Apply for Fireman and Engineer Licenses

Next steps   for Apply for Fireman and Engineer Licenses

1. Application for All Classes of Fireman and Engineer's Licenses

   Use the same form to apply for all classes of fireman and engineer licenses.

   Complete applications must include:

   • Correct mailing AND home addresses
   • Social security number
   • Application fee
   • One passport-style color photograph measuring 2” by 2” (Massachusetts residents can allow DFS to use their RMV photo instead of supplying a new photo)
   • Proof of age (legible copy of current driver's license is acceptable)
   • Documentation of work experience
   • Endorsement by an engineer or fireman holding a Massachusetts license of the same, or higher, grade than the license applied for. (Not needed for second class fireman and special licenses.)

   Incomplete applications will be returned.

   Open PDF file, 1.37 MB,  BPV-010 Application to Examine for Fireman or Engineer Licenses (English, PDF 1.37 MB)

2. Examinations

   You must pass written and oral exams for Fireman or Engineer licenses in Massachusetts.

   After we get your complete application, we register you for the next exam. If we get your application after the deadline for the next exam, we register you for the following exam.

   You can request special accommodations for exams. Submit requests with your application.

   You can request an appeal hearing for Engineer exam results. Use the form below.

   Open PDF file, 1.37 MB,  Request for Special Accommodations for Exams (English, PDF 1.37 MB)

   Open PDF file, 216.04 KB,  Request to Appeal Engineering Exam Results (English, PDF 216.04 KB)

3. Apply for a Second Class Fireman License

   The Second Class Fireman:

   • Operates a boiler that is not used exclusively for heating purposes.
   • Does not hold a higher grade license.

   There is no citizenship requirement for the Second Class Fireman license.

4. Apply for a First Class Fireman License

   The Fireman First Class is:

   • ‘Fireman-in-charge’ of a boiler where safety valves are set to blow at a pressure not exceeding 25 PSI.
   • Responsible to the owners and authorities for the daily operation and maintenance of the steam boiler.
   • Responsible for all boiler, engine, and/or turbine operators.
   • Allowed to operate a third class plant under the engineer in charge.

   Required Professional Experience:

   • 1 year experience in a boiler or steam power plant as a steam engineer, fireman, control room operator, water tender, auxiliary operator or engineer's assistant; or
   • Held and used a Second Class Fireman's License for at least 6 months.

    

5. Apply for a Third Class Engineer License

   The Third Class Engineer is:

   • ‘Engineer-in-Charge’ of a boiler not exceeding 150 horsepower when solid fuel is burned;
   • ‘Engineer-in-Charge’ of a boiler not exceeding 500 horsepower based upon the relieving capacity of the safety valves when steam is generated by the use of fuel, electric or atomic energy or any other source of heat;
   • ‘Engineer-in-Charge’ of engines and turbines not exceeding 50 horsepower each;
   • Responsible to the owners and authorities for the daily operation and maintenance of the steam boiler, engines, and/or turbines;
   • Responsible for all boiler, engine, and/or turbine operators.

   Required Professional Experience:

   • 1-1/2 years experience in a boiler or steam power plant as a steam engineer, fireman, control room operator, water tender, auxiliary operator or engineer's assistant; or
   • 2 years experience operating a steam plant or plants having at least one engine or turbine of not less than 50 horsepower; or
   • Held and used a First Class Firemen's License as an engineer, assistant engineer, control room operator or a fireman for at least 1 year; or
   • Held and used an equivalent license in the United States Merchant Marine for 1 year; or
   • Held and used an equivalent license from another state for 1 year.

6. Apply for a Second Class Engineer's License

   The Second Class Engineer is:

   • ‘Engineer-in-charge’, of any boiler, engine or turbine not exceeding 150 horsepower each.
   • Responsible to the owners and authorities for the daily operation and maintenance of the steam boiler, engines, and/or turbines.
   • Responsible for boilers, engine, and/or turbine operators.

   Required Professional Experience:

   • 2 years operating a steam plant or plants having at least one engine or turbine of not less than 50 horsepower; or
   • Held and used a Third Class Engineer's License as an engineer, assistant engineer, control room operator or a fireman for at least 1 year; or
   • Held and used an equivalent license in the United States Merchant Marine for 2 years; or
   • Held and used an equivalent license from another state for 2 years.
   • Held and used a special license to operate a first class plant for not less than 2 years;  or
   • U.S. citizen who has served 3 years as an apprentice to the machinist or boiler making trade in stationary, marine, or locomotive engine or boiler works and has been employed one year in connection with the operation of a steam plan; or
   • Has a B.S. in Engineering from an accredited school, and has 1 year experience in the operation of a steam plant.

7. Apply for a First Class Engineer License

   The First Class Engineer is:

   • 'Engineer-in-charge' of the daily operation and maintenance of a steam boiler, engine, and/or turbine.
   • Responsible to the owners and authorities for the daily operation and maintenance of a steam boiler, engine, and/or turbine.
   • Responsible for boiler, engine, and/or turbine operators.

   Required Professional Experience:

   • 3 years as engineer in charge of a steam plant or plants having at least one engine or turbine of over 150 horsepower; or
   • Held and used a Second Class Engineer's License for at least 1½ years; or
   • Held and used an equivalent license in the United States Merchant Marine for 3 years; or
   • Held and used an equivalent license from another state for 3 years.

8. Renewal of Fireman and Engineer Licenses

   Licenses are good for five years.

   License holders (all grades) must complete 30 hours of continuing education during the term of the license to renew that license. The list of schools approved for continuing education is below.

   60 days before a license expires, DFS sends you an application to renew by mail. Submit the completed application, fee, and documentation of continuing education at least 30 days before your license expires.

   There is no exam for renewal.

   Open PDF file, 408.69 KB,  List of Approved Schools for Continuing Education (English, PDF 408.69 KB)