Skip to Content Accessibility Information

License Requirements - Stationary Engineers

Download this pamphlet

Title 6.5, Maryland Business Occupations and Professions Code Annotated 6.5

PURPOSE

To ensure that qualified individuals provide stationary engineer services:

  • oversee the operation of a power plant,
  • plant of machinery, or
  • boiler.

Each generating pressure of more than 15 PSI and operating at 30 or more horsepower (HP).

Or a hot water boiler that operates at pressures exceeding 160 psig or temperatures exceeding 250° F;

  1. To protect the public,
     
  2. Provide safe operation of equipment, and
     
  3. Promote high professional standards.

Equipment includes:

  • Steam boilers
  • Hot water boilers
  • Gas compressors and storage vessels
  • Steam turbines
  • Gas turbines
  • Generators
  • Chiller plants
  • Air conditioning machinery
  • Refrigeration equipment
  • Pumps
  • Motors
  • Associated auxiliary equipment
    • Electrical switchgear
    • Air compressors
    • Pumps
    • Fuel systems
    • Cooling system
    • Power distribution systems
    • Heating systems
    • Water systems
  • Other associated equipment

License Authority
** Note: All grades require a state examination.

Grade 5 license
Operate 30-99 HP equipment in a building not for public use.

Grade 4 license
Operates 30-99 HP equipment in a building, regardless of use

Grade 3 license
Operates 100-299 HP equipment

Grade 2 license
Operates 300-499 HP equipment

Grade 1 license
Operates 500 or more HP equipment

Qualification Requirements

Grade 5 license
High School diploma or GED.

Grade 4 license
Possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Six months as an active MD Grade 5, or
  2. Three credit hours or CEUs in boiler operations or safety

Grade 3 license
Possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Two years' experience as active MD Grade 4 or 5;
  2. One year experience as active MD Grade 4 or 5, and six credit hours or CEUs in boiler operations or safety,
  3. Valid marine engineer's certificate or chief petty officer's certificate from the United States Navy, or
  4. Equivalent experience to 1, 2, or 3 above may be submitted to the Board for consideration and approval.

Grade 2 license
Possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Thirty-six months of documented experience as an active MD Grade 3 engineer under the direction and control of a licensed MD Grade 2 or MD Grade 1
    • One year of credit for six credit hours or CEUs in boiler safety or operations; AND
    • One year of credit for holding a current active license as a:
      • Master plumber
      • Master heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration contractor
      • Master restricted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor
  2. Four-year mechanical engineering degree from an accredited university or college
  3. Licensure as a professional engineer and six months of documented experience as a MD Grade 3, MD Grade 4 or MD Grade 5 stationary engineer, or
  4. A valid marine engineer's certificate or chief petty officer's certificate from the United States Navy.
  5. Equivalent experience to 1, 2, 3 or 4 above may be submitted to the Board for consideration and approval.

Grade 1 license
Possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Five years of documented experience as an active MD Grade 2 under the direction and control of a licensed MD Grade 1.
    • One year of credit for six credit hours or CEUs in boiler safety or operations; AND
    • One year of credit for holding a current active license as a:
      • Master plumber
      • Master heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration contractor
      • Master restricted heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor
  2. Four-year mechanical engineering degree from an accredited university or college
  3. Licensure as a professional engineer, including:
    • One year of documented experience as a professional engineer; AND
    • One year of documented experience as a MD Grade 2 under the direction and control of a MD Grade 1.
  4. A valid marine engineer's certificate or chief petty officer's certificate from the United States Navy with documentation of steam boiler engineer training.
  5. Equivalent experience to 1, 2, 3 or 4 above may be submitted to the Board for consideration and approval.