Overview
Second Class Power Engineers require advanced technical and regulatory knowledge to support plant oversight, compliance, and complex engineering analysis in large industrial facilities. This level of certification requires a deeper understanding of code calculations, plant design, supervision, and applied engineering principles.
Second Class Power Engineering A1 supports preparation for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Second Class A1 theory certification exam and is also suited to experienced power engineers seeking to strengthen or refresh advanced technical and regulatory knowledge. In this course, you’ll study ASME code calculations for cylindrical components, stayed surfaces, safety valves, and furnaces; boiler and pressure vessel legislation; plant design and installation standards; management and supervision principles; plant maintenance programs; safety systems; and applied mechanics topics including linear and angular motion, friction, static and dynamic forces, and fluid dynamics.
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 Second Class Power Engineering A1 theory exam
- hold a Third Class Certificate of Competency and are progressing toward Second Class
- want to deepen your understanding of ASME code calculations, plant legislation, and advanced mechanics
- work in a large industrial or power plant environment and require advanced supervisory and technical knowledge
- 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 Third Class–level theory knowledge, or equivalent education or industry experience, before beginning Second Class theory training. Completion of Third Class Power Engineering theory courses is recommended.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- explain and perform ASME code calculations for cylindrical components
- explain and perform ASME code calculations for stayed surfaces, safety valves and furnaces
- define and describe relevant boiler and pressure vessel legislation
- describe and explain standards and responsibilities for plant design and installation
- define and explain functions, goals and objectives of management and supervision
- describe programs and tools used to manage plant maintenance
- describe and explain safety programs and tools
- explain and perform calculations related to linear motion
- explain and perform calculations related to angular motion
- explain and perform calculations related to friction
- explain and perform calculations related to static and dynamic forces
- explain and perform calculations related to fluid dynamic.
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 Second Class A1 exam application. SAIT's passing grade is 50%, while the ABSA Certificate of Competency exams require 65%.
To receive the ABSA Second Class Certificate of Competency, proof of work experience is also required.
If you complete all six second class power engineering courses and work in an eligible role at a qualifying power plant as defined by ABSA, you may receive up to nine 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
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 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 Second 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 Second Class, Ed. 2.5 Volume A1
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
-
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.
Stories and news
From landing in Canada to landing dream jobs: Newcomers upskill with SAIT’s professional programs
Kanika from India and Lydia from Ukraine gained experience and confidence to take their careers to the next level
Alberta companies look to workforce training to close critical skills gaps
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) provides corporate training to help businesses boost productivity and workplace performance.
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.