Overview
First Class Power Engineers apply advanced knowledge of maintenance, inspection, and project practices to support the reliability and integrity of power plant equipment. At this level, understanding how maintenance strategies, repair requirements, and monitoring systems interact is essential to evaluate equipment condition and support informed operational decisions.
First Class Power Engineering B3 supports preparation for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) First Class B3 theory certification exam and is also suited to experienced power engineers seeking to strengthen or refresh advanced knowledge in maintenance management and equipment integrity. In this course, you’ll study project management principles, maintenance management practices, inspection and repair requirements for boilers, pressure vessels and piping, non-destructive examination methods, and rotating equipment maintenance and monitoring. Emphasis is placed on understanding inspection techniques, evaluating equipment condition, and applying maintenance and project practices to support safe and reliable plant operation.
You’ll complete this course through flexible, part-time online study with instructor support. Your learning experience combines textbook study with interactive online chapter assessments that reinforce key concepts, while instructor consultation supports your understanding of the material. The course concludes with a final proctored online exam taken at a physical testing centre of your choice.
This course is ideal if you:
- are preparing to write the ABSA First Class Power Engineering B3 theory exam
- hold a Second Class Certificate of Competency and are progressing toward First Class
- want to deepen your understanding of maintenance management, inspection, and equipment reliability
- work in a power or industrial environment and require advanced knowledge of repair, monitoring, and asset integrity
- need flexible, part-time online learning that fits your schedule.
There are no mandatory prerequisites or eligibility requirements to enroll in this course.
To be successful in this course, 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.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- define and explain project management tools, processes and reporting
- describe and explain various maintenance management processes and practices
- describe and explain the requirements for inspection and repair of boilers
- describe and explain the requirements for inspection and repair of pressure vessel and piping
- describe and explain the various methods used for non-destructive examination
- explain inspection and procedures for typical rotating equipment maintenance
- explain and describe rotating equipment monitoring related to turbine vibration, expansion, lubrication.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued an official result letter, which you can submit with your ABSA First Class B3 exam application. SAIT's passing grade is 50%, while the ABSA Certificate of Competency exams require 65%.
To receive the ABSA First Class Certificate of Competency, proof of work experience is also required. If you complete all eight first class power engineering courses and work in an eligible role at a qualifying power plant as defined by ABSA, you may receive up to 12 months' credit toward operating/steam time experience requirement. Contact ABSA for more information to determine your needs based on your unique situation.
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.
Upcoming dates
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Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled, and blended courses, and one day before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, SAIT will issue you an official result letter for you to submit with your ABSA First Class certification exam application.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L).
The following book is required and available for purchase at checkout when you register online for this course:
- Power Engineering First Class Part B3 Textbook, Ed. 2.0
Note: If you choose to purchase the book from SAIT after you have registered for the course, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca for assistance.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements
- Internet access.
Additional information
An additional proctoring fee applies to write the final exam at your chosen testing centre.
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.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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Certificate of Achievement
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
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.