ASME QFO

Certification Program

Certification for the

Qualification of Operators of
High Capacity Fossil Fuel Fired Plants

Applicant Information

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Overview QFO Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Overview The American Society of Mechanical Engineers . . 1
QFO Certification Classes and Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Class F
Qualification Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Education and Experience
Testing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Examination Structure
Examination Guidelines
Examination Results
Examination References
Application and Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Application Process
Application for Additional Class Designation
Fees
Certificate and Term. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Issuance
Recertification
Renewal
Appendix I & II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

OVERVIEW

Overview
QFO Certification

CERTIFICATION
CLASSES AND
QUALIFICATIONS

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, at the request of the U. S. Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) and, in recognition of the needs and benefits associated with standard
qualifications of operators of high capacity fossil fuel fired plants, established the Qualifications
of High Capacity Fossil Fuel Fired Operator (QFO) Committee in 1994. This committee developed and maintains the Standard for the Qualification and Certification of High Capacity Fossil
Fuel Fired Plants. The QFO Certification Program is based on this standard.

QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS

The QFO-1 Standard includes qualifications, duties, responsibilities, and the certification requirements for operators as appropriate to The Clean Air Act as amended in 1990 for fossil fuel fired
plants with inputs equal to or greater than 10E +06 Btu/hr (10,550 E +06 J/ hr). This Standard
does not cover the certification or validation of fossil plant operating procedures, operating practices, facility performance, nor compliance with any particular permit requirement.
The QFO-1 Standard recognizes the titles or positions to which any particular fossil plant operator may apply, will vary within a facility. Therefore, this Standard does not attempt to identify the
individual who is required to obtain certification in any class designation. The fossil plant owner
is urged to contact the applicable jurisdiction in which the fossil plant is located in this regard.

TESTING
INFORMATION

The QFO-1 Standard does not in itself require certification but rather it serves as a means for
complying with federal, state, and local regulations which may require operators of fossil fuel
fired boilers with inputs equal to or greater than IOE +06 Btu/hr (10,550 E +06 J/ hr) to be certified. The requirements of the QFO-1 Standard should be taken into consideration when drafting
and enforcing such regulations; e.g., if modifications are made to any fossil fuel fired plant, a certain grace period should be allowed to let the existing certified operator be redesignated.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Codes, Standards, and Conformity Assessment

APPLICATION
AND FEES

ASME is a not-for-profit educational and technical organization with 125,000 members worldwide. ASME published its first national standard in 1884 and now has more than 600 codes and
standards which are continually updated by committees composed of over 3000 engineering professionals from academia, industry, and government.
In addition to the QFO certification program, ASME certifies operators of resource recovery facilities (QRO), hazardous waste incinerators (QHO), and medical waste incinerators (QMO); and
geometric dimensioning and tolerancing professionals (GDTP).

ASME is also an accredited ISO 9000 quality system registrar in the industries and sectors associated with the art, science, and practice of mechanical engineering.

CERTIFICATION
AND TERM

ASME accredits manufacturers to certify that their equipment or services comply with an ASME
code or standard. There are now eight programs, covering boilers and pressure vessels, fastener
manufacturers and distributors, nuclear power plant components and materials, elevator inspector
certifying organizations, reinforced thermoset plastic corrosion resistant vessel fabricators, and
safety and pollution prevention equipment for off shore oil and gas operations.

OVERVIEW
CERTIFICATION
CLASSES AND
QUALIFICATIONS

QFO Certification Classes

and Qualifications

QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS

Certification Classes
Certification is based on three components; recommended education, experience, and passing a
written examination. There are six classes of available certification, which depend on the type
of fossil fuel being fired and on the firing method(s):

TESTING
INFORMATION

Class A certification applies to operators of fossil plants burning

pulverized fuel (including cyclone)
Class B applies to operators (of fossil plants burning oil or gas or
a combination of oil and gas in a single burner
Class C applies to operators of fossil plants that bum oil or gas or
a combination of oil and gas in a multiple burner
Class D applies to operators of stoker fired fossil plants
Class E applies to operators of fluidized bed fossil plants
Class F applies to operators of auxiliary fired heat recovery steam
generators (HRSG)

APPLICATION
AND FEES

The certification is not site specific and may be applicable to the operation of a different facility
provided the class of the certification is appropriate for the equipment to be operated.

CERTIFICATION
AND TERM

OVERVIEW
CERTIFICATION
CLASSES AND
QUALIFICATIONS

Qualification Requirements
Education and Experience

QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS

In order to obtain certification, an applicant must pass the written exam and meet one of the following requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent and two years experience in general industry or industrial
process. Some of the experience must include boiler operations.

TESTING
INFORMATION

An associate degree in technical studies or 60 credits of course work from an accredited institution, plus one year experience in general industry or industrial process. Some of the experience must include boiler operations. The coursework must be in the following subjects:
advanced mathematics
chemistry
fluid dynamics
thermodynamics
materials science
combustion theory
environmental, mechanical, civil, chemical, or electrical engineering

APPLICATION
AND FEES

A baccalaureate degree in physical science or engineering and one year experience in general
industry or industrial process. Some of the experience must include boiler operations.

CERTIFICATION
AND TERM

OVERVIEW

Testing Information
Examination Structure

CERTIFICATION
CLASSES AND
QUALIFICATIONS

There are separate examinations for each of the class designations listed in "Certification
Classes". The examinations are structured as closed book, multiple choice, written examinations.
Each examination consists of two parts.
Part 1. Addresses general knowledge and includes no less than 75 nor more than 125 questions.
Part 1 is a two-hour examination. The general knowledge examination shall include the categories
as listed in the Examination Guidelines (Appendix I).

QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS

Part 2. Addresses the specific fossil combustion operator class designation(s); one examination for
each classification. Each specific class designation examination includes no less than 50 nor more
than 75 questions. A one-hour time period is allotted for each specific class designation.
To achieve certification, an applicant must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions in Part 1
and at least 70% of the questions in each Part 2 taken.

Examination Guidelines
Each specific class designation examination includes applicable questions on the various categories listed in the Examination Guidelines (Appendix I.).

TESTING
INFORMATION

Examination Results
Notification of the results of the examination, including the percentage of correct answers within
each part, will be mailed to the applicant within (30) days after the exam. Grades will not be
given over the telephone.
In the event you do not pass the examination, you may take it a maximum of two times during a
six-month period.

APPLICATION
AND FEES

Examination References
The QFO-1 standard provides an examination guideline regarding the body of knowledge that an
applicant should expect to be tested for on the Examination. A bank of questions that addresses
that body of knowledge has been developed and validated by ASME.
A listing of references that were used to develop the items is provided in Appendix II. These references may assist the applicant in preparing for the examination. The references are listed for
the convenience of the applicant. The references are not an official study guide and should not be
considered the only sources of information.

CERTIFICATION
AND TERM

Applicants are advised that the QFO Certification Program was developed and administered independently from activities that assist applicants in test preparation. ASME Conformity Assessment
does not approve, rate or endorse the listed materials. Please see Appendix II.

OVERVIEW
CERTIFICATION
CLASSES AND
QUALIFICATIONS

Application and Fees

Application Process
Each applicant for high capacity fuel fired operator certification must complete the application,
and return it to ASME with payment. It should be returned at least 30 days prior to the date you
wish to take the test.

QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS

All information supplied on this application is subject to verification. Certification may be

revoked by ASME for reasons of falsifying or providing inaccurate information in the certification process.
Upon receipt of the application and payment, ASME will provide the applicant (via mail) with an
identification number. The identification number will serve as a confirmation of payment and
acceptance of application by ASME.

TESTING
INFORMATION

The test will be given at Prometric test centers around the country. In order to find a location
convenient to you, log on to http://www.prometric.com or call 1 (800) 967-1100, or contact
ASME for a printed list. Further information will be provided to you upon acceptance of your
application.

Application for Additional Class Designation

Applicants are allowed to apply for a maximum of two class designations per application.
The application for additional class designation is for applicants who are currently certified in
one or more of the class designations outlined in "Certification Classes". A currently certified
individual is exempt from retaking Part I of the examination.

APPLICATION
AND FEES

Fees
A fee of $550 must accompany the completed application. Purchase orders are not accepted as
payment. This consists of a $50 non-refundable application fee, a $250 examination fee and $250
certification fee. The examination fee is refundable if you decide not to take the examination and
notify ASME 16 days prior to the date of the examination. The certification fee is refundable if
you do not take or pass the examination. An additional $25 must be included if you wish to
apply for an additional class designation.

CERTIFICATION
AND TERM

OVERVIEW
CERTIFICATION
CLASSES AND
QUALIFICATIONS

Certificate and Term

Issuance

QUALIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS

An applicant meeting the certification qualifications for the class designations, and who passes
the written examination will be issued a certificate which will identify the specific edition of
QFO-1 on which the certification is based.
The certificate shall expire five years after its issuance, and may be renewed.

Recertification & Renewal

TESTING
INFORMATION

A certificate holder must submit an application for recertification prior to the expiration of the
existing certification.
A written examination for recertification is not required provided the certificate holder submits
notarized documentation showing that experience has been maintained in the class designation(s)
for a minimum of three of the previous five years. A certificate holder must take a written
examination for recertification if unable to document operational experience in the applicable
class designation(s).
If the recertification experience requirement is not met, the existing certification will expire. To
regain certification, the individual must complete the requirements stated in "Qualifications".

APPLICATION
AND FEES
CERTIFICATION
AND TERM
6

APPENDIX

Appendix I
Examination Guidelines

APPENDIX

Appendix II
Examination List of References
The following is a partial list of references that were used to develop the QFO examination. These
references are made available for the convenience of the applicant, and may aid in preparing for
the examination. The references are not an official study guide and should not be considered the
only sources of information.
American Boiler Manufacturers Association, Handbook of Power, Utility and Boiler Terms
and Phrases. Oklahoma: Penn Well Books, 1992.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically
Fired Boilers, CSD-1-1998.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Fired Steam Generators, Performance Test Code
4-1998 (a revision of Performance Test Code 4.1-1964).
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Flue and Exhaust Gas Analysis, Performance Test
Code 19.10-1981.
Arco Editorial Board. Stationary Engineer and Fireman. New York: Arco Publishing Co.,
1967.
Black and Veatch, Power Plant Engineering. New York: Chapman and Hall, 1996.
Dukelow, Sam G., The Control of Boilers. North Carolina: Instrument Society of America,
1991.
Jackson, James. Steam Boiler Operation. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1980.
Kohan, Anthony Lawrence and Spring, Harry Mortimer. Boiler Operators Guide. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 1991.
Kuo, K.K. Principles of Combustion. New York: Wiley, 1986.
Lammers, Herbert B., Lammers Thomas F., and Woodruff, Everett B. Steam Plant Operation,
New York, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1992.
LaRocque, Lionel Edward, Boilers Simplified. Michigan: Business News Publishing
Company, 1987.
Marks, Lionel S. Marks Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers. New York: McGrawHill, 1978
Martin, A.E., ed. Emission Control Technology for Industrial Boilers. New Jersey: Noyes Data
Corp., 1981.
National Fire Protection Association. Standard for Pulverized Fuel Systems NFPA 8503. 1997
Edition.
National Fire Protection Association. Standard for Single Burner Boiler Operation-NFPA
8501. 1997 Edition.

APPENDIX

National Fire Protection Association. Standard for Stoker Operation NFPA 8505. 1998
Edition.
National Fire Protection Association. Standard for the Prevention of Furnace
Explosions/Implosions in Multiple Burner Boilers NFPA 8502. 1995 Edition.
National Fire Protection Association. Standard on Atmospheric Fluidized-Bed Boiler
Operation NFPA 8504. 1996 Edition.
National Fire Protection Association. Standard on Heat Recovery Steam Generator Systems
NFPA 8506. 1998 edition.
Oliver, K.G. Industrial Boiler Management: An Operators Guide. New York: Industrial Press,
1989.
Potter, Philip J. Power Plant Theory and Design. New York: The Ronald Press Company,
1959.
Rosaler, Robert C. Standard Handbook of Plant Engineering. New York : McGraw-Hill, 1995.
Sauselein, T. Stationary Engineering. Michigan: Business News Publishing Co., 1990.
Singer, Joseph G., Combustion, Fossil Power Systems: a reference book on fuel burning and
steam generation. Connecticut: Combustion Engineering, 1981.
Singer, Joseph G., ed. Combustion, fossil power systems: a Reference Book on Fuel Burning
and Steam Generation. Connecticut: Combustion Engineering, Inc., 1991.
Steingress, F. M., Low Pressure Boilers. Illinois: American Technical Publishers, 1986.
Steingress, F.M., High Pressure Boilers. Illinois: American Technical Publishers, 1986.
Stultz, Steven C. & John B. Kitto, eds. Steam: Its Generation and Use. Ohio: The Babcock
and Wilcox Co., 1992.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air Pollution Training Institute, Air Pollution
Control Orientation Course, Self-Instructional Manual, Course SI: 422. September 1992.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air Pollution Training Institute, Introduction
to Permitting, Self-Instructional Course Guide, Course SI: 460. March 1995.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Operating Permits Program Under
Title V of the Clean Air Act, EPA-456/R-96-004. August 1996.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, High Capacity Fossil Fuel Fired Plant
Operator Training Program, Student Handbook, EPA-453/B-94-056. September 1994.

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U.S.A.
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Fax: 212-591-8599
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