Certification: Boilers and Pressure Vessels

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers the certification and training of boilers and pressure vessels occupations.

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The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) sets standards and administers the policies, procedures and processes for certifying occupations regulated under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, and Ontario Regulation 222/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels. As part of its mandate to regulate boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) in Ontario and ensure public safety and compliance with technical standards, TSSA certifies BPV inspectors to work for Authorized Inspection Agencies (AIAs) in Ontario.

Certificate of Competency (COC)

A Certificate of Competency issued by TSSA certifies that an individual is authorized to work as a BPV inspector with an AIA in Ontario. To earn a COC, the individual must meet the education and experience requirements outlined in Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Code Adoption Document. They must also pass TSSA’s COC exam, which assesses their knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and safety practices.

Certification and Examination 

The following criteria must be met for certification as a BPV inspector in Ontario:

Candidates must apply for a COC exam on TSSA’s Client Portal. While applicants do not need to meet NBBI exam requirements before writing TSSA’s COC exam, they must have an in-service commission before a COC can be issued. 

For information on the welder and brazer certification, visit the Welding or Brazing Procedure & Personnel Qualification page.

Certificate Renewal

BPV inspectors are professionals employed or contracted by AIAs to conduct inspections of BPVs. AIAs are responsible for renewing the COCs of the BPV inspectors they hire. It is essential to hold a valid COC, which indicates that an individual is authorized to inspect BPVs in Ontario.

To avoid incurring the late renewal fee, certificate holders must renew their COCs before they expire on March 1 of each year. Sixty days before a COC expires, TSSA will send a renewal invoice with a letter listing the following prerequisites that AIAs need to submit along with the renewal fee on behalf of the COC holder:

  • Confirmation of employment by an authorized inspection agency
  • A copy of a valid and current National Board Inservice Commission Card (Please ensure the “employer” listed on the National Board Commission card is your current employer)
  • A copy of your employer's valid Certificate of Authorization as an Inservice Inspection Agency issued by the National Board

If AIAs did not receive the invoice, please log in to the TSSA Client Portal to access and pay the invoice.

Certificate Reinstatement

Holders of a Certificate of Competency must apply for recertification if they do not renew their certificates within 12 months of the expiry date. To reinstate a COC, please visit the Client Portal and submit the following:

  • Confirmation of employment by an authorized inspection agency
  • A copy of a valid and current National Board Inservice Commission Card (Please ensure the “employer” listed on the National Board Commission card is your current employer)
  • Proof of education (certificates, diplomas, or degrees, etc.)
  • A current resume
  • Payment of the COC reinstatement fee as per the Fee Schedule

Applicants who follow the above procedures can expect a response from TSSA within 15 business days. 

Ontario Training and Seminars

We offer a variety of training programs to help improve safety proactively in your organization.

We also offer private on-site training which can be tailored to suit your organization's needs, based on our extensive knowledge and experience in:

  • Inspection

  • Design review

  • Training standards

  • Code development 

Our training programs are based on real-life experience and working knowledge of code and regulatory requirements. The result is a practical learning experience, relevant to your organization and employees, motivating and equipping them with the ability to work safely and productively while maintaining compliancy. 

Available training seminars:

Boiler and pressure vessel codes are constantly changing. It is critical to have up-to-date knowledge of these codes and standards. Understanding how they apply to your organization is essential to safe and efficient operation. That is why TSSA has developed seminars that cover the application of the codes related to power piping, process piping, pressure vessels and welding. 

 

Alternate Piping Inspection Process - Regulatory Requirements Training Course (Module 1): 

The current Enhanced Piping Process ceased to be in effect on October 1, 2023, and has been replaced by a voluntary, Alternate Piping Inspection Process made available since May 1, 2023. This Alternate Piping Inspection Process is now in effect and allows qualified piping contractors to inspect eligible piping systems and submit a data report to TSSA for approval. 
To be eligible to use the Alternate Piping Inspection Process, a qualified piping contractor must meet all requirements in the Alternate Process for Pressure Piping Inspection in Ontario Safety Advisory. To help industry professionals understand the regulatory requirements relating to the voluntary Alternate Piping Process, TSSA’s Boilers & Pressure Vessels Safety Program is hosting the Regulatory Requirements Training Course (Module 1). 
 
Upcoming seminars: 
  • September 22, 23, 2026 (space is limited to 20 people)
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Alternate Piping Inspection Training Seminar Registration Form (pdf)

B31.1 Power Piping Code

This seminar provides an overview of the code, regulatory requirements, and detailed technical code training. Training covers all components of the code, including materials, fabrication, welding, non-destructive testing (NDE), inspection and pressure testing. Customers must complete the Seminar Registration Form and submit via the TSSA Client Portal. 

  • Seminar date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (space is limited to 20 people)

B31.3 Process Piping Code 

This seminar includes an overview of the code, regulatory requirements, and detailed technical code training. Training covers all components of the code including:

  • General requirements including materials, fabrication, welding, non-destructive testing (NDE), inspection and pressure testing.

  • Category D service.

  • Normal fluid service.

  • Category M service.

  • Seminar date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (space is limited to 20 people)

  • Customers must complete the Seminar Registration Form and submit via the TSSA Client Portal. 

Ontario Repairs and Alterations 

This seminar includes an overview of:

  • Repair and alteration codes for boilers, pressure vessels, piping, and fittings.

  • Regulatory requirements.

  • Detailed technical training. 

Training covers interpretation and application of the codes and standards including material, fabrication, inspection, and test requirements, as well as marking and reports.

ASME Section IX

This Welding Qualifications seminar includes an overview of the regulatory and code requirements and detailed technical code training. Training covers qualification of welding procedures and welders as well as a practical exercise in the making of a basic weld, procedures and welder qualifications.

Establishing and Maintaining an Effective Quality System (Non-Nuclear) for Piping and Repairs and Alterations of Pressure Retaining Items

In this seminar you will learn how to define, document, and control an effective quality control system that meets the TSSA and code requirements. For companies seeking or currently working to a Certificate of Authorization for Piping Installation and Fabrication, Repair or Alteration and Owner User Programs, this seminar provides an understanding of how to document (write) the Quality Manual, as well as how to control it to maintain the Quality Systems effectiveness. 

Ontario Boilers and Pressure Vessels Regulations and TSSA Requirements

In this seminar you will learn about the Boilers and Pressure Vessels regulations, codes and standards that govern the Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Pressure Piping industries in Ontario. This includes the responsibilities of owners, users, fabricators, and installers of pressure equipment being installed or operating in Ontario.