Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a competency-based training and certification for building operators offering improved job skills and more comfortable, efficient facilities. Operators earn certification by attending training and completing project assignments in their facilities. Training topics include facility electrical, HVAC and lighting systems, indoor air quality, environmental health and safety, and energy conservation.

BOC certification provides a credential for professional development and opportunities for advancement in the workplace. Fifty percent of operators report increased compensation following achievement of their BOC certification.

BOC improves the professionalism of facility departments. Employers report increased respect from building occupants and tenants by equipping operators with the skills to be more responsive to complaints about air quality and comfort control. BOC saves money for companies by improving the energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems and enabling operators to be pro-active in compliance with environmental regulations affecting facility operations and maintenance.

Training for Certification
The Level I course series offers eight one-day classes. The course series consists of classroom training, project assignments completed at the facility, and in-class exams administered at the end of each day of training. 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.

Certification Eligibility
BOC is for building operators with two or more years experience in building operation and maintenance,who wish to broaden their knowledge of the total building system. Past participants have included building engineers, stationary engineers, maintenance supervisors, maintenance workers, facility coordinators, HVAC technicians, electricians, operations supervisors, operations techs, and others in the facility operation and maintenance field.

Eligibility for certification is based on work experience and education and completion of BOC classes,exams, and on-the-job projects.

It is highly recommended that applicants for certification have a high school diploma or GED and one of the following: two or more years of experience working in operations and maintenance of a commercial or institutional facility, OR a minimum of one year of experience working in operations and maintenance of a commercial or institutional facility AND one year of technical college level education in facilities engineering related program, OR two or more years of experience in energy management of facilities with a focus on operations and maintenance. (Because this course is self supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) Please call Herleesha Anderson at 919-536-7241, ext. 4418. 56 hours.

EPA training requirements are now in place for Certified Renovators. The new EPA rules apply to contractors who renovate or repair housing, child care facilities, or schools built before 1978. Under the new rules, trained contractors and workers must follow lead-safe work practice standards to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation and repair activities. In April 2010, this certification will become mandatory for anyone who could potentially expose children to lead dust. The National Center for Healthy Housing obtained EPA-approval to bring this course to you in partnership with the Durham Affordable Housing Coalition, Partnership Effort for the Advancement of Children's Health/ClearCorps (PEACH/CC), and DTCC. Make sure your firm is ready for this new regulatory mandate by taking this oneday, 8-hour lead renovation, repair, and painting course. For more information, contact Ken Berger at 919- 536-7200, ext. 4410 or bergerk@durhamtech.edu. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.)

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