On this page:
Overview
Taking the next step toward your third class power engineering certification starts with the right knowledge and preparation. This course provides the theory you need to confidently tackle the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Third Class A1 certification exam and help you build the technical foundation you need to advance in your career.
Learn part-time, online, with instructor support—on your schedule. This comprehensive course strengthens your understanding of the core third class power engineering specialties, including mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, metallurgy, and industrial drawings. Whether you want to solidify your expertise or enhance your problem-solving skills, this course ensures you’re well-prepared.
While this course is a crucial step, completing all four sections — A1, A2, B1, and B2 — is necessary to earn SAIT’s Third Class Power Engineering Certificate of Achievement. And if you are working in an eligible power plant role, completing all four courses may count for six months of credit toward ABSA’s 12-month work experience requirement.
This course is ideal if you:
- hold a Fourth Class Power Engineering Certificate of Competency and are working toward ABSA Third Class certification
- plan to write the ABSA Third Class A1 certification exam
- want to strengthen your understanding of essential engineering concepts such as heat transfer, energy calculations, and metallurgy.
To be eligible to register for this course, you must:
- be a holder of a valid Provincial Power Engineering Fourth Class Certificate.
- complete all fourth-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.
You may register for this technical theory course without a valid fourth class certificate however, to write the third class certification exams you will need to provide documented proof of a valid Fourth Class Power Engineering Certificate of Competency.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- solve mathematics problems using algebraic operations, including equations and logarithms
- explain andsolve trigonometric problems solve mensuration problems involving surface areas and volumes
- solve problems involving vectors, forces, friction, velocity, acceleration, work, power, and energy, stresses, bending of beams, simple machines and fluids
- solve problems involving heat and changes of state, and calorimetry perform calculations involving heat transfer and thermal expansion
- solve problems involving the thermodynamics of steam
- perform calculations involving the expansion of gases
- explain relevant chemistry fundamentals
- explain metallurgy production, properties, and applications
- explain corrosion causes, monitoring, and control
- identify and interpret typical engineering drawings
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 Third Class A1 exam application. SAIT's passing grade is 50%, while the ABSA Certificate of Competency exams require 65%.
To receive the ABSA Third Class Certificate of Competency, proof of work experience is also required.
If you complete all four third class power engineering courses and work in an eligible role at a qualifying power plant as defined by ABSA, you may receive six months' credit toward the 12-month 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 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.
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
Proctering fees for the final exam in this course will apply.
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.