Trade Licensing Program
Steam Engineer & Boiler Fireman License

The following information will assist you in preparing for your Steam Engineer or Boiler Fireman License.

 Applying for a LicenseTo apply for a license, you must first submit an application and affidavit (see instructions):

After reviewing your application, we will call you to schedule an exam.  For additional information, call our Licensing Technician at
(206) 684-5174.

The Exam
Our goal is to ensure the safe operation of boilers and steam engines in the City of Seattle. As a minimum, the competent operator must be able to:

  • Explain the function of all the controls of a typical boiler and/or engine
  • Demonstrate the ability to react in emergencies, such as low or high water condition
  • Know all the possible ways to feed a boiler
  • Blow down a boiler in a safe manner
  • Explain how to start, stop, and put a boiler and/or engine on line in a safe manner
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of the required ordinance/s.

Oral Exam:  The oral exam is designed to further examine your knowledge. You may also have an opportunity to discuss questions from your written exam. The examiners have been carefully selected based on their high level of technical knowledge, experience, and their ability to interview and assess an applicant’s ability. They will determine the highest level of license for which you are qualified.

Language Assistance: If you need language assistance to complete the exam, you can bring an interpreter or translation device with you. For more information, read our Do you Need a Trade License? brochure, which is available in these languages: Amharic, Cambodian / Khmer, Chinese / 中文,Korean / 한국어, Lao / Laotian / Phaasaa Laao, Oromiffa, Russian / русский язык,Somali / af Soomaali, Spanish / Español, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt  

Fees
The exam fee is currently $38.00, this fee includes the oral examination that is required for Steam licenses grades I, II and III and is in addition to the cost of a license which is an annual fee of $85.00. A fee of $88.00 is charged for Boiler Supervisor licenses. Note: New customers have a 90 day grace period to pay for your license. If within 90 days from the date you passed your exam, you do not pay for your license, we require that you retest and you will be charged a testing fee of $38.00.

Recommended Reading
All Grades:

4th, 5th Grade and Small Power Boiler:

  • "Low Pressure Boilers" – Frederick Steingress
  • "Recommended Rules for the Care of Heating Boilers" – ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VI (Seattle Public Library). You may also visit http://www.asme.org/ for more information.
  • "High Pressure Boilers" – Frederick Steingress

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades:

  • "High Pressure Boilers" – Frederick Steingress
  • "Steam" – Babcock and Wilcox (out of print, check book stores)
  • "Recommended Rules for the care of Power Boilers" – ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VII
  • "Steam Plant Operation" – Woodruff, Lammers, Lammers
  • "Electricity 1 to 7" – Harry Mileaf (Hayden Book Company)
Last Updated:

January 30, 2012