Two multiple-choice papers, Part A and Part B. The current published format is 100 questions and 3 hours on each paper, with 65% required on each paper. The province decides whether you may write, what you pay, and how you book.
4th Class Power Engineer certificate. SOPEEC standardizes the examinations. Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia each issue their own certificate.
SOPEEC says every jurisdiction requires two examinations for a 4th class certificate. Part A and Part B are each 100 multiple-choice questions. Most jurisdictions allow 3 hours. The pass mark is 65% of the marks on each paper.
Papers
Checked
Part A and Part B. Technical Safety BC labels them 4A1 and 4B1.
Questions and time
Checked
100 multiple-choice questions and 3 hours on each paper in the November 2022 SOPEEC syllabus, on the ABSA page (effective 1 January 2023), on the Technical Safety BC page (effective 1 March 2023), and in the TSSA guide dated October 2024.
Pass mark
Checked
At least 65% on each paper. The papers are not averaged together.
Superseded Ontario file
Checked
A June 2021 TSSA PDF still online describes 150 questions and 3.5 hours. The October 2024 TSSA guide is the one that matches the current SOPEEC syllabus.
Fees
SOPEEC does not charge the fee. Ontario's examination is $89.00 plus HST from 1 May 2026, and each rewrite is a new exam. British Columbia's 2026 examination is $193 in person or $183 remote, plus GST, rising on 1 January 2027. Alberta lists $113.10 for application and writing an examination. The per-paper reading of that Alberta figure is marked TO-CONFIRM.
Alberta
Application and examination
TO-CONFIRM
ABSA examination · effective 1 November 2025
$113.10
Schedule G, item 5, of the ABSA fee schedule effective 1 November 2025: the fee payable for application and writing an examination is $113.10. The calculator treats that as one charge per paper per attempt. ABSA does not say that. Two 4th Class attempts are therefore shown as $452.40 before you confirm the reading.
TO-CONFIRM. ABSA Schedule G, effective 1 November 2025, lists $113.10 for application and writing an examination. It does not say that charge is once per paper. The calculator still multiplies by papers and attempts, so two 4th Class attempts are 4 × $113.10 = $452.40. Confirm that reading with [email protected] before treating it as fact. The same caveat applies to 3rd Class.
Annual certificate registration
Checked
After you are certified · effective 1 November 2025
$37.75
Schedule G, item 2, effective 1 November 2025: the annual fee for registration of a Certificate of Competency is $37.75. This is separate from the examination fee.
Evaluation of qualification for power engineers is $130 in 2026 and $137 from 1 January 2027. It is one-time, non-refundable, and GST applies. The calculator uses the 2026 amount.
From 1 January 2027 this evaluation fee is $137, plus GST.
Digital in-person certificate of qualification exams for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th class are $193 per exam from 1 January 2026, and $203 from 1 January 2027. GST applies. The fee covers a new examination or a re-examination, and it is set by the date you write.
From 1 January 2027 the in-person fee is $203 per exam, plus GST. The calculator uses $193, the amount in effect on 15 October 2026.
Digital remote exams for 2nd through 5th class are $183 per exam from 1 January 2026, and $192 from 1 January 2027, plus GST, including re-examinations. The fee is set by the date you write.
From 1 January 2027 the remote fee is $192 per exam, plus GST. The calculator uses the 2026 amount of $183.
The 2026 schedule lists power engineer and pressure welder renewal at $128 per unit, GST applicable. The certification pages say power engineering certificates are renewed every 3 years. This guide does not call $128 an annual fee.
These are reading aids, not the regulation. A path can be acceptable to the regulator without appearing in this short list.
Alberta exam eligibility
ABSA says you qualify to write if you have completed a 4th class course satisfactory to the Administrator, or the first full term of a satisfactory 2-year power engineering technology program, or you hold a mechanical engineering degree from a university satisfactory to the Administrator.
Finishing only Part A of an acceptable course qualifies you for Part A of the exam. Part B of the course qualifies you for Part B.
The certificate is a second step. ABSA requires the exams plus employment: 6 months assisting in the operation of a power plant over 250 kW (or a pressure plant satisfactory to the Administrator); or 3 months in such a power plant plus 12 months in design, construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of pressure equipment; or 12 months in a heating plant over 750 kW while holding Building Operator A, Building Operator B, or 5th Class.
ABSA also publishes separate upgrade exams for an old 4th Class certificate and for Building Operator A. Those are one paper of 75 questions, not the standard two-paper exam.
Ontario experience published for the certificate
The TSSA guide dated October 2024 says qualifying time is served in a plant that must be attended by an operating engineer, or in an unattended plant supervised by an operating engineer or operator. It points to Table 8 of Ontario Regulation 219/01 and the related orders for plant rating.
The practical operating training requirement in that guide is 1,920 hours as a trainee in a 4th, 3rd, 2nd, or 1st class plant.
The same guide reduces that to 480 hours after a full-time TSSA approved-for-time-reduction 4th class program.
At least 33% of the qualifying experience time must be boiler operation. No more than 33% may be maintenance of regulated equipment. The rest can be a combination of the technologies.
The TSSA 3rd Class guide, which also covers operating engineers, says that from 14 June 2021 candidates may pursue exams and experience at the same time. Confirm that this still applies to 4th class when you apply.
British Columbia eligibility
Technical Safety BC lists general eligibility as an approved 4th class course, a one-year full-time 4th class course (no qualifying time required on that path), a mechanical engineering degree accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, or a Transport Canada 3rd Class Marine Engineer (motor) certificate.
You apply for the certificate and pay the evaluation fee before you can book exams. Exam eligibility uses the same general eligibility list.
After the exams, evaluation of experience includes paths such as six months as a power engineer in a 5th class plant, six months as a trainee in a listed plant type and size, 18 months of acceptable related experience, a Transport Canada 3rd Class or higher Marine Engineer (motor) certificate, or 200 hours of approved boiler-plant power lab.
You have 7 years from the date the certificate application is created to finish it. After that, Technical Safety BC says the file closes and fees paid are forfeited.
How to book
Alberta
Existing files schedule at cpecs.ca. New applicants create an account there, start a certification path, and upload education and experience.
ABSA lists [email protected] and 1-888-454-3926 for help with the portal.
The public schedule says dates that are missing are full or past the 5-business-day cutoff. The general timeline page says a qualified applicant may schedule online 5 days before a sitting if a seat is open.
Sittings listed on the ABSA schedule include Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer.
TODO. ABSA's general certification timeline says results are available within two working days of receipt at Edmonton or Calgary. That page's own last-modified stamp is 15 June 2022, and it was not re-checked as the current power engineer rule.
Ontario
Apply in the TSSA Client Portal. The eligibility email is about 48 hours, or 10 to 15 business days if experience is assessed. Then book the sitting with Prometric.
Cancel at least 22 days ahead or the fee is forfeited. The preparation guide dated 16 March 2026 covers identification, prohibited materials, and what you may bring.
From 1 May 2026 the examination is $89.00 plus HST, non-refundable, and a rewrite is billed as a new exam.
After the exams and the experience, apply for the certificate. The initial certificate is $136.00 from 1 May 2026. Obtain the certificate within 5 years of passing, or rewrite.
British Columbia
Create an Online Services account, submit the certificate application, and pay the evaluation fee. Technical Safety BC books the exam only after it says you are eligible.
You pick the date, time, and location in Online Services. The exam information line published on the site is 1-866-566-7233.
The 2026 fee is $193 per exam in person or $183 remote, plus GST. From 1 January 2027 those amounts are $203 and $192. The fee is the one in effect on the day you write, not the day you apply.
Evaluation of qualification is $130 in 2026 and $137 from 1 January 2027. It is one-time and non-refundable.
No refund once the exam is booked. Rebooking is free until the cancellation cutoff. After that, the fee is charged again.
You have 7 years from the date the certificate application is created to finish it. After that, the file closes and fees paid are forfeited.
Rewrite rules
Alberta
ABSA publishes no fixed waiting period before you write a power engineer paper again.
Failing any 3 papers in succession disqualifies you from that exam for 6 months. Each further consecutive failure adds 6 months, and ABSA may impose up to 12 months.
After 1 failure you may schedule at most 2 papers ahead. After 2 consecutive failures, at most 1. Failures older than 2 years are not counted.
A passed examination paper counts toward certification for 7 years from the date it was passed. Operating experience older than seven years is not accepted for a higher certificate.
The calculator treats the $113.10 examination fee as one charge per paper per attempt. ABSA's wording does not say that. See the TO-CONFIRM note.
TO-CONFIRM. ABSA Schedule G, effective 1 November 2025, lists $113.10 for application and writing an examination. It does not say that charge is once per paper. The calculator still multiplies by papers and attempts, so two 4th Class attempts are 4 × $113.10 = $452.40. Confirm that reading with [email protected] before treating it as fact. The same caveat applies to 3rd Class.
Ontario
The October 2024 TSSA guide says rewrites are allowed after 60 days. The 16 March 2026 preparation guide sets the same 60-day wait for operating engineers.
From 1 May 2026 the examination fee is $89.00 per exam, plus HST, and non-refundable. Each rewrite is billed as a new exam.
Obtain the certificate within 5 years of passing, or rewrite.
British Columbia
Technical Safety BC says you have three chances. After each attempt you get a notification letter with the mark and the weak areas.
Wait 30 days after a failed exam before you rebook. A fourth or later attempt needs permission.
The rewrite fee applies to each additional attempt. Exams are non-refundable once booked. You may rebook without a new fee before the cancellation cutoff on your confirmation. After the cutoff, or after a no-show, you pay the exam fee plus tax again.
Allowed references
SOPEEC publishes this list and tells you to confirm it with the jurisdiction. For 4th class, most jurisdictions expect you to bring the code books. Code answers are built to the 2007 or newer ASME Code even if an older book is allowed in the room.
The Act and regulations of the jurisdiction where you write.
CSA B51, and CSA B52, or the extracts for those codes. Bring them unmarked in the way the examiner requires. This site does not reproduce code text.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code sections other than Sections VI and VII, or the 2007 or later academic extract and supplement. SOPEEC says the 1983 extract is outdated and is not recommended.
ASME/ANSI B31.1 and B31.3.
A handbook of formulae and physical constants. Steam tables and refrigeration tables are normally provided.
Ontario: the 16 March 2026 TSSA preparation guide names the PanGlobal Handbook of Formulae and Constants and Steam Tables (v1.0 or v2.0), plus the Act and regulations TSSA lists. That is the permitted material TSSA names, not a product recommendation from this site.
Alberta: syllabus-listed references, with highlighting and tabs allowed and nothing else. ABSA normally provides the formula handbook, steam tables, and refrigeration tables. Bring a non-programmable calculator from ABSA's approved list. No phones.
British Columbia: the academic supplement (formula handbook, steam and refrigeration tables), CSA B51 and B52 extracts, the ASME extract and supplement, and the Act and regulations. Bring your own non-programmable calculator.
A non-technical English dictionary provided by the jurisdiction, pens, pencils, drawing instruments, and a non-programmable calculator. A programmable calculator is allowed only if the examiner is satisfied the memory is clear. Clearing it can use your exam time.
Picture identification. No cell phone and no other electronic communication device. Nothing else, unless the examiner approves it.
Syllabus headings to study
Names of the public syllabus sections, so you can follow the official PDF. This is not a copy of the syllabus.
Part A
Elementary mechanics and dynamics
Elementary chemistry and thermodynamics
Jurisdictional legislation, codes, and standards
Power plant and heating plant safety
Environment
Material and welding
Piping and valves
Electricity
Energy plant instrumentation and controls
Plant communication
Boilers
Boiler systems
Part B
Lubrication
Pumps and compressors
Boiler safety devices
Plant and boiler operations
Maintenance
Water treatment
Prime movers and engines
Auxiliary building systems
Refrigeration
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
Heating and cooling systems
Types of plants
Study plan
Pick a pace
Both plans were written here. They are not issued by SOPEEC, Red Seal, or a provincial regulator. Ticks stay in this tab only. Put them on a calendar.
0 / 0 tasks
A four-week finish for someone who has already completed a 4th class course. It is a TradeExamPractice schedule, not a SOPEEC plan.
Week 1Part A foundations and safety
Week 2Part A plant systems
Week 3Part B equipment and water
Week 4Part B balance and a full review
An eight-week schedule that walks the November 2022 syllabus headings once, then reviews. It is not an official plan.
Week 1Mechanics, chemistry, thermodynamics
Week 2Legislation, safety, environment
Week 3Materials, welding, piping, valves
Week 4Electricity and controls
Week 5Boilers and boiler systems
Week 6Part B equipment and operations
Week 7Maintenance, water, prime movers
Week 8Refrigeration, HVAC, and review
04 / Sample questions
Ten original questions
Pending review
Written for this site and pending review by a qualified person. Not past exam items, not copied from a code book, and not an official or certified exam bank. The interactive quiz needs JavaScript. The questions and answers are also in the page.
Which fitting is there to open and release steam or water if boiler pressure rises past its set limit?
A. Feedwater pump
B. Safety valve
C. Gauge glass
D. Sootblower
Answer and explanation
B. Safety valve
The safety valve is the overpressure device. A gauge glass shows level, a feed pump moves water, and a sootblower cleans the fireside. Confirm the setting rules in the code edition your jurisdiction allows. This is an original study question.
You are preparing a boiler to be opened. Which action matches the plant-safety idea of controlling energy before entry?
A. Leave the burner firing so the furnace stays warm
B. Isolate energy sources, lock them out, and verify a zero-energy state before opening
C. Remove the safety valve first so it cannot lift while you work
D. Drain the boiler while it is still under pressure
Answer and explanation
B. Isolate energy sources, lock them out, and verify a zero-energy state before opening
Isolation and a check that the energy is gone come before opening or entry. The exact permit is the plant procedure and the occupational health rules, not a sentence in this guide.
SOPEEC says 4th Class code questions are built to which basis?
A. The 1983 academic extract, and the answer follows that edition
B. The 2007 or newer ASME Code
C. Only the metric tables in the candidate's own notebook
D. Whichever edition the candidate brings
Answer and explanation
B. The 2007 or newer ASME Code
The SOPEEC 4th Class page says code questions are built to the 2007 or newer ASME Code. An older book may be allowed in the room, but the answer key follows the 2007 or newer code. The 1983 extract is described as outdated.
What is the published pass mark for a 4th Class paper?
A. 50% averaged across Part A and Part B
B. 65% on each paper
C. 70% on each paper
D. 65% on one paper and any score on the other
Answer and explanation
B. 65% on each paper
SOPEEC, ABSA, the October 2024 TSSA guide, and Technical Safety BC each publish 65% of the marks on each paper.
Which description matches the current 4th Class examinations?
A. One 150-question essay
B. Two papers, 100 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours each
C. Four papers of 50 questions
D. An oral exam only
Answer and explanation
B. Two papers, 100 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours each
That is the format in the November 2022 syllabus and on the current provincial pages cited in this guide. The June 2021 TSSA PDF that says 150 questions and 3.5 hours is the older Ontario file.
Which item does SOPEEC say is normally provided in the room, rather than brought as a personal binder?
A. Steam tables
B. A marked-up course binder
C. A phone with a code app
D. Another candidate's notes
Answer and explanation
A. Steam tables
SOPEEC says handbooks of formulae, steam tables, and refrigeration tables are normally provided. Phones and personal notes are not on the allowed list. Code books are, in most jurisdictions, the candidate's to bring.
In elementary thermodynamics, heat moving through the solid metal of a boiler tube is which mode?
A. Conduction
B. Convection of the metal itself across the room
C. Radiation as if the metal were clear glass
D. Evaporation of the steel
Answer and explanation
A. Conduction
Conduction is heat transfer through a solid. Convection moves heat with a fluid, and radiation moves it by electromagnetic waves. This question only checks that distinction.
In Alberta, a candidate who has completed only Part A of an acceptable 4th class course may write:
A. Both papers
B. Part A only
C. Part B only
D. The 3rd Class papers
Answer and explanation
B. Part A only
ABSA's Fourth Class page says Part A of an acceptable course qualifies the candidate for Part A of the examination, and Part B of the course for Part B.
After a failed 4th Class attempt, Technical Safety BC says you wait how long before rebooking?
A. The next business day
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. Seven years
Answer and explanation
B. 30 days
The Technical Safety BC Fourth Class page says 30 days, and a fourth attempt needs permission. Ontario's October 2024 guide and the 16 March 2026 preparation guide say 60 days for operating engineers. Alberta publishes no fixed wait. Failing any 3 papers in a row is a 6-month disqualification from that exam, and each further consecutive failure adds 6 months.
The ABSA fee schedule effective 1 November 2025 lists the fee for application and writing an examination as:
A. $37.75
B. $113.10
C. $193
D. $89
Answer and explanation
B. $113.10
$113.10 is Schedule G, item 5. $37.75 is the annual certificate registration on the same schedule. $193 is a Technical Safety BC 2026 exam figure. $89 is the TSSA Operating Engineers figure in the 1 May 2026 column. The ABSA schedule does not say in so many words that $113.10 is charged once per paper.
FAQ
FAQ
Is the 4th Class exam the same in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia? +
SOPEEC standardizes the examinations, and the current published format matches across the three regulators reviewed here: two papers, 100 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, 65% each. Eligibility, fees, booking, and the certificate are provincial.
Can I take a code book into the exam? +
SOPEEC lists the Act, CSA B51, CSA B52, specified ASME material, and the piping codes, and says no other reference material is allowed. Most jurisdictions expect you to bring the code books. Show every book to the examiner. Do not rely on the 1983 academic extract.
Do I need a 5th Class certificate first? +
Not on the Alberta exam-eligibility list reviewed here. A 5th Class certificate is one of the heating-plant employment paths for the Alberta certificate. This site does not yet have a 5th Class guide.
Are the 10 questions on this page from the real exam? +
No. They were written for this site as study questions. They are not SOPEEC items, and passing them does not predict your score.
Where do I practice beyond these 10 questions? +
SteamTicket is Nick Hesson's practice app for SOPEEC power engineering from 4th Class through 1st Class. This site does not link to any other prep product.
TODO. ABSA's general certification timeline says results are available within two working days of receipt at Edmonton or Calgary. That page's own last-modified stamp is 15 June 2022, and it was not re-checked as the current power engineer rule.
TO-CONFIRM. ABSA Schedule G, effective 1 November 2025, lists $113.10 for application and writing an examination. It does not say that charge is once per paper. The calculator still multiplies by papers and attempts, so two 4th Class attempts are 4 × $113.10 = $452.40. Confirm that reading with [email protected] before treating it as fact. The same caveat applies to 3rd Class.