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Building Operator Certification California – Energy Efficiency Through Operator Training

 

 

 

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NEW! BOC Web based technical webinars Earn 1.5 Hours of continuing education after successfully completing the webinar and taking the quiz.

Maintaining Certification

BOC Certification Maintenance and Renewal

The continuing education of building operators improves their ability to cope with changing technologies, equipment, and practices. To remain certified, a building operator must accumulate re-certification hours. Five (5) hours per year are required for Level I, and 10 hours per year for Level II.

Frequently asked questions
Activities and hours earned chart
Renewal fees

Continuing education opportunities

Renewal Due Date

Renewal notices are issued annually in January for re-certification. The notice includes an application form to complete and return with the required documentation and payment. Renewal application forms must be received by March 31.

To avoid delays, it is important to provide a completed application and supporting documentation of the hours required for renewal. Payment or a purchase order should be enclosed with the application. Incomplete applications delay processing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Renewal of BOC Certification

Why should I renew my BOC certification?

  • Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Over 75 percent of employers interviewed see BOC certification as a positive factor when reviewing resumes.
  • BOC graduates believe certification confers credibility. Over 90 percent believe it improves job performance, and most plan to put BOC on their resume.
  • Awareness of BOC is growing nationally. Training is available in twenty states and over 5,000 operators hold BOC certification nationally. This makes the BOC credential more valuable and more widely recognized by employers.
  • BOC certification is accredited for electrician re-licensing in Washington and Oregon. It is also registered with BOMI, IFMA, and the Hotel and Lodging Institute for continuing education points for their designations.

Building Operator Certification States — 2008

BOC States

Key: BOC State (solid)

If my certification has expired, can I still renew?

Yes, you can renew within five years of an expired certification. To qualify, you must report sufficient hours of continuing education to cover the lapsed years. For example, if you are renewing a Level I certification, you need 5 hours per year. If your certification has expired for two years, you would need to show 5 hours for each of the two expired years, for a total of 10 hours of continuing education. To renew, complete the Certification Renewal Application form.

How do I find out about continuing education opportunities in my area?

The BOC Bulletin provides a list of continuing education classes, conferences and trade show events in each issue; it is mailed to BOC graduates twice a year. You may also find training sessions in your area by contacting technical colleges and your electric and gas utility conservation departments. In-house training at your company qualifies if it is related to the field of facility operations and maintenance.

If no training is available in my area, what are my options for earning continuing education hours?

There are several options:

  • The BOC Bulletin also provides a technical article and written quiz. You will earn one hour of continuing education for each quiz completed and submitted to the BOC office.
  • You can earn up to eleven hours of continuing education for completion of a special project to improve facility operation, maintenance, and/or energy efficiency in your company or organization. Examples of such projects include an upgrade of a lighting system, set up of a new control system, an HVAC system operational review, an indoor air quality assessment, a retro-commissioning project, replacement of older equipment with new energy efficient model (e.g., motors), and more.

For additional continuing education opportunities, click here.

I do not have sufficient hours to renew my certification. If I cannot make the certification renewal deadline, can I get an extension?

Yes. Please contact Amy Price, BOC Renewal and Certification Administrator to request an extension. Call 407-256-2757, or email: APrice4670@aol.com

Does BOC Level II supercede Level I?

No. BOC Level I and Level II are two different and distinct certifications, and one does not supercede the other. Level I is a certification in Building Systems Maintenance which focuses on a broad understanding of the types of systems and equipment in the building (e.g., electrical, HVAC and lighting) and how they should operate. Level II is a certification in Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance which focuses its core study on analysis and diagnostics of two primary systems in the building – electrical and HVAC.

If I’ve earned both Level I and II certification, should I continue to renew each?

Most operators opt to renew both certifications since much time went into earning each. For Level I, operators typically spend 80 hours of study and project work; for Level II, 60 hours. NEEC offers a discounted “combo” renewal rate of $85 for renewing both certifications (for a $25 savings per year).

Is Level I certification required before studying for Level II certification?

Level II certification requires more advanced knowledge and skills than Level I. Level I certification or equivalent education and training is recommended though not required, for Level II certification.

Applicants for Level II certification must have one of the following:

  • a technical degree and three years of experience working in operations and maintenance of a commercial or institutional facility,
    OR
  • a union membership at journey level and three years of experience,
    OR
  • BOC Level I certification and four years of experience.

When am I due to renew?

In January of the third year after certification has been awarded. For example, if you earned certification in any month of 2007, your certificate would be due for renewal in January, 2009. Thereafter, renewal is annual in January.

When should I start accruing continuing education hours? Do I need to accrue CEUs?

In the second year after certification has been awarded. For example, if you earned certification in any month of 2007, you would need to start accruing continuing education hours throughout 2008. Every hour of attendance in training is equivalent to one hour of continuing education. You do not need to earn CEU’s though they are accepted towards renewal.

How will I know it's time to renew?

Your expiration date is listed on your wallet card. In each January that your certification expires, you will receive a renewal notice and application from the BOC office. You will have until March 31 to complete and return the application. You will receive a reminder email in early March if the BOC office has not received your renewal application.

Which classes qualify for continuing education hours? How do I document the information?

Classes in the topics of building management, operation & maintenance, and energy management will qualify for continuing education hours towards BOC renewal. Keep a copy of a certificate or any other proof of attendance from the class and send copies along with your renewal application.

How will I know my certificate has been renewed? How long will the process take?

You will receive a confirmation letter and new wallet card with the new expiration date. Please allow up to 45 days for processing. Your payment will be processed following issue of the renewal letter.

How do I obtain a receipt for payment if I’ve paid by credit card?

A receipt of the credit card charge will be e-mailed to the cardholder (if their email address is provided) or to the student.

Activities and Points Earned for BOC Re-certification

 

  Activities and Points Earned

Documentation Required

I. Employment

 

A. Full-time employment in facilities profession. Earn 2 hours of continuing education for each year of continuous employment.

Provide an overview of primary job responsibilities.

II. Continuing Education:

 

A. Attend and complete continuing education/training in building management, operation & maintenance, or energy management topics. Earn equivalent hours of continuing education for each hour of course time.

List event name, school or organization, date, training summary and hours of attendance

B. Complete and submit a quiz from the BOC newsletter. Earn 1 hour of continuing education.

Provide article name.

C. Completion of special projects to improve facility operation, maintenance, and/or energy efficiency in your company or organization; or awards received for resource efficient building operations. Earn up to 11 hours of continuing education for each hour of project time. (How to submit project work is outlined below.

Brief written summary of special projects completed and/or proof of receipt of relevant awards.

D. Completion of an energy consumption benchmark for the previous 12 month period using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or alternative energy accounting tool. Earn 3 hours of continuing education for each benchmark..

Copy of benchmark documentation (e.g., Statement of Energy Performance from ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager).

E. Enroll in a BOC Web based technical webinar. Earn 1.5 Hours of continuing education after successfully completing the webinar and taking the quiz.

For available BOC Webinars, please click here (links to National BOC Web site).

Provide webinar name and date.

III. Professional Involvement:

 

A. Membership in facility or trades organization. Earn 1 hours of continuing education for each year of membership.

List association name, date of subscription or renewal.

B. Holding a leadership position with a facility or trades organization. Earn 2 hours of continuing education for each year of office held.

Summarize activities.

C. Awards received involving resource efficient operations. Earn 2 hours of continuing education for each award earned.

Summarize award information.

   

Energy Efficiency Project Description

To have your project work be considered for continuing education hours for BOC renewal, please write a short summary (1 page or less) of the project which includes the following information. Submit the summary on the Project Description Form (PDF) OR Microsoft Word file.

Submit the completed Project Description Form along with your BOC Renewal Application to NEEC on or before the renewal due date. Do not submit the Project Description Form separately from the renewal application.

Renewal Fees

Renewal Fees are payable by check/purchase order or credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). The fee includes an up-to-date BOC wallet card, an individual subscription to the BOC newsletter, and quarterly notices of training and continuing education in your area.

Certification Renewal
Level I: $55
Level II: $55
Level I & II: $85

 

 

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