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Taking the Exams - Stationary Engineers

Taking the Exam.The process of obtaining a stationary engineers license is two steps. The first step is applying for and passing the examination given by PSI Examination Services.

PSI Examination Services provides testing for all five grades of licensing. PSI has testing centers located in Baltimore, College Park, Hagerstown, Lanham, and Salisbury.

To take the examination, you must first apply to PSI to sit for the examination. You can contact PSI at the phone number below or you can download the student bulletin. The bulletin will explain the process and the last few pages are the examination application.

You can find out about specific testing dates by contacting PSI or going to their website once you have been approved. All questions pertaining to the examination should be directed to PSI Examination Services.

PSI Examination Services
3210 E Tropicana
Las Vegas, NV 89121

Step two in the process is once you pass the examination. Once you pass the examination you would apply for the appropriate license. View information on the applications.

Reference Materials for the Stationary Engineer Examinations

Requirements

Applicants must meet certain qualifications to take each level of examinations as indicated below:

Examination Category

Qualification

Grade 1

  1. Five years of documented experience as an active Grade 2 stationary engineer under the direction and control of a Grade 1 stationary engineer, toward which an applicant may receive:
    • One year of credit for six credit hours of class or continuing education units in boiler safety or operations; and
    • One year of credit for holding a current active license as:
      • Master plumber;
      • Master heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration contractor; or
      • Master restricted heating, ventilation, air conditioning contractor;
         
  2. A four-year degree in mechanical engineering 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 Grade 2 stationary engineer under the direction and control of a Grade 1 stationary engineer; or
       
  4. A valid marine engineer's certificate or a chief petty officer's certificate from the United States Navy with documentation of steam boiler engineer training.

Grade 2

Applicants for the Grade 2 stationary engineer's examination must possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Thirty-six months of documented experience as an active Grade 3 engineer under the direction and control of a licensed Grade 2 or Grade 1 stationary engineer, that may include:
    • One year of credit for six credit hours of class or continuing education units in boiler safety or operations; and
    • One year of credit for holding a current active license as:
      • Master plumber;
      • Master heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration contractor; or
      • Master restricted heating, ventilation, air conditioning contractor;
         
  2. A four-year degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university or college;
     
  3. Licensure as a professional engineer and six months of documented experience as a Grade 3, Grade 4, or Grade 5 stationary engineer, or
     
  4. A valid marine engineer's certificate or a chief petty officer's certificate from the United States Navy.

Grade 3

Applicants for the Grade 3 stationary engineer's examination must possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Two years of documented experience as an active Grade 4 or Grade 5 stationary engineer;
     
  2. One year of documented experience as an active Grade 4 or Grade 5 engineer and six credit hours or continuing education units of classes in boiler operations or safety; or
     
  3. A valid marine engineer's certificate or a chief petty officer's certificate from the United States Navy.

Grade 4

Applicants for the Grade 4 stationary engineer's examination must possess at least ONE of the following qualifications:

  1. Six months of documented experience as an active Grade 5 stationary engineer; or
     
  2. Three credit hours or continuing education units of classes in boiler operations or safety.

Grade 5

Applicants for the Grade 5 stationary engineer's examination qualifies under this section if the applicant possesses a high school diploma or graduate equivalence diploma.