Power Engineer
Information you need to know to work as a Power Engineer
Who is the issuing authority for certification of Power Engineers in Alberta?
In Alberta, Power Engineers are certified through the Alberta Boiler Safety Association (ABSA). Standardized certification exam results are accepted in all Canadian provinces and territories.
What are the certification requirements for internationally educated Power Engineers?
There are five standardized levels of certification (Class) for power engineers. Each level of certification has different training and employment experience requirements.
As a regulatory requirement, Power Engineers are required to meet all certification requirements despite experience.
Internationally educated Power Engineers must:
- Have worked as a Power Engineer within the last 7 years
- Complete the Application for Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications for Power Engineer Certification. A general IQAS assessment will be necessary for the application
- Pass the Documentation Evaluation Interview
- Write and pass the Class 4 exam
- After passing the Class 4 exam, an applicant may be allowed to write Class 3, 2, and 1 exams depending on the ABSA evaluation of experience.
For more complete information, visit the Foreign Qualifications page on the ABSA website.
What are the educational requirements for Power Engineers in Alberta?
Power engineering programs and continuing education courses are offered by the following post-secondary institutions in Alberta:
- Grande Prairie Regional College in Grande Prairie
- Keyano College in Fort McMurray
- Lakeland College in Lloydminster
- Lethbridge College in Lethbridge
- Medicine Hat College in Medicine Hat
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton and Fairview
- Northern Lakes College in Grouard
- Portage College in Lac La Biche
- Red Deer College in Red Deer
- SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
There are no formal English requirements for Power Engineers; however, Power Engineers must have a high level of English in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in order to be successful in the profession. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Power Engineers?
Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professional fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork. Visit Clear Communication for Business for more information.
What information resources are available for Power Engineers?
Alberta Boiler Safety Association
Additional Occupational Information
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