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Overview

First Class Power Engineers oversee the operation, performance, and safety of large industrial and utility-scale power and heating plants, and support plant-wide decision-making and system integration. At this highest level of certification, professionals are responsible for coordinating complex mechanical, electrical, and control systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

The First Class Power Engineering Certificate of Achievement provides advanced theory and technical knowledge to support preparation for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) First Class Power Engineering theory exams A1 through B4. The program is designed for individuals progressing from Second Class certification, as well as experienced industry professionals seeking to expand their expertise in complex power plant systems, performance analysis, and operational management.

Learn the theory online with instructor support, on a flexible schedule. You’ll study thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, metallurgy, combustion and water treatment systems, energy management, plant efficiency, codes and regulations, safety and environmental systems, maintenance and project management, and leadership and organizational practices used to support plant-wide coordination and decision-making in large-scale power and process facilities.

This program is ideal if you:

  • hold a valid ABSA Second Class Power Engineering Certificate of Competency and want to advance to First Class  
  • are preparing to write the ABSA First Class Power Engineering theory exams A1 through B4  
  • work in a large industrial or utility-scale power plant environment and require advanced technical and supervisory knowledge  
  • are a senior technical or supervisory professional seeking First Class–level power engineering theory knowledge without pursuing certification. 

There are no mandatory prerequisites or eligibility requirements to enroll in this program.

To be successful in this program, we recommend you have a minimum 50% in Grade 12 Math, English, Physics. If you haven’t completed these courses, consider taking Academic Upgrading courses first.

Learners will benefit from having Second Class–level theory knowledge, or equivalent education or industry experience, before beginning First Class theory training. Completion of Second Class Power Engineering theory courses is recommended. 

Note: If your goal is to obtain the First Class Power Engineering Certificate of Competency with ABSA to work as a First Class Power Engineer, ABSA requires proof that you hold a valid Second Class Power Engineering Certificate of Competency and meet all additional regulatory requirements, including successful completion of the required certification exams and applicable operating experience or steam time. 

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be able to: 

  • apply advanced thermodynamic, mechanical, and fluid principles to analyze and evaluate complex power plant systems
  • interpret and apply codes, standards, and regulatory requirements governing boilers, pressure vessels, piping, and plant operations
  • assess plant performance, energy use, and equipment efficiency to support informed operational and technical decisions
  • evaluate materials, corrosion, combustion, and water treatment processes to support system reliability and integrity
  • apply maintenance, inspection, and project management practices to support equipment lifecycle and plant performance
  • analyze safety, risk, and environmental management systems to support compliant and responsible operations
  • apply leadership, communication, and organizational principles to support decision-making and coordination in complex industrial environments. 

Program outline

To earn this certificate, you must complete the eight mandatory courses below. You may complete these courses in any order; however, for ABSA certification purposes, we recommend following the sequence: A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4. A SAIT Certificate of Achievement is issued only upon successful completion of the eight courses at SAIT. 

Required courses & electives

How to apply for this certificate

Once you have registered for any course offered in this certificate, you will be automatically eligible to complete the certificate. You will have up to three years to complete this program. You may track your progression by signing in to your Continuing Education student account.

Certifications and professional designations

Upon successful completion of all required courses in this program, you’ll receive an electronically issued SAIT Certificate of Achievement and transcript.

SAIT will also provide an official result letter for each course completed, which you can submit with your application to write the ABSA First Class exams A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, and B4.

To obtain the Alberta Boilers Safety Association First Class Certificate of Competency, you must also provide proof of applicable operating experience or steam time in a power or heating plant. ABSA recognizes multiple training and experience pathways. Operating experience credit is granted only upon completion of all eight First Class theory courses. Completion of fewer than eight courses does not qualify for credit. If you have completed all eight courses and are employed in eligible roles at qualifying power plants, as defined by ABSA, you may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of credit toward the operating experience requirements. 

Power Engineering certification requirements and transfer provisions vary by province and territory across Canada. Check with the regulatory authority in your desired work location for details:

  • want to work in Alberta? Contact ABSA.
  • want to work in another Canadian jurisdiction? Reach out to the local boiler branch in your new jurisdiction.

Costs

This program consists of eight courses with varying fees. Please review the individual course pages for this certificate program to determine costs and to learn more about additional learning materials, including textbooks. 

Financial support

Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant. 

Financing your education

Careers and opportunities

With this program and all other ABSA certification requirements met, you’ll be prepared to pursue opportunities as a First Class Power Engineer overseeing large industrial and utility-scale power and heating facilities. The program also supports senior operational, leadership, technical, and plant management roles that require advanced First Class–level power engineering knowledge.  

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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

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