New pressure welder program
A new pressure welder program will come into effect in BC on December 3, 2019, following the changes to the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation in Ministerial Order M317.
The new program will introduce three classes of certification of qualification for pressure welders, and a new class of contractor licence specifically for pressure welding. These changes will improve harmonization with other Canadian jurisdictions and promote labour mobility.
Opportunity to provide feedback
We are currently consulting on the new program and associated proposed fees. Learn more about the consultation and how to provide feedback.
New pressure welder program classes
IMPORTANT: Individuals already working as a pressure welder in BC can apply to transition into the new program as a class A pressure welder. Those that apply for transition prior to December 3, 2020 will not be required to pay the application evaluation fee or the practical exam fee, if all transition criteria are met.
| Class | Scope of work | Prerequisites for application | Expiry/Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Perform registered pressure welds on any pressure equipment in BC |
Proof of one of the following qualifications:
Applicants already working as a pressure welder will also need:
|
Must be renewed every three years; fee and practical exam (with fee) required |
| Class R | Perform a limited scope of pressure welding work on specific equipment or sites |
1. Qualification and experience as a pressure welder from your country of origin or Canadian jurisdiction; AND 2. Employment by a licensed boiler contractor that has:
|
After six months; not eligible for renewal |
| Class IT | Perform pressure welds as an apprentice under supervision (note: this class aligns with ITA’s harmonized apprenticeship program) |
Applicants must be one of the following:
|
After three years; not eligible for renewal |
Requirements for obtaining a certificate of qualification under the new pressure welder program will depend on whether the applicant is a:
- pressure welder already working in BC
Pressure welders who work in BC are eligible to be transitioned into the new program as a class A pressure welder, with no fees required.
- new pressure welder (e.g. a recent graduate of the ITA welder program)
Individuals looking to work as a pressure welder can apply for a class A or class IT pressure welder certificate, with the appropriate training and fees.
- person who holds a pressure welder certificate of qualification outside of BC
Individuals with a pressure welder certificate of qualification from another Canadian province or territory may be eligible for a class A or class R pressure welder certificate. International pressure welders can also apply for a class R pressure welder certificate.
Contractor licence
Under the new pressure welder contractor licence class ("class PW"), subcontractors and companies with in-house welding expertise will be able to register weld procedures without requiring a broader-scoped boiler contractor licence. The class PW contractor licence has been created specifically for pressure welding.
Businesses looking to obtain the new pressure welder contractor licence can apply beginning December 3, 2019.
Recognized test administrators (RTAs)
Recognized test administrators (RTAs) (previously called "certificate of recognition holders" or "welding testing agencies") are organizations or individuals that can administer pressure welding performance qualification tests. Under the new pressure welder program, RTAs will be responsible for signing pressure welder logbooks.
The initial class A certificate of qualification tests will need to be administered by a Technical Safety BC safety officer at a recognized test administrator's facility. Class IT and Class R certificate of qualification tests will be administered by recognized test administrators.
- List of recognized testing administrators under the current pressure welding program
- Apply to become a recognized testing administrator under the new pressure welding program
Give your feedback
Technical Safety BC is currently requesting industry feedback on the new pressure welder program and the proposed fees for the application evaluation and the exam. (note: The fee charged by recognized test administrators for hosting the exam will be set by each RTA.)
Please see our Pressure welder program and fee consultation page for more information and to submit your feedback. The formal consultation process closes on August 23, 2019.
Feedback can be submitted by:
More information
- Common Questions and Answers
- Read about changes to the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel & Refrigeration Safety Regulation involving pressure welders
- Read about the current pressure welder program
Questions? Please reach Technical Safety BC’s Stakeholder Engagement team at engage@technicalsafetybc.ca
