Transfer to BC

To transfer a power engineer certificate from another province to BC, submit the following:

• A copy of the original wall certificate, which is active and shows the date of issue, from the province you are coming from

To apply, log in to your Online Services account and follow the steps. Don't have an account? Sign up now.

If you wish to apply by mail, please fill out the Contact Us form to request a paper form.

If you have qualifications and experience as a power engineer from outside of Canada, there are two streams available for recognition in BC.

Stream one: You already hold acceptable Boiler Operator Credentials and have more than 18 months of experience operating a third class boiler plant or equivalent in a position requiring the credential. These applications are assessed at Third Class or higher Power Engineer certificate level, within the provision of BC Reg.105/ 2004 s.2.10.

Stream two: You do not hold any acceptable Boiler Operator Credentials but have at least 18 months of international experience related to the operation, design, construction, repair, or maintenance of boiler equipment. These applications are assessed as either a Fourth or Fifth Class Power Engineer certificate level.

1. Hold a credential that authorizes you to operate boilers in your local jurisdiction 
2. Hold a credential that is current and valid in the jurisdiction where it was issued
3. Local jurisdiction legal authority (e.g., city, state, country) where you have worked requires recognized credentials to operate boilers
4. Educational qualifications equivalent to a First Class Power Engineer
5. More than six years’ experience operating a first class boiler plant or equivalent in a position requiring the credential

1. Hold a credential that authorizes you to operate boilers in your local jurisdiction
2. Possess a credential that is current and valid in the jurisdiction where it was issued
3. Local jurisdiction legal authority (e.g., city, state, country) where you have worked requires recognized credentials to operate boilers
4. Educational qualifications equivalent to Second Class Power Engineer
5. More than 3.5 years’ experience operating a second class boiler plant or equivalent in a position requiring the credential

1. Hold a credential that authorizes you to operate boilers in your local jurisdiction
2. Possess a credential that is current and valid in the jurisdiction where it was issued
3. Local jurisdiction legal authority (e.g., city, state, country) where you have worked requires recognized credentials to operate boilers
4. Educational qualifications equivalent to Third Class Power Engineer
5. More than 1.5 years’ experience operating a third class boiler plant or equivalent in a position requiring the credential

To apply for your assessment, you must:

1. Complete a Recognition of International Credentials in Power Engineering Application form via your online services account. Applicants outside North America can download a PDF version of the form.
2. Provide documentation on boiler plant and experience.
3. If you have educational qualifications, submit proof using the services of an approved credentialing agency.
4. After submitting your application, Technical Safety BC will determine if you are eligible for assessment. If you are successful, we will call you to make arrangements for payment.

Once you have submitted all of the above, your application will be assessed. You will be informed of the results by mail or email, depending on your indicated preference, and if you are successful we will let you know about the procedure to schedule any necessary exams.

Upon completing your exams, you will be issued your certificate.

Note: all documents must be submitted in English.

If you are applying for a Fourth Class Power Engineer certificate, you must have at least 18 months of experience related to the operation, design, construction, repair, or maintenance of boiler equipment to which BC Reg.104/ 2004 applies, or would apply, if the equipment was located in British Columbia. You must also have one of the following:

• Mechanical engineering degree which is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board
• Third Class or higher Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency
• Proof of completing an approved Fourth Class Power Engineer course

If you are applying for the Fifth Class Power Engineer certificate, you must have at least six months related to the operation, design, construction, repair or maintenance of boiler equipment to which BC Reg.104/ 2004 applies, or would apply, if the equipment was located in British Columbia. You must also have one of the following:

• Mechanical engineering degree or diploma which is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board
• Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency, any class
• Proof of completing an approved Fifth Class Power Engineer course

To apply, log in to your Online Services account and follow the steps. Don't have an account? Sign up now.

If you wish to apply by mail, please fill out the Contact Us form to request a paper form.

You must also submit the following documentation:

• Full resume of work experience on boiler and pressure equipment
• Letter from the company you worked for, confirming your employment, the position you held, and company website information
• One of the following:

• Approved Fifth or Fourth (as applicable) Class course completion certificate
• Approved mechanical engineering degree or diploma; international degree or diploma must be assessed by an approved credentialing agency
• Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency

• Note: all documents must be submitted in English.

Boiler-related qualifications or certificates issued by international governments must be equivalent to BC power engineering credentials. Your credential must be current and valid at the time of assessment.

Examples of credentials:

• Stationary engineer
• Steam engineer
• Boiler operator
• Operating engineer
• Power plant operator
• Steam plant operator

Note: If your credential is not legally required by your jurisdiction (e.g. city, state, country) to operate boilers, it will not be accepted.

All educational documents need to be assessed by one of the following institutions:

• International Credential Evaluation Service
• Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
• World Education Services
• International Qualifications Assessment Service

• Boiler plant name
• Address
• Type
• Capacity (m2)
• Position held
• Qualifying time (months)
• Start date
• Supervisor name & contact information
• Letter(s) of employments stating:
• Job responsibilities and type of boiler equipment operated, including the duties and responsibilities performed for a minimum period covering the last seven years of employment.
• Duties and responsibilities of all the positions worked
• Company web site information for evaluation of the experience
• Supervisor name and contact information

Note that recognition of international training credentials is meant for individuals who are already able to live and work in Canada. Recognition of qualifications is distinct from the immigration process.