Why do I need a four-day class to become certified in Steam Systems?
What type of certification do I get after I participate in the class?
Is it better to have an employer issued certification, or a QSO Certification? Why?
How do I achieve an official certification as a Level I, II, III, or IV?
Can my employer issue my Level I certification?
Is my employer based Certification transferable if I change jobs?
Do I need to participate in Level I prior to my participation in Level II?
How long does my certification last? What are my options when it expires?
Do I have to sit through another 32-hour course to renew my certification?
What happens if I do not pass the written or practical test?

Why do I need a four-day class to become certified in Steam Systems?

The effectiveness of a Steam System depends upon the capabilities of the personnel who are responsible for and maintain the system. Certification is written documentation of qualification. Certification is evidence that personnel working with the system possess knowledge and understanding of the system. In order to meet the requirements of QSO Written Practices, specific topics must be addressed in the classroom training. The recommended hours of instruction is 32 hours for most levels. Back to Top

What type of certification do I get after I participate in the class?

A "Certificate of Qualification" will be presented to all students who complete 32 hours of classroom training and who have passed the General, Specific, and Practical Examination with a score of 80% or better. Back to Top

The course is written to the Recommended Practice of QSO. By meeting the requirements of this document, "Certificate of Qualification" is recognized as meeting the classroom training requirements toward certification in each of the different levels. Major corporations have recognized the benefit of having a well-trained staff. The list of attendees from all over the world shows the respect of an Independent Certification Program. Back to Top

Is it better to have an employer issued certification, or a QSO Certification? Why?

There are considerable benefits to having a QSO Certification. QSO has a consistent and uniform Certification Program that meets the intent of recommended practice, qualification and certification of personnel. QSO certification is a "Central Certification" and regardless of who your employer is, the certification remains the same. Consequently, the certification is transferable from one employer to the next. Active certifications are listed on the SEA, Inc. Web Page, allowing personnel and future employers to have access to evidence of certification via the Internet 24 hours a day. QSO notifies certification holders one month prior to expiration to eliminate a lapse in certification.

On the other hand, employer certification is not typically recognized as a transferable certification due to the variety of certification standards accepted by employers. Employers who certify their own Level I, II or III have the burden of proof of certification during audits. Back to Top

How do I achieve an official certification as a Level I, II, III, or IV?

In order to achieve an official certification that meets the requirements of QSO, you must attend classroom training that meets the requirements of QSO along with successfully passing of the General, Specific and Practical examinations with a score of 80% or better. Documentation of education or experience must exist prior to classroom training and documentation of experience must continue to be maintained throughout the certification. Documentation of experience cannot lapse beyond one year. Back to Top

Can my employer issue my Level I certification?

Yes, your employer may issue your Level I certification. Individual companies are internally regulated, consequently the training and certification for a particular employee may only consist of one aspect of the system. For example, one company may only be interested in steam boilers and not interested in condensate recovery systems. Therefore, company certifications are not uniform, but meet the specific needs of the company. Back to Top

Is my employer based certification transferable if I change jobs?

Generally, your certification is not transferable for a couple of reasons. First of all, you may only be familiar with your plant operation, but your certification indicates that you are certified in an overall steam system intention. Secondly, your hiring company will often require their own documentation indicating that you know and understand the theory of any utility system. Back to Top

Do I need to participate in Level I prior to my participation in Level II? I have over ten years experience in the particular system. No, it is not necessary to participate in Level I training provided you:

1) Successfully pass the General, Specific and Practical examination for Level I training with a score of 80% or better.

2) Submit adequate documentation of experience with three references that may be contacted.
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How long does my certification last? What are my options when it expires?

Your QSO certification must be maintained and some elements of the certification must be renewed at 24-month intervals. Back to Top

Do I have to sit through another 32-hour course to renew my certification?

No, the initial training for Level I, II, and III are 32-hour classes. An annual refresher is an eight-hour course. Back to Top

What happens if I do not pass the written or practical test?

Candidates who fail to attain the required passing grade must receive additional documented training, or wait at least thirty days for re-examination. This training shall address the deficiencies, which caused failure. A candidate shall not be re-examined using the examination or specimen previously failed. Back to Top