Building Operator Certification

Building Operator Certification

Minnesota Energy Resources sponsors a Building Operating Certification (BOC) training program run by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA). The training is for commercial building facility managers and their staff. It covers building operation and maintenance and offers an in-depth look at the best ways to manage a facility, from the latest tips to technologies.

BOC is a competency-based training and certification for building operators, offering improved job skills and more comfortable and energy efficient facilities. The certification also provides a credential for professional development while offering employers a way to develop skilled operators. Graduates of BOC training typically achieve both gas and electric utility bill savings through improved O&M.

With over 5,000 BOC graduates nationwide, this rapidly growing training program provides an expansive network of peers and a highly regarded credential. BOC training includes nearly 80 hours of classroom and project work in building systems operation and maintenance. Each course in the series is completed in a one-day training session, except BOC 103 — HVAC Systems and Controls, a two-day course. To become certified, participants must pass an exam at the end of each day of training and complete assigned projects. The certificate is registered with the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) and the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) for continuing education maintenance points.

Upon completion of a course series and attaining certification, Minnesota Energy Resources will provide a scholarship of $600 toward the training fee. All you need to do is complete the scholarship application and send it back to Minnesota Energy Resources with a certification of completion.

BOC Training Course Details

Two course series are offered: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 training emphasizes energy-efficient building maintenance practices while Level 2 focuses on advanced equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. Level 2 training is designed for those individuals who have received Level 1 certification or who have three or more years of experience working in operations and maintenance of a commercial or institutional facility.

The Level 1 course series offers eight one-day classes with Level 2 offering seven one-day classes. Course series consist of classroom training, project assignments completed at the facility, and in-class exams administered at the end of each day of training. Completion of Level 1 requires a time commitment of 74 hours; Level 2 requires 61 hours.

Classes consist of lecture, discussion, small group exercises, and facility tours. Facility projects require participants to demonstrate competence in locating building equipment, distribution pathways, and control points; calculating facility energy consumption; critiquing HVAC systems operation; and, sketching the facility's electrical distribution system.

Level 1 Course Series

Level 2 Course Series

Please visit the MEEA Building Operator Certification Program website for more information and to sign up for training near you.

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