OPERATING ENGINEERS INFORMATION WEBSITE

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Operating Engineer

You need a minimum of 12 months practical operating experience in a suitably registered Power Plant or Steam Plant before applying for your Certificate of Qualification – a time requirement standard for all Standardization of Power Engineering Examinations Committee (SOPEEC) members. You can find information on employment opportunities through Employment Canada or career websites. The Employment Area of your local Institute for Power Engineers (IPE), could also provide you with useful leads.

You can, however, reduce this 12-month practical time requirement by six months (plus an additional three-month 'incentive credit') if you’re attending a fulltime accredited TSSA-approved program.

As a convenience for students, TSSA has compiled a comprehensive list of approved Training Providers (PDF: 112 KB). All of these providers offer fulltime programs, approved for the qualifying experience time reduction by TSSA, in Operating Engineering. They may also be able to assist you in arranging a coop position or placement.

Before you can become certified, you must have completed your practical experience requirement, as well as passed the standardized 4th Class examinations with a mark of 65% or higher, and applied for certification with TSSA. See the chart below for more details:

Road to Certification

Practical Experience

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12 months or 1920 hours practical operating experience in a suitably registered plant.

"TSSA approved" 6 month fulltime daytime training program + 3 months training in a suitably registered plant

MORE INFORMATION:

• List of TSSA Approved Training Providers (PDF: 112 KB)

• Non-SOPEEC and Foreign Practical Experience (PDF: 32 KB)

• Training Material

Examinations

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4th Class Exams, consisting of 2 parts A & B, each with 150 multiple-choice questions.

(Must have started operating experience or course study before taking exams.)

Passing mark is 65% with a 60 day re-write period.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Exam Syllabus (PDF: 239 KB)

• Sample Questions

• Examination Centres (PDF: 140 KB)

• Training Material

• Frequently Asked Questions

Graphic of a graduation cap Checklist

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To obtain a 4th class certificate, you will need to provide:

1) an Application for an Ontario Certificate of Qualification as an Operating Engineer or Operator

2) Form 1 Testimonial of Qualifying Experience

3) Originals of your examination 'pass’ letters

4) a cheque for one hundred dollars ($100.00) made out to Technical Standards and Safety Authority

MORE INFORMATION:

• Forms

• Fee Information