Two electrical power engineers looking at a panel.

Power Engineering Fourth Class - Parts A & B

The Power Engineering Fourth Class courses help students understand the course content and prepare for the ABSA Power Engineering Fourth Class Parts A & B Standardized examinations.

If you have experience or are interested in working with low- or high-pressure plants, this course is right for you.
Certificate of Completion
78 Hours per course
 Online Synchronous
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Prepare to Excel

Prepare for and understand the exam content with courses in Basic Mathematics, Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Boiler Construction and Design, Codes and Standards, Electricity, and Instrumentation. This will build your practical knowledge of power engineering topics related to industrial plants and heavy industry. Explore thermodynamics, elementary mechanics, safety, piping, high-pressure boilers, and feedwater treatment.

Part A

This course will prepare you for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth Class Part A Provincial Power Engineer Examination. Topics include basic principles of mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, boiler construction, combustion, controls, instrumentation, boiler systems, and more.

Fourth Class Part A is 78 hours of in-person learning. It is a great starting point for working with high-pressure boilers. You'll learn the basic principles of mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, boiler construction, combustion, controls, instrumentation, boiler and auxiliaries and prime movers. This course prepares you for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABS) Fourth Class Engineer Part A Exam. 

Part B

This course will prepare you for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth Class Part B Provincial Power Engineer Examination. Topics include pumps and compressors, boiler safety and operations, plant maintenance, water treatment, refrigeration, and more.

Fourth Class Part B course is 78 hours of in-person learning.  Completing Part A and B theory courses prepares you to write the government exams in Alberta. You must seek work experience either in the workplace or an appropriate lab time.

Intakes

*Please note that payment is due upon registration.

Class Start Dates

Part A 

September 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025

February 9, 2026 - May 11, 2026

Part B 

September 16, 2025 - December 18, 2025

February 10, 2026 - May 7, 2026

Admission Requirements

Our entrance requirements suggest students have completed Grade 10 Math, English and Physics (or equivalent) but are not mandatory before taking these classes. 

ABSA requirements: 

  • To qualify to take a Fourth Class Power Engineer's Certificate of Competency examination, a candidate must 

  • (a) have successfully completed a Fourth Class course in power engineering satisfactory to the Administrator, 

  • (b) have successfully completed the first full term of a 2-year power engineering technology program satisfactory to the Administrator, or 

  • (c) hold a degree in mechanical engineering from a university satisfactory to the Administrator, 

  • Despite (a) and (b) above, a candidate who has successfully completed Part A of a Fourth class course in power engineering satisfactory to the Administrator is qualified to take Part A of the examination, and a candidate who has successfully completed Part B of a Fourth Class course in power engineering satisfactory to the Administrator is qualified to take Part B of the examination. 

Completion Requirements

Completion Requirements

Students must successfully pass each final exam at 65% and maintain an 80% attendance.

Course Cost

Domestic Students
Total Course Cost - Part A
$1,495.00
Total Course Cost - Part B
$1,495.00

Textbooks

Part A

Textbooks are required; details forthcoming. 

Part B

Textbooks are required; details forthcoming. 

These courses do not include Alberta Boiler Safety Association examinations. Students must apply to ABSA to write the interprovincial examinations.

Program Content

Part A Topics

  • Elementary Mechanics and Dynamics
  • Elementary Chemistry and Thermodynamics
  • Jurisdictional Legislation, Codes and Standards for Power Engineers
  • Power Plant/Heating Plant Safety
  • Environment
  • Material and Welding
  • Piping and Valves
  • Electricity
  • Energy Plant Instrumentation and Controls
  • Plant Communication
  • Boilers
  • Boiler Systems

Part B Topics

  • Lubrication
  • Pumps and Compressors
  • Boiler Safety Devices
  • Plant (Boiler) Operations
  • Power Plant /Heating Plant Maintenance
  • Water Treatment
  • Prime Movers and Engines
  • Auxiliary Building Systems
  • Refrigeration
  • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
  • Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Types of Plants

Completion Requirements

Students must successfully pass each final exam at 65% and maintain an 80% attendance.

Continuing & Professional Education

Part A must be taken before Part B