Building Operator Certification®

Education and Awareness for Energy Conservation Measures and Preventative Maintenance

Building Operator Certification (BOC®) is a nationally recognized, competency-based training and certification program that offers facilities personnel the improved job skills and knowledge to transform workplaces to be more comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The BOC credential is recognized by employers across the country as a sign of the value and contributions certified facilities management personnel can bring to their organizations.

Details

Certification is competency-based and offered on two levels. Level I emphasizes energy-efficient building maintenance practices. COURSE OFFERINGS LEVEL I CERTIFICATION The registration fee includes 72 hours of classroom instruction, seven course handbooks, facility project assignments, and certification recognition materials:

Building Systems Overview
Energy Conservation Techniques
HVAC Systems and Controls
Efficient Lighting Fundamentals
Indoor Air Quality
Facility Electrical Systems
Operations and Maintenance
Practices for Sustainable Buildings

To be certified, participants must successfully complete classes, exams, project assignments and submit a certification application to BOC.

LEARN FROM EXPERTS IN THE INDUSTRY Building Operator Certification is led by highly regarded, experienced professional instructors. Participants receive a collection of valuable reference materials created and updated by facility experts in energy efficient operations and building systems. Savannah Tech is coastal Georgia’s only provider of the Building Operator Certification program. The course is designed with the schedule of working professionals in mind.

Requirements

It is highly recommended that applicants for certification have a high school diploma or GED, and must have 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.

Topics

The BOC^®course is a total of 8 days. Below provides a synopsis of what will be covered during each class. BOC 1001-Energy Efficient Operation of Building HVAC Systems (Two Days)

Provides an overview of the Building Operator Certification program and fundamentals of building systems. Focuses on operation and maintenance of envelope, central heating, cooling, air and ventilating systems in buildings. Emphasis is placed on group problem-solving and exercises with respect to preventive maintenance. Two-day class.

BOC 1002-Measuring and Benchmarking Energy Performance

Operators learn how energy is used in commercial buildings and how to identify and prioritize conservation opportunities. Includes basic principles of energy accounting, evaluation of fuel options, operation and maintenance strategies to improve efficiency, and energy management planning techniques. Participants will learn how to perform quantifiable evaluations of their facilities’ energy use in order to be able to target prospects for energy conservation. One-day class.

BOC 1003-Efficient Lighting Fundamentals

Covers lighting fundamentals and types of lighting for economical and energy efficient lighting systems. Participants learn principles of efficient lighting including evaluation of lighting levels, quality and maintenance. Other topics include lighting fixture and control technologies, common upgrades, retrofit and redesign options, and management strategies as they apply to space use and function. One-day class

BOC 1004 – HVAC Controls Fundamentals

Provides an introduction to automatic control systems and equipment, particularly for central air systems. Participants will learn to target possible inefficiencies in their HVAC systems and to evaluate potential problems as part of an enhanced operation and maintenance program.

BOC 1005 – Indoor Environmental Quality

Introduces the basic causes of indoor environmental quality problems and begins to develop a method of diagnosis and solution. Students will gain an understanding of the dynamic components of indoor environmental quality in relation to source control, occupant sensitivity and ventilation. Emphasis will be placed on communications with building occupants for reliable investigations without aggravating existing issues.

BOC 1006 – Common Opportunities for Low-Cost Operational Improvement

This class introduces common opportunities that offer the greatest energy savings potential. This module examines typical areas and problems associated with different system types and equipment as well as tools and techniques for identifying opportunities.

BOC 1007- Facility Electrical Systems

Participants will learn basic electrical theory, safety procedures, power distribution, and energy conservation to develop a practical understanding of electricity and its use in commercial facilities. Participants will learn basic troubleshooting in order to effectively work with licensed staff and/or contractors with ongoing electrical problems and maintenance support.
Information via BOC^® Course Descriptions Page

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How much does the Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level 1 Course cost? The cost to enroll in every topical section covered is $1499 to enroll and covers tuition, fees, and materials.
How much does it cost to enroll in one topical section at a time? The cost to enroll in one section is $225.
What payment options do you accept? We accept credit cards, debit cards, and money orders. If paying by credit card or debit card, you can provide payment information over the phone. If paying by money order, please make it payable to “Savannah Technical College”. Payment must be received no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of the class. Seats are limited and are only confirmed once payment has been received.
How do I register for the course? You can register by calling The Continuing Education office at 912-443-3012 to provide your payment information.
As a Building Operator, what are the advantages of receiving the BOC Level 1 Credential? You will receive the most up-to-date facilities management training, acquire energy conservation strategies, increased opportunities for career advancement, and a vital collection of facility operations reference materials.
As a Building Manager, what are the advantages of my employees receiving the BOC Level 1 Credential? You will show your commitment to employee excellence with this professional accreditation. You will lower utility bills, decrease unscheduled maintenance while increasing facility safety, comfort and air quality. You will also benefit by receiving a lighting energy audit, HVAC control system review, receive the ENERGY STAR® performance rating and earn LEED-EB points with staff training!
Which industries would benefit from BOC?This class is designed for any facility that has a facilities management / operations group

About the instructor. Allen Clark is Director of Maintenance and Operations for Bryan County Schools. He has close to 10 years of experience in managing, staffing, budgeting, and various other jobs related to his position. Mr. Clark oversees a budget in the neighborhood of 3.5 million. Mr. Clark is also a BOC graduate. He received a level one certificate back in 2012. Mr. Clark is also a former classroom teacher where he spent a total of 17 years. He has a Master of Education degree in the area of Leadership.