Overview
Second Class Power Engineers must demonstrate advanced knowledge of steam generation systems, inspection practices, and water treatment processes to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance. At this level, a strong understanding of maintenance standards and equipment integrity is critical.
Second Class Power Engineering A3 supports preparation for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Second Class A3 theory certification exam and is also suited to experienced power engineers seeking to strengthen or refresh advanced technical knowledge related to steam generators and water systems. In this course, you’ll study steam generator components and specialized boiler design, steam generator operation, boiler inspection and maintenance practices, pump selection and operation, water chemistry and analysis, water pre-treatment processes, internal boiler water treatment, and non-boiler water treatment systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding system design, operating procedures, and treatment controls that support safe and efficient plant performance.
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 A3 theory exam
- hold a Third Class Certificate of Competency and are progressing toward Second Class
- want to deepen your understanding of steam generator systems, inspection, and water treatment
- work in a large industrial or power plant environment and require advanced boiler and maintenance 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 describe the purpose and design of steam generator components
- describe and compare the design and components of specialized boilers describe and explain procedures for operation of a steam generator
- describe cleaning, testing, inspection, and maintenance of boilers
- describe pump selection, installation, operation and maintenance
- describe and explain the purpose, process and analysis tools for water chemistry
- explain purpose, equipment and operation of water pre-treatment
- explain purpose, equipment and operation of water softening or demineralization equipment
- explain the causes, effects and controls used for internal water treatment
- describe effects and controls used for non-boiler water treatment.
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 A3 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.
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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 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 Part A3 Textbook, Ed. 2.5
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.