Boilermaker certification in the US follows a different path than Canada. No single national exam. Pathways: IBB Local Lodge apprenticeship or NCCER boilermaker assessment. For the Canadian version, see our Red Seal Boilermaker exam breakdown.
What the Exam Covers
ASME Code and Standards: the biggest difference from Canadian Red Seal. ASME Section I (Power Boilers), Section IV (Heating Boilers), Section VIII Div 1 (Pressure Vessels), NBIC for repairs/alterations. Code stamping, nameplate data, hydrostatic testing, MAWP, R-stamp repair process.
Boiler Tube Work: installation (rolling, welding, expanding), removal, tube materials, failure modes (overheating, corrosion, erosion, fatigue), inspection methods.
Refractory: types (firebrick, castable, ceramic fibre), installation methods (gunning, casting), anchor systems, staged drying/curing schedules.
Pressure Vessel Work: inspection, repair (NBIC Part 3), patch design, nozzle modifications, hot tapping. Repair vs alteration code requirements.
Welding: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW. ASME Section IX for WPS/WPQ. Essential variables. NDE methods (VT, PT, MT, RT, UT). For welding overlap, see our Red Seal Welder exam guide.
Rigging: load calculations, sling angles, crane selection, lift planning in confined spaces. ASME B30, OSHA standards.
Layout, Cutting, and Fitting: plate layout, template development, parallel line/radial line/triangulation, thermal and mechanical cutting.
Safety: confined space (boiler drums, vessels), fall protection, LOTO, hot work, scaffolding. OSHA 1926/1910.
The Boilermaker USA Journeyman Exam Prep book gives you 1,000 practice questions with ASME/NBIC references, imperial units, OSHA standards.
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[See the full Boilermaker USA trade page → /boilermaker-2/]
Frequently Asked Questions
What ASME codes do boilermakers need to know?
ASME Section I (Power Boilers), Section IV (Heating Boilers), Section VIII Div 1 (Pressure Vessels), Section IX (Welding Qualifications), and the NBIC for repairs and alterations.
Is there a national boilermaker licence in the US?
No. Certification comes through IBB Local Lodge apprenticeship or NCCER assessment.
What is an R-stamp?
A National Board certification authorising an organisation to perform repairs and alterations on boilers and pressure vessels per the NBIC.
