Building Operator Certification is a professional certification for staff who operate and maintain commercial and public buildings including schools, universities, county facilities, joint vocationals, state facilities, libraries, hospitals and zoos. Operators earn certification by attending training sessions and completing project assignments in their facilities. The certification provides a credential for their professional development while also offering employers a way to identify skilled operators. Please click here for details on BOC Certification Eligibility requirements.

BOC Level 1 may be used to fulfill HB251 and ORC 123.011 requirements.  

The Ohio Department of Development has obtained a license for implementation of the program in Ohio. OPFMA is playing an increasing role in this effort beginning in 2003. The first BOC course series in Ohio began on February 21, 2003 at Columbus State Community College. OPFMA has been the implementer of the BOC Program beginning with the fourth series on April 23, 2004 in Columbus. Twenty series are now complete. The twenty-first, twenty-second, and twenty-third course series are underway. The twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth series have been announced. Regular registration is $1295 for each participant but members of OPFMA get a discount - only $1245. Call OPFMA at (440) 716-8518 to inquire.

BOC certifies individuals in energy and resource efficient operation of building systems at two levels: Level I - Building System Maintenance and Level II - Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance. Participants attend classes, complete tests and in-facility projects, and receive Building Operator Certification from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council. Each level includes seven classes, and each class covers a different topic of building operation. Sponsors of the BOC program have the flexibility to adjust topics of the classes to correspond with local needs, but in general, courses may include topics like the following:

Level I: Classes may include topics such as a building systems overview, energy conservation techniques, HVAC systems and controls, efficient lighting, indoor air quality, and facility electrical systems.

Level II: Classes may cover issues such as preventative maintenance and operations, advanced electrical diagnostics, HVAC troubleshooting and maintenance, HVAC controls and optimization, advanced indoor air quality, and motors in facilities.

For details, see BOC course descriptions.

The program has been successful at offering energy savings. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance found that over 65% of BOC certified operators are applying concepts learned in training and 26% undertake specific measures such as large energy conservation projects and IAQ improvements. They also estimate that the average annual per participant energy savings are 28,600 kWh.

Next BOC Series:  

New BOC Classes Under Development - TBA

Current Ohio BOC Series:

Kent State University 
in Kent, Ohio
May 2009 - Nov 2009

DAS - BOC Level 2
in Columbus, Ohio
April 2009 - Sept 2009