ABSA Power Engineer Exam Info (Alberta)
Exam structure, permitted materials, and official ABSA resources for power engineering certification in Alberta.
This is a summary. The official ABSA website is the source of truth.
About ABSA
The Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) is the regulatory body responsible for power engineer certification in Alberta under the Safety Codes Act and Power Engineers Regulation.
Exam Structure by Class
ABSA administers power engineering exams following the SOPEEC (Standardization of Power Engineers Examination Committee) syllabus.
| Class | Papers | Format | Duration | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Class | 1 | 100 multiple-choice | 3 hours | 65% |
| 4th Class | 2 (A, B) | 100 multiple-choice each | 3 hours each | 65% |
| 3rd Class | 4 (A1, A2, B1, B2) | 100 multiple-choice each | 3 hours each | 65% |
| 2nd Class | 6 | 100 multiple-choice each | 3 hours each | 65% |
| 1st Class | 8 | 1A1-1B3 essay (7 questions, answer 5); 1B4 multiple-choice (100 questions) | 1A1-1B3: 3.5 hours; 1B4: 3 hours | 65% |
Permitted Materials
A candidate is allowed to use, and may be provided, the following items in the examination room:
- The Safety Codes Act and Regulations under the Safety Codes Act
- CSA B51, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code
- CSA B52, Mechanical Refrigeration Code
- ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes (except for Sections VI and VII)
- The 2007 ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Academic Extract and Supplement produced by PanGlobal Training Systems
- ASME/ANSI B31.1 Pressure Piping Code and B31.3 Process Piping Code
- Handbook of Formula and Physical Constants, Steam Tables and Refrigeration Tables (normally provided)
- A non-technical English language dictionary
- Pens and pencils
- Non-programmable calculator
- Drawing instruments and drawing templates
The above items are useful for all classes of examination.
Exam Rules
- You must provide picture ID to the Examiner prior to the examination
- No cell phone or any electronic communication devices are allowed in the examination room
- Only reference material listed in the examination syllabus is permitted
- Highlighting and tab sections are allowed in reference material
- No other reference material is allowed
Important Note on ASME Extract
The information in the 1983 Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Academic Extract is outdated. Using this 1983 Edition for any power engineering examination is not recommended. Besides using the 2007 Edition of the ASME Academic Extract and Supplement, candidates may use the current edition of the ASME Code.
Key Requirements
- Complete an approved power engineering program or meet experience equivalency
- Accumulate required operating/steam time for higher classes
- Register with ABSA to schedule examinations
- Bring approved identification and permitted materials to exam
How to Study
- Review the SOPEEC syllabus for your target class
- Practice with multiple-choice questions under timed conditions
- Focus on calculations and formula application
- Understand boiler codes and safety regulations
- Tab and highlight your reference materials for quick access
Practice tip
Alberta has a strong oil & gas industry focus. Exam questions often include scenarios relevant to industrial settings. Practice questions covering steam systems, boiler operations, and safety procedures.
Official Resources
- ABSA Exam Info & FAQs: Detailed exam requirements and frequently asked questions
- ABSA Official Website: Certification applications, exam scheduling, regulations
- Alberta ALIS Certification Info: Requirements overview
- SOPEEC: National examination standards