On this page:
Overview
From power plants to manufacturing facilities, power engineers keep critical systems running efficiently and safely. SAIT’s Fourth Class Power Engineering Certificate of Achievement provides the energy systems, safety protocols, and equipment operation knowledge you need for a key role in the energy industry and in industries that rely on steam and power systems.
Start the program with this Fourth Class Part A theory course, which prepares you to write the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth Class Part A certification exam. This course will also prepare you for the next theory course: PWEN 112 - Fourth Class Power Engineering Part B.
Learn part-time, online, with instructor support—on your schedule. You’ll learn key topics such as boiler construction, combustion, refrigeration, HVAC fundamentals, turbines, and compressors, ensuring you develop both the theoretical foundation and practical insights to succeed.
This course is ideal if you:
- want to earn your ABSA Fourth Class certification and grow in a high-demand industry
- are looking to strengthen your expertise in boiler systems, plant operations, and energy management
- want practical, job-ready skills that employers look for in power engineering
- need flexible online learning that fits your work and personal schedule.
To be eligible to register for this course, you must:
- be a holder of a valid Provincial Power Engineering Fifth Class Certificate.
- complete all fifth-class power engineering courses - proof of completion is required.
To be successful in this program, it is recommended you have a minimum of Grade 12 Math, Physics and English. If you have not completed these courses, consider taking an Academic Upgrading course.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- perform preparatory math topics for power engineering
- perform basic calculations related to elementary mechanics and dynamics
- understand elementary physical, chemical, and thermodynamic principles
- describe power engineering and its governance in Canada
- explain basic plant and fire safety describe plant operations and the environment
- explain the elements of material science and welding
- describe fluid handling technology
- describe basic concepts in electrotechnology
- describe energy plant instrumentation and controls
- use fundamental industrial communication tools
- describe the fundamentals of boiler design
- describe various elements of boiler systems.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upon successful completion of this course, SAIT will issue you an official result letter which you can submit with your application to write the ABSA Fourth Class Part A certification exam. SAIT's passing grade is 50%, while the ABSA Certificate of Competency exams require 65%.
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
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
Don't have a student account? Let's set one up!
Registration for this course closes seven days prior to the start date.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you can self-print your unofficial completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
You are required to purchase reading materials for this course. Visit SAIT’s Bookstore's website to purchase the following.
If you obtain a copy of a used textbook, you'll not have access to the additional resources.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements.
- Internet access
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 Job Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
-
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.
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.