Midwest Energy Alliance

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)


What is Building Operator Certification (BOC)?

The Building Operator Certification (BOC) program is a competency-based training and certification program that educates facility operators and managers on energy efficiency for all aspects of building management and maintenance. BOC is a multidisciplinary training program that is interactive and instructor-led to fully support you in managing your unique facility. Training is available at two levels, each covering a wide range of topics including: electrical, HVAC and lighting systems; indoor air quality; environmental health and safety; and energy conservation.

Why should I get BOC Certified?

  • Exposure to the latest technologies, trends and tools in the building operations market;
  • Ongoing opportunities to exchange experiences with a network of peers and established industry experts;
  • Expansion of current skills to cover all areas of facility operations and maintenance;
  • Opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation;
  • Reference tools and materials;
  • Continuing education credits (5.6 CEUs for Level I certification, 4.8 CEUs for Level II certification); and
  • A prestigious certification that is recognized in 21 states nationwide.

Why should my company invest in Building Operator Certification training?

  • Increased employee confidence and satisfaction
  • Enhanced employee capability and productivity
  • Greater efficiency through employee cross-training
  • Decreased utility bills and less unscheduled maintenance
  • Increased credibility with tenants and occupants
  • Reinforced commitment to employee growth
  • Improved facility safety, comfort and air quality
  • Networking with experts and peers
  • Demonstration of your professional commitment
  • A vital collection of facility operations reference materials

Who should attend?

BOC training is beneficial to anyone who has a stake in efficient, comfortable and safe facility management, especially those who wish to expand their knowledge of the total building system. The program is designed for:

  • Building Operators
  • Building Managers
  • Maintenance Staff
  • Utility Representatives

In addition to enhancing skills, BOC participants believe the program facilitates a greater understanding of the goals within a company, results in better communications with diverse employees and provides greater overall client-tenant satisfaction.

What are the course topics?

BOC training is offered at two levels. Level I provides an overview of basic building systems maintenance and Level II is a more advanced course series covering equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. For more information on who is eligible for BOC and certification requirements, see our Participant Guidelines.

Level I topics include Building Systems Overview, Energy Conservation Techniques, HVAC Systems and Controls, Efficient Lighting Fundamentals, Environmental Health and Safety Regulations, Indoor Air Quality and Facility Electrical Systems.

For a detailed description of BOC Level I Training, click here.

Level II topics include Preventive Maintenance and Operations, Advanced Electrical Diagnostics, HVAC Troubleshooting and Maintenance, HVAC Controls and Optimization, Motors in Facilities, Introduction to Building Commissioning, Enhanced Automation and Demand Reduction, Water Efficiency for Building Operators and others.

For a detailed description of BOC Level II Training, click here.

How is the training performed?

Most courses are completed in one day and include classroom instruction, small group exercises, exams and project assignments to be completed by participants at their facilities. 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.

Who are the instructors?

BOC courses are taught by qualified instructors who have extensive industry experience and demonstrated skill providing training in workplace settings.

To view a list of BOC instructors, click here.

Where and when are the courses held?

We try to make training as local as possible to minimize your time away from work and travel expense. View the map at the top of this page to see what training is offered in your area.

What is the time commitment for course work and out-of-class projects?

Level I training requires about 80 hours of course and project work.

Course Time: A total of 64 hours (equivalent to 5.6 CEUs) of classroom training over seven months.

Projects: Five required projects, each taking approximately four hours to complete.

Level II training requires about 70 hours of course and project work.

Course Time: A total of 56 hours (equivalent to 4.8 CEUs) of classroom training over six months.

Projects: Three required projects, each taking approximately four hours to complete.

Who participates in BOC?

Diverse employers from a wide range of sectors across the U.S. have invested in BOC, recognizing the value to their organizations:

  • Government: Federal agencies including the U.S. Army and Navy, General Services Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Postal Service and state facilities in California, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Ohio
  • Education: Nearly 100 local school districts, community colleges and universities across the U.S.
  • Hospitality: Doubletree Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Ramada Inns, Marriott
  • Health Care: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, VA Medical Centers
  • Property Management: Boston Housing Authority, Cushman & Wakefield, Melvin Mark Co., K&S Property Management, CB Richard Ellis
  • Retail: Home Depot, Ikea, Sears
  • Municipal and County Government: Dozens of municipal and county government facilities

How do I get certified?

It’s easy to get started: