OPERATING ENGINEERS INFORMATION WEBSITE

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Can I skip the academic part of my training if I have a lot of on-the-job experience?

There are two ways of attaining a certificate of qualification. The practical experience method requires a person to gain a specified amount of practical training in a specific type of energy plant. The academic and practical method requires a person to attend an approved full-time training course and gain a specified amount of practical training in a specific type of energy plant. The time requirements for practical and academic periods are detailed in the information for each classification.

What does the examination syllabus include?

For 4th Class Operating Engineers: 4TH CLASS OPERATING ENGINEER

Refrigeration Operator Class A: REFRIGERATION OPERATOR CLASS "A"

Refrigeration Operator Class B: REFRIGERATION OPERATOR CLASS "B"

Compressor Operator: COMPRESSOR OPERATOR

What are the examination requirements?

Currently, all jurisdictions in Canada, with the exception of Quebec, use the Standardization of Power Engineering Examinations Committee (SOPEEC) examination system. This makes it possible to write the required examinations in another province or territory in Canada, should you move.

You have to write two SOPEEC examinations for the 4th Class – Paper 4A and Paper 4B. Each examination is 3 ½ hours in duration, and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. You need to achieve 65% to pass, and there is a sixty-day (60) re-write period.

Where do I write my exams?

You can write your Exams at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Exam Centres located in major cities in Ontario. This link will help you locate the centre nearest you:
Examination Centres Listing

Alternatively, you can write your exams at the TSSA in Toronto by calling 416-734-3300

Sample questions

Fourth Class, Part A (PDF: 79KB)

Fourth Class, Part B (PDF: 70KB)

If you want to see more questions, please purchase the Power Engineering Training System workbooks.

I have obtained power plant certification from another country. What can I do?

Please read: Practical Experience Assessment Guide for Non-SOPEEC Members and Foreign Jurisdictions

Useful links

For more information, please check out the useful links section of this website.