Third Class
Power Engineer Certification
Overview
The Third Class Power Engineer certificate of qualification allows you to be:
- Chief engineer of a plant with a corresponding or lower class
- Shift engineer of a plant up to one class higher than the class of this certificate
- A person-in-charge of any type or size of refrigeration plant
To obtain this certificate, you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements. You will also need to pass an evaluation and four certification exams.
General Eligibility
To apply for your Third Class Power Engineer certificate, you must have one of the following:
- Fourth Class Power Engineer certificate
- Corresponding Canadian credential
- Second Class or higher Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency
Evaluation Eligibility
To apply for evaluation, you must be employed while in possession of a Fourth Class Power Engineer certificate, a corresponding Canadian credential, or a Second Class Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency, for one of the following:
- 12 months as a chief engineer of fourth class power plant
- 12 months as a shift engineer of third class power plant
- 12 months as an assistant shift engineer of second class plant
- 12 months as an assistant engineer of first class or second class plant
- 24 months as a chief engineer of a fourth class heating plant
- 24 months as a shift engineer of a fourth class power or heating plant
- 36 months as a chief engineer or shift engineer of a fourth or third class plant other than a power plant or a heating plant
- Two-year, full-time third class power engineering diploma course and at least six months in a power plant that has a boiler capacity of at least 100 m2
Qualifying Time Credits For Work At A Plant
If you have successfully completed an approved third class power engineering course, then the required periods of employment are reduced by six months. Refer to this list of approved courses and course providers.
If you hold a mechanical engineering degree (Canadian or equivalent), the required periods of employment are reduced by six months.
Additional Qualifying Time Credit For Education
If you have received boiler plant computer simulation training as a part of third class power engineering diploma program approved by a provincial safety manager, a one-time, three-month credit towards the qualifying time requirement will be granted to you.
Apply for Evaluation
To apply, please complete the plant operating experience form 1026. Once you've filled it in, log in to your Online Services account, start your certificate application and follow the steps to upload the completed form and submit your application. Your proof of experience form will be reviewed by a Provincial Safety Manager. Don't have an account? Sign up now.
If you wish to submit your form by mail, please address it to:
Suite 600 - 2889 East 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5M 4T5.
Exam Eligibility
To apply for your certification exams, you must meet the general eligibility requirements for this class. Visit our exam page to find out how to apply for your exams.
About These Exams
You must pass the following four exams:
- Part A Multiple Choice 3A1
- Part A Multiple Choice 3A2
- Part B Multiple Choice 3B1
- Part B Multiple Choice 3B2
Effective March 1, 2023, all 3rd, 4th, and 5th class certificate of qualification examinations will consist of 100 multiple choice questions. Each exam is three hours long, and you must achieve a minimum grade of 65% on each exam to pass. Exam details, including areas of study, can be viewed in the Third Class Power Engineer syllabus.