BCIT
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby. One-year full-time power engineering program.
On TSBC provider list2 papers
Part A and Part B, written separatelyFree study guide · SOPEEC-aligned
The 4th Class Power Engineer Roadmap
Everything you need to earn your 4th Class ticket anywhere in Canada: eligibility and steam time by province, the Part A and Part B syllabus, where to study, and what to expect on the exams.
How you get your ticket: 5 steps +
- Check your province's route. Some provinces want a course first, some want plant experience first, and some accept either.
- Take an approved 4th Class course or a power lab, if your regulator requires or credits it.
- Build qualifying time in a plant your regulator accepts.
- Pass Part A and Part B. Two exams, written separately.
- Apply for your certificate with proof of experience.
Eligibility requirements
Every province issues a 4th Class certificate, but the route differs. Open your province to see the regulator, course and steam-time rules, and what the certificate lets you operate.
British Columbia
| Regulatory body | Technical Safety BC (TSBC) ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write |
|
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | Part A (4A1) and Part B (4B1): 100 questions, 3 hours, 65% each. Three attempts, with a 30-day wait after a failed attempt. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Alberta
| Regulatory body | ABSA ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | An approved 4th Class course from ABSA's accepted program list. |
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | Part A and Part B: 100 questions, 3 hours, 65% each. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Saskatchewan
| Regulatory body | Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK) ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | Pass both 4th Class papers, then qualify through one of TSASK's routes. Some routes need a 5th Class certificate; others don't. |
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | Part A and Part B: 100 questions, 3 hours, 65% each. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Manitoba
| Regulatory body | Inspection and Technical Services (ITS) ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | No prerequisite certificate. |
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | Part A and Part B: 100 questions, 3 hours, 65% each. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Ontario
Different exam format
| Regulatory body | Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | No prerequisite certificate. A recognized 4th Class course is recommended; you can also challenge the exams. |
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | TSSA 4A and 4B: 150 multiple-choice questions each, 3½ hours, 65%. Rewrites after 60 days. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Quebec
Own system
| Regulatory body | Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale ↗ |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Quebec does not use SOPEEC classes. The equivalent is the Certificat en mécanique de machines fixes, classe 4 (MMF-C4). |
| Before you write | Mandatory courses in laws, codes and regulations, boiler operation and thermodynamics, offered by Quebec school service centres. |
| Steam time | At least 1,000 hours of apprenticeship under a certified journeyperson. |
| Exam | 50 to 75 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, 60% to pass. The certificate is valid for 4 years. |
| What you can operate |
|
New Brunswick
| Regulatory body | Technical Inspection Services (Public Safety) ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | No prerequisite certificate. |
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | Pass the required 4th Class examinations. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Nova Scotia
| Regulatory body | Labour, Skills and Immigration: Technical Safety ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | Training must be a program approved by the Chief Inspector, Power Engineers. |
| Steam time |
|
| Exams | SOPEEC 4th Class Part A and Part B. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Prince Edward Island
| Regulatory body | Power Engineers Board of Examiners ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | Either a full-time 4th Class power engineering course at a recognized school, or the experience below plus an upgrading course the Board requires. |
| Steam time | 12 months (about 1,920 hours*) installing, operating and repairing boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping and related equipment. |
| Exams | PEI provincial 4th Class exam. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
Newfoundland and Labrador
| Regulatory body | Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division ↗ |
|---|---|
| Before you write | An approved program with technical content equal to the SOPEEC syllabus, plus a practical component the Department accepts. |
| Steam time | No separate experience requirement is listed for 4th Class. |
| Exams | SOPEEC 4th Class papers, approved by the Power Engineering Examination Committee. |
| What you can operate |
|
| Where you'll find these plants |
* Hours are estimates at 160 hours a month, the rate TSASK uses; regulators that state months may count hours differently. Workplace examples are typical, not regulatory. Last checked October 2026; confirm with your regulator before you apply.
Syllabus
4th Class is two exam papers, Part A and Part B, following the SOPEEC 4th Class syllabus.
Part A
- 1Mechanics and dynamics
- 2Chemistry and thermodynamics
- 3Jurisdictional legislation, codes and standards
- 4Plant and heating plant safety
- 5Environment
- 6Materials and welding
- 7Piping and valves
- 8Electricity
- 9Instrumentation and controls
- 10Plant communication
- 11Boilers
- 12Boiler systems
Part B
- 1Lubrication
- 2Pumps and compressors
- 3Boiler safety devices
- 4Plant (boiler) operations
- 5Plant maintenance
- 6Water treatment
- 7Prime movers and engines
- 8Auxiliary building systems
- 9Refrigeration
- 10Heating, ventilating and air conditioning
- 11Heating and cooling systems
- 12Types of plants
Subjects as listed by TSASK for the SOPEEC 4th Class exams. Full syllabus: sopeec.org.
Books
Browse the 4th Class textbooks listed in the BoilerIQ library. Select a book to open its library record.
Class 4 · A-14th Class Power Engineering – A-1
4th Class Power Engineering – A-1
Class 4 · A-24th Class Power Engineering – A-2
4th Class Power Engineering – A-2
Class 4 · A-34th Class Power Engineering – A-3
4th Class Power Engineering – A-3
Class 4 · A-44th Class Power Engineering – A-4
4th Class Power Engineering – A-4
Class 4 · A-54th Class Power Engineering – A-5
4th Class Power Engineering – A-5
Class 4 · A-64th Class Power Engineering – A-6
4th Class Power Engineering – A-6
Class 4 · A-74th Class Power Engineering – A-7
4th Class Power Engineering – A-7
Class 4 · A-84th Class Power Engineering – A-8
4th Class Power Engineering – A-8
Class 4 · A-94th Class Power Engineering – A-9
4th Class Power Engineering – A-9
Class 4 · A-104th Class Power Engineering – A-10
4th Class Power Engineering – A-10
Class 4 · A-114th Class Power Engineering – A-11
4th Class Power Engineering – A-11
Class 4 · A-124th Class Power Engineering – A-12
4th Class Power Engineering – A-12
Class 4 · B-14th Class Power Engineering – B-1
4th Class Power Engineering – B-1
Class 4 · B-24th Class Power Engineering – B-2
4th Class Power Engineering – B-2
Class 4 · B-34th Class Power Engineering – B-3
4th Class Power Engineering – B-3
Class 4 · B-44th Class Power Engineering – B-4
4th Class Power Engineering – B-4
Class 4 · B-54th Class Power Engineering – B-5
4th Class Power Engineering – B-5
Class 4 · B-64th Class Power Engineering – B-6
4th Class Power Engineering – B-6
Class 4 · B-74th Class Power Engineering – B-7
4th Class Power Engineering – B-7
Class 4 · B-84th Class Power Engineering – B-8
4th Class Power Engineering – B-8
Class 4 · B-94th Class Power Engineering – B-9
4th Class Power Engineering – B-9
Class 4 · B-104th Class Power Engineering – B-10
4th Class Power Engineering – B-10
Class 4 · B-114th Class Power Engineering – B-11
4th Class Power Engineering – B-11
Class 4 · B-124th Class Power Engineering – B-12
4th Class Power Engineering – B-12
Where to study
4th Class programs by province: full-time, part-time, online and power labs. Online programs from BCIT, SAIT, NAIT and others can be taken from anywhere, but check that your regulator accepts them.
British Columbia
8 courses
CNC
College of New Caledonia, Prince George and Quesnel. 1,200-hour Power Engineering 4th Class program.
On TSBC provider listNorthern Lights College
Fort St. John. 910-hour Power Engineering 4th Class certificate.
On TSBC provider listTRU
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops. 40-week power engineering program.
On TSBC provider listVIU
Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo. 32-week Process Operator 4th Class program.
On TSBC provider listTFM Consultants
Langley. Part A and Part B courses, 4 weeks each.
On TSBC provider listPETC
Power Engineering Technology Corporation, Squamish. Part A and Part B, 120 hours each.
On TSBC provider listBCIT
Part A and Part B by distance learning, about 8 months. Also offers a 200-hour on-site power lab.
On TSBC provider list · ABSA acceptedAlberta
13 courses
SAIT
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary. Power Process Operations: 4th Class Power Engineering, with a 210-hour power lab.
ABSA: course and experience requirements metKeyano College
Fort McMurray. 4th Class Comprehensive program; also a 200-hour power lab.
ABSA: course met · lab = 6 months steam timePortage College
Lac La Biche. Full-time 4th Class Power Engineering.
ABSA: course met · experience credit via collegeNWP
Northwestern Polytechnic (formerly GPRC), Fairview. Full-time 4th Class Power Engineering.
ABSA: course met · experience credit via collegeCCIS
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. Full-time 4th Class program.
ABSA: course requirements metNAIT
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton. 200-hour 4th Class power lab.
ABSA: 6 months steam timeLakeland College
Lloydminster. 200-hour 4th Class steam (power) lab.
ABSA: 6 months steam timeSAIT
4th Class Part A and Part B online with instructor support, up to 3 years to finish; optional PWEN 005 power lab.
ABSA: course requirements metLakeland College
Online 4th Class Power Engineering.
ABSA: course requirements metNAIT
4th Class by distance learning.
ABSA: course requirements metKeyano College
4th Class Power Engineering by distance learning (CML).
ABSA: course requirements metNorthern Lakes College
4th Class by distance learning; also a 200-hour power lab.
ABSA: course met · lab = 6 months steam timeBCIT
British Columbia Institute of Technology. Part A and Part B by distance learning.
ABSA: course requirements metSaskatchewan
4 courses
Sask Polytech
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Power Engineering Technician: 34 weeks, delivered at Great Plains College (Swift Current), Southeast College (Estevan) and Suncrest College (Yorkton). Graduates earn one year of 4th Class qualifying time.
Prepares for TSASK 4th Class examsSoutheast College
Estevan. 8-month blended certificate with two 3-week power labs in Saskatoon. About $6,393 tuition plus $2,000 books (2025-26 estimate).
Prepares for 4th Class examsGreat Plains College
Swift Current. 8-month certificate with two 3-week labs in Saskatoon and a 60-hour work placement.
Prepares for 4th Class examsSask DLC
Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre. Four online courses, each with 50 hours of theory and 50 hours of work study.
Accredited by TSASKManitoba
2 courses
RRC Polytech
Red River College Polytechnic, Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg. One-year Power Engineering Technology (4th Class) certificate, August start. Leads into the 3rd Class program.
Prepares for ITS 4th Class examsRRC Polytech
ENGI-9014 (Part A) and ENGI-9015 (Part B) exam preparation courses.
RRC: partial practical-experience creditOntario
3 courses
Durham College
Whitby. Two-semester Power Engineering Techniques (Fourth Class) certificate. TSSA-accredited; graduates may cut the usual 12 months of steam time by up to 9 months.
TSSA-accreditedFanshawe College
St. Thomas campus, with labs at Western University's power plant. 45 weeks.
TSSA-approved curriculumConestoga College
Kitchener, Doon campus. One year (3 terms), next start September 2027.
Prepares for TSSA 4th Class examsQuebec
French programs
Training for the MMF-C4 is offered in French by Quebec school service centres (centres de services scolaires). See the Quebec government page linked under Eligibility.
New Brunswick
1 course
NBCC
New Brunswick Community College. Two-year Power Engineering Technology program with mandatory co-op placements. Ask NBCC which certificate class and credit it leads to.
Diploma programNova Scotia
4 courses
NSCC Akerley
Nova Scotia Community College, Dartmouth. 4th Class Power Engineer, September to June.
Approved · est. 2,000 hours creditNSCC Strait
Nova Scotia Community College, Port Hawkesbury. 4th Class Power Engineer, September to June.
Approved · est. 2,000 hours creditNSCC Marconi
Nova Scotia Community College, Sydney. Process Operator / 4th Class Power Engineer, 12 months.
Approved · est. 2,000 hours creditNSCC Virtual
Nova Scotia Community College, Virtual Campus. 4th Class Power Engineer, 6 months.
Approved · est. 1,000 hours creditPrince Edward Island
1 course
Holland College
Marine Training Centre. One-year 4th Class Power Engineering certificate, September 2026 start (waiting list).
Prepares for the PEI provincial examNewfoundland and Labrador
1 course
CNA
College of the North Atlantic: the province's listed trainer for 4th and 3rd Class.
Listed by the DepartmentProgram lengths, dates and fees change each term. Last checked October 2026; confirm with the school and your regulator before you enrol.
Exam
Exam format
Two papers · multiple choice · SOPEEC standard format
100 questions each
Multiple choice, 3 hours per paper65% to pass
On each paper. Aim for 75% in practiceCode books allowed
Bring approved codes and your Act. Practise finding answers fast.Ontario is different: TSSA's 4A and 4B exams have 150 multiple-choice questions each, with 3½ hours per exam and a 65% pass mark; rewrites are allowed after 60 days. BC: three attempts per exam, with a 30-day wait after a failed attempt. Quebec uses its own class 4 exam (see Eligibility).
Before you book
Three checks before you pick a date
Apply early
Send your application to your regulator well before the exam date.Aim for 75%, not the pass mark
Pass two full timed mocks at 75% first.Learn your code books
Know where answers are so you're fast on the day.Not sure when to book?
Pick a target date and weekly hours, and get a week-by-week plan for each 4th Class paper.
Try a question from our bank
If a power engineer moves from one province to another, what should they generally expect regarding their certification?
What to bring
Check your regulator's list before exam day
4th Class power engineer FAQ
How many exams are in 4th Class?
Two papers, Part A and Part B. Under the SOPEEC standard each has 100 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours and a 65% pass mark. Ontario's TSSA exams have 150 questions in 3½ hours.
Do I need 5th Class before 4th Class?
Not in most provinces. BC, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and PEI have no 5th Class prerequisite. In Saskatchewan, some routes require a 5th Class certificate and others don't.
How much steam time do I need for 4th Class?
It varies: 6 months in BC (after the exams) and New Brunswick, 12 months in Manitoba (halved with an approved course), 1,920 hours in Ontario (480 after an approved full-time program), and 12 to 24 months in Saskatchewan depending on the route. A 200-hour power lab counts as 6 months in Alberta and can qualify you in BC.
Can I take a 4th Class course online?
Yes. BCIT, SAIT, NAIT, Lakeland, Keyano, Northern Lakes, NSCC and Sask DLC offer online or distance options. Check that your regulator accepts the program, and plan for any power lab or plant experience you still need.
What can a 4th Class power engineer operate?
It depends on the province. For example, in Manitoba a 4th Class engineer can be chief engineer of a high-pressure plant up to 1,000 kW; in Saskatchewan, chief engineer of high-pressure steam up to 1,000 kW and shift engineer up to 5,000 kW.
Is BoilerIQ official?
No. BoilerIQ practice material is SOPEEC-aligned and is not affiliated with or endorsed by SOPEEC or any provincial regulator.
Start today
Try free SOPEEC-aligned 4th Class questions, or build a week-by-week study plan.
BoilerIQ practice material is SOPEEC-aligned and is not affiliated with or endorsed by SOPEEC or any provincial regulator. Always confirm exam and certification requirements with your provincial jurisdiction.