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Overview
A strong foundation in safety, systems, and calculations means greater confidence in your role as a power engineer. This comprehensive online learning course helps you develop the critical knowledge you need to pass your Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Third Class A2 certification exam.
Designed to strengthen your understanding of critical industry concepts, you’ll cover boiler pressure vessel codes, electrical systems, combustion analysis, and control strategies. You’ll also develop the skills to perform essential calculations, analyze safety regulations, and troubleshoot real-world power system challenges.
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:
- want detailed information and technical preparation to write the ABSA Third Class A2 certification exam
- are seeking an industry-recognized pathway to your third class power engineering certification
- want to sharpen your technical expertise for a role in power generation, maintenance, or industrial operations.
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:
- describe the design, construction, and operation of water tube boilers
- describe the design, construction, and operation of special boilers
- explain code requirements and construction methods for large boilers
- explain the purpose and design of boiler heat transfer components
- describe the design and operation of high-pressure boiler fittings
- describe the components of burners and fuel supply systems
- describe the equipment used for boiler draft, flue gas, and ash handling
- explain the components and operation of boiler control systems
- describe procedures for operation and maintenance of high-pressure boilers
- discuss internal water treatment control, testing, and monitoring
- explain boiler water pre-treatment
- describe the design, principles, and operation of pumps
- perform basic pump calculations
- explain different welding procedures and inspection techniques
- explain pressure vessel design, stresses, and operating considerations
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 A2 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.
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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’ll receive an electronic copy of your official transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of 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 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
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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.
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.