Power Engineering in New Brunswick

Overview

New Brunswick offers opportunities for power engineers in refining, pulp and paper, institutional facilities, and utilities. The province has four certification classes, and certification is available but voluntary (unlike some other provinces where it's compulsory).

Certification & Regulator

Power engineer licensing in New Brunswick is administered by Technical Inspection Services under the Department of Public Safety. A Power Engineer's Licence authorizes the holder to work in power or heating plants.

Certification Classes

New Brunswick has four classes (4th through 1st), following SOPEEC standards.

Exam Information

All applications are subject to approval by the Board of Examiners. Applications must be completed and received with payment at least 10 working days before the exam session. Exam sessions are scheduled throughout the year, including September 17, 2025.

Apprenticeship Option

New Brunswick offers an apprenticeship pathway for 4th Class certification. This structured program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction through partnership between the apprentice, employer, and government (Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification).

Training Programs

NBCC Power Engineering Technology program features:

• Optional co-op component for hands-on experience
• Second-year students may challenge 3rd Class exams
• Students may challenge 4th Class exams during the program

Salary in New Brunswick

Job Market & Industries

• Refining: Irving Oil Refinery (Saint John), one of Canada's largest
• Pulp & Paper: Mills throughout the province
• Utilities: NB Power
• Healthcare: Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network
• Institutional: UNB, other educational facilities

Regional Opportunities

Saint John

• Irving Oil Refinery (major employer)
• Saint John Regional Hospital
• Port facilities

Moncton/Fredericton

• Healthcare facilities
• Universities (UNB, UdeM)
• Government buildings

Getting Started

Related Resources