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New! Online Course: Building Operator 3 - Introduction to Building Operations.
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Program Description.

BOMA's Building Operations Licensing Proposal

Competency Certification and Building Operations


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Background to BOMA's Building Operator Development Program (BODP)

BOMA, in a collaborative effort with the Building Operators Association, recognized the growing need for highly trained and qualified operators to address the needs of today's buildings and their complex operating systems. At present in Canada, there is no program of training specifically directed to the operations of buildings. Rather, the training is so broad in scope as to cover gas plant operations. The result being that a graduate of the existing program possesses perhaps 10% to 15% of the technical knowledge required for building operations. In addressing this situation, and its associated risks, building owners gave their support to a competency based program that will ensure not only that an operator's skills are current, but that a BOMA-certified operator has demonstrated his/her competencies to an independent third-party validator. (Back to Top)

How do I determine if I need to take training?

  • Take this short quiz to test your knowledge. You will get instant feedback with recommendations.
  • These few questions are typical of what you can expect to find on the Provincial Exam.

Try the quiz now.

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What competencies do I have to meet to be a Building Operator?

Detailed information coming soon. (Back to Top)

What can I expect to earn as a Building Operator?

Salaries and wages vary widely and are a function of the prevailing marketplace. Other variables include the company, the set of responsibilities an operator is expected to perform, the skills, training and competencies of the individual and many, many more factors. At this moment, the market is very competitive for Building Operators, and in some areas there are shortages.

According to the BOMA Calgary Compensation Survey (February 2008) the reported compensation levels are as follows:

(Note: This information is intended only as a reference and individuals should do their own research to verify prevailing rates. The data cited herein represents the collective responses of those companies that responded to the BOMA February 2008 survey.)

Building Operator 3 (Entry Level)
Reported range: $30,000 to $50,000+ with most respondents (42.1%) reporting in the $40,000 to $49,999 range.

Building Operator 2 (5th Class Equivalent)
Reported range: <$40,000 to $60,000+, with the most reports in the range of $40,000 to $49,999 (44.4%) and $50,000 to $59,999 (44.4%)

Building Operator 1 (4th Class Equivalent)
Reported range: $40,000 - $69,999, with the most frequently reported range (72%) in the $50,000 to $59,999 range.

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Licensing Building Operators - Current Situation

In Alberta the regulating authority is Alberta Boiler Safety Association or ABSA. As it relates to building operations, ABSA administers both the 5th Class and 4th Class Power Engineering ticket and issue a provincial license to persons who satisfy their requirements. More information on ABSA.

If you are located in another jurisdiction and wish to learn more about the regulations in your province or territory, check these links for information:

If you are outside of Canada, go here for more information about other jurisdictions..

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BODP Overview

This Introductory Course (Building Operator 3) is now offered online. Purpose: This course is designed to give individuals an Introduction to Building Operations and prepare them for the Building Operator 2 (5th class Power Engineering) course. This course is equivalent to 30 classroom hours.

The pass mark for this course is 65%. Introduction: Safety training related to operation of a commercial building, Interpersonal, Computer, Administrative, Facility and Process Equipment, Rotating Equipment, Facility Maintenance and Construction. The students will also have to complete competencies before they successfully complete this program.

  1. Building Operator 3 - Introductory Course. Covers matters related to Occupational Health and Safety and building systems. Pre-requisite: None. (This program available online.)
  2. Building Operator 2 - Prepares students for 5th Class Power Engineer Ticket and the Provincial Exam. Pre-requisite: Building Operator 3 Course. (This program is available for classroom learning. Check Events area for details.)
  3. Building Operator 1 - Prepares students for 4th Class Power Engineer Ticket and the Provincial Exam. Pre-requisite: Building Operator 2. (Development in progress.)

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How do I access the Self Assessment Tool?

  • Click this Link to register. Online Self-assessment Tool (You will be redirected to the World ICU website.)
  • Note that there is a nominal fee to access this tool. You will be redirected to a page outside the BOMA web site for this process.
  • This is a secured site using the highest security protection available. Always check for the "lock" icon on your browser's and https in the URL on sites that ask for your personal information and/or credit card..
  • Select New User and provide required information
  • Under "Company Selection", chose Building Owners and Managers Association from the drop-down menu.
  • (Back to Top)

How do I locate a Validator?

What is a Certificate of Competence?

The simplest way to describe a certificate of competence is to suggest it is an independent validation by a qualified third party that an individual has demonstrated their skills associated with an occupational profile, and has confirmed that they indeed possess all the skills and knowledge, or competencies necessary to perform the tasks associated with that occupational profile.(More info on a Certificate of Competence) (Back to Top)

How can a Certificate of Competence benefit me as a building operator?

There are many immediate benefits to you as a building operator. Firstly, it is a way to determine if the skills you have already acquired are applicable to the role of a building operator. Secondly, you will be able to determine how current your skills are in relation to the tasks to be performed. Thirdly, the self-assessment module allows you to conduct a gap analysis between your existing skills and and those required for the job and will identify areas where you may need additional training or a refresher in certain areas. But more importantly, a certificate of competence is a way to recognize the skills you have developed in the course of your career. (Back to Top)

How can competency certification benefit me as an employer?

An important aspect of today's property and asset management is the managing of risks associated with those core activities. A property manager can address certain aspects of risks through the proper training, staff development and licensing, where required, of operations personnel. The BOMA BODP and the associated competency certification provides a tool to manage these risks. The program is compliant with Criminal Code Section 217 (the old Bill C-45). Managers whose operators have been certified can take comfort in knowing their BOMA-certified operators have demonstrated their skills. (Back to Top)

How can I get a BOMA Certificate of Competence in Building Operations?

There are two ways:

  1. If you are looking to become a building operator, then we recommend taking the training beginning with Building Operator Level 3, the introductory course. This course is focuses on occupational health and safety matters as well as basic building systems. (Back to Top)
  2. If you are an existing operator, then you may wish to simply take the Self Assessment module which will allow you to perform a gap analysis of your skills against the profile requirements. If there are gaps, you may wish to take some additional training, or simply a refresher, in any areas of weakness. When you are ready then you may challenge the Provincial Examination.

How long is this certificate valid?

Certification is generally valid for three years. However, is there is a change in one of the critical competencies, then you will have to re-certify, but only in the competency that has changed. Once this is done, then the three-year expiration moves forward from that point. This is a mechanism to ensure that your competencies are always up to date. (Back to Top)

How do I renew my certification?

As long as you continue to be registered in the system, you will receive email notices of any coming expiration of your certificate of competence. That email will provide you with specific instructions. (Back to Top)

Will my existing skills/education count towards certifications?

Absolutely. You have acquired a variety of skills in the course of your career whether by education or acquired experience. These will be recognized and they are also transferable to other profiles in the system. This is the point of a Certificate of Competence to provide you with a tool kit that will help you determine if you already possess the competencies required for a profile. If not, the system will provide you with a mechanism to get to where you want to be and make you "job-ready". (Back to Top)

How do I become a Validator?

Once you have completed the self-assessment and have been validated in Building Operations you may apply to become a Validator. To start this process or find out more information please follow this link. (Back to Top)

What is the cost?

Current Prices (Prices are subject to 5% GST.) (Prices are subject to change.)

  • Building Operator 3 - Introduction (online) - $530 + GST CAD
  • Building Operator 2 - 5th Class Power Engineer Equivalent - $1,924
  • Building Operator 1 - 4th Class Power Engineer Equivalent - Not yet available; price TBA
  • Self Assessment Module - World ICU sets this cost.
  • (Back to Top)

What is the Training Schedule?

The Level 3 Introduction to Buildling Operations is offered online.

Classroom courses for the 5th Class (Building Operator 2) are offered twice a year. The next scheduled class will be held in Fall 2009, but dates are not set at this time. Classes are typically held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and every other Saturday for 6 hours. Pre-requisite for this course is Building Operator 3 (Introduction to Building Operations).

Check the BOMA Events page for details. At the moment, these courses are available in Calgary only. Courses for delivery in Edmonton are planned for later in 2009. The Introductory Course (Building Operator 3) is now online and is available 24/7. (Back to Top)

Can I take the training online?

Level 3 Introduction to Building Operations is now online. Level 2 (5th Class Power Engineering) is in the development process to migrate it online. As these course become approved, information will be posted on these pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

This area is under construction. (14 April 2008) (Back to Top)

Submit a question.

 

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