Class A-R: Power Line Technician

The scope of work not authorized under this certificate includes installation of low voltage secondary service equipment and wiring. However, it does allow for underground secondary distribution.

You must provide proof of one of the following:

• Canadian Interprovincial Standards Examination 'IPSE' Certificate in the trade of Power Line Technician
• BC Certificate of Qualification in the Trade of Power Line Technician (if issued prior to April 1, 2004)
• BC Exemption Permit in the Trade of Power Line Technician (LIX) (Note: the BC Exemption Certificate is no longer issued)

To apply, log in to your Online Services account and select "Apply for a new certificate" under the certification tab. 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.

How to Apply For Examination

Once you have submitted your application and paid the applicable fee, we will evaluate your qualifications. If you’re successful, we will contact you and you will be able to apply for this certification's exam.

Once you have been approved to apply for the exam, log in to your Online Services account and select "Book or view exams" under the certification tab. From there, you can view your available exam and choose your preferred dates, times, and locations. You will not be able to book your exam until we notify you that you are eligible.

If you wish to apply by mail, please fill out the Contact Us form to request a paper form.

The class A-R - Line Technician FSR exam takes 3.5 hours. It is open book and is made up of 50 multiple choice questions, with a 35% focus on Act, Regulations, and Directive, and a 65% focus on Code. You must achieve a minimum grade of 70% to pass.

You will have three chances to pass; after each attempt, applicants will receive a Notification Letter from Technical Safety BC that details the marks achieved and highlights areas that need improvement. An exam re-write fee applies to each additional attempt.

If you fail an exam, you will will need to wait 30 days after the previous examination to rebook. If you fail your third or any subsequent attempt, you must request permission to take a fourth or further attempt, with additional time required between each attempt.

For more information on our exams visit the Exam Information page.

• Current Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, as adopted in BC by the Electrical Safety Regulation - sections 0, 2, 4, 10, 12, 14, 16, 26, 36, 54, 56, 60
• Current version of CAN/CSA-C22.3 No. 1-15, Overhead Systems
• Latest code update materials
• You should also review these reference materials.