power engineer training canada

Understanding the 5 Levels of Power Engineering in Canada

Are you considering starting a new career as a Power Engineer? If so, then TFM Consultants International is here to help! This trade is a stable and high-demand career choice that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Below, we will cover the five levels of Power Engineering so you can make an informed decision regarding furthering your education with TFM. Keep reading to find out more!


The 5 Levels of Power Engineering Explained

When it comes to Power Engineering, the different levels are divided into classes depending on the complexity and size of the facilities they are qualified to operate and the education required to receive certification. For instance, 5th-class facilities are the smallest, meaning 5th-class Power Engineering is considered the most introductory level. In comparison, 1st class facilities are the largest and most complex, meaning that significant education is required to attain certification to work in them. Below is a breakdown of each level of Power Engineering.


5th Class

  • Educational Requirements: One 3-week course, one 100-question interprovincial exam, and 80 days of Firing Time. All are available through TFM.
  • Equipment Authorized to Operate: May only operate boiler equipment.
  • Other Roles Available: May work as a chief engineer at a 5th class facility or as a shift engineer at a 4th or 5th class facility. 
  • Examples of Facilities Qualified to Work In: Malls, residential buildings (condos, office towers), smaller industrial and commercial sites, schools and universities, food manufacturing facilities, and more. 


4th Class

  • Educational Requirements: Two 4-week courses (Part A and Part B), two 100-question multiple choice interprovincial exams, and 130 days of firing time. All are available through TFM.
  • Equipment Qualified to Operate: May operate any refrigeration plant regardless of size. May operate boiler equipment qualifying as 3rd class or lower. 
  • Other Roles Available: May work as a chief engineer in a 4th or 5th-class facility. May work as a shift engineer at a 3rd, 4th, or 5th class facility. May also work as the person in charge of any refrigeration plant.
  • Examples of Facilities Qualified to Work In: Pulp mills, chemical manufacturing facilities, food manufacturing plants, industrial and commercial sites, hospitals, schools, power generation facilities, and other large residential buildings.


3rd Class

  • Educational Requirements: Two 6-month courses (Part A and Part B) (not offered by TFM), four 100-question multiple choice interprovincial exams and 6 to 36 months of Firing Time, depending on the type of plant. 
  • Equipment Qualified to Operate: May operate any refrigeration plant regardless of size. May operate boiler equipment qualifying as 2nd class or lower.
  • Other Roles Available: May work as a chief engineer at a 3rd class plant or lower. May work as a shift engineer at a 2nd class plant or lower and may work as the person in charge of any refrigeration plant. 
  • Examples of Facilities Qualified to Work In: Petrochemical processing facilities, pulp and paper mills, hospitals, schools, food manufacturers and more.


2nd Class

  • Educational Requirements: Two 8-month Courses (Part A and Part B) (not offered by TFM), six 3.5-hour exams, both written and multiple-choice, and 24 months of Firing Time at an appropriate plant.
  • Equipment Qualified to Operate: May operate any refrigeration or boiler equipment regardless of size, though may only operate 1st class equipment under the supervision of a 1st Class Power Engineer.
  • Other Roles Available: May work as a chief engineer at a 2nd class plant or lower. May work as a shift engineer at a 1st class plant or lower. May work as the person in charge of any refrigeration plant. May also provide supervision and oversee engineers as well as contractors.
  • Examples of Facilities Qualified to Work In: Power generation plants, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, shopping malls, office complexes, universities and more. 


1st Class

  • Educational Requirements: Two 10-month courses (Part A and Part B) (not offered by TFM), eight 3.5-hour written exams, and 30 to 45 months of Firing Time at an appropriate plant. 
  • Equipment Qualified to Operate: May operate any refrigeration or boiler equipment regardless of size but primarily operates massive boilers.
  • Other Roles Available: May work as a chief engineer or a shift engineer in any class of plant and may work as a person in charge of any refrigeration plant. 
  • Examples of Facilities Qualified to Work In: Any plant or facility with large boilers, such as nuclear power plants.


A Career with Opportunities

All Power Engineers, regardless of class, can work as the chief engineer at any facility designated as the same classification or lower than themselves. In addition, Power Engineers may also work as shift engineers in a plant designated no more than one classification higher than themselves, which means that with a career in Power Engineering, there are numerous opportunities to work in diverse facilities and with a range of responsibilities. 


At TFM Consultants International, our power engineering courses are a fantastic opportunity for people seeking to join an in-demand career. Our courses give our students the skills, knowledge and qualifications necessary for various Power Engineering positions. So, if you’re searching for a stable long-term career in Power Engineering, get started with TFM!


Ready to Kick-Start a New Career?

Whether you’re looking to further your career as a Power Engineer or are looking to start a new one, TFM is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about enrolling in our 5th Class Power Engineering course and kick-start your new career with TFM.