheduling the test, please contact 253-680-7402
  • Expect a response from the department in regards to receiving license