Overview
The Second Class Power Engineer certificate of qualification allows you to be:
- Chief engineer of a plant with a corresponding or lower class
- Shift engineer of a plant up to one class higher than the class of this certificate
- A person-in-charge of any type or size of refrigeration plant
To obtain this certificate, you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements. You will also need to pass an evaluation and six certification exams.
March 2023 changes
Effective March 1, 2023, the 2A3 power engineering examination paper will only be administered in the multiple-choice format. This is a continuation of SOPEECs initiative to move towards multiple choice examinations at the 2nd class level.
General eligibility
To apply for your Second Class Power Engineer certificate, you must have one of the following:
- Third Class Power Engineer certificate
- Corresponding Canadian credential
- First Class Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency
Evaluation eligibility
To apply for evaluation, you must be employed while in possession of a Third Class Power Engineer certificate, a corresponding Canadian credential, or a First Class Marine Engineer (motor) certificate of competency, for one of the following:
- 24 months as chief engineer of a third class plant
- 24 months as a shift engineer or as an assistant chief engineer of a second class plant
- 24 months as an assistant shift engineer or an assistant engineer, performing duties approved by a provincial safety manager, at a first class plant
Qualifying time credits:
- If you have successfully completed an approved second class power engineering course, the required periods of employment can be reduced by nine months. Refer to this list of approved courses and course providers
- If you hold a mechanical engineering degree (Canadian or equivalent), the required period of employment for the positions and types of plants can be reduced by 12 months
Apply for evaluation
To apply, log in to your Online Services account and follow the steps. Don't have an account? Sign up now.
If you wish to apply by mail, please fill out the Contact Us form to request a paper form.
Exam eligibility
To apply for your certification exams, you must meet the general eligibility requirements for this class.
Visit our exam page to find out how to apply for your exams.
About these exams
You must pass the following six exams. Each exam is 3.5 hours long, and you must achieve a minimum grade of 65% on each exam to pass. All details on the subject areas of study can be viewed in the second class power engineer syllabus.
- Part A Paper 2A1
- Part A Paper 2A2
- Part A Paper 2A3
- Part B Paper 2B1
- Part B Paper 2B2
- Part B Paper 2B3