Power Engineering Technology 

Certification Requirements
Power Engineering certification in Alberta is regulated by ABSA (Alberta Boilers Safety Association). ABSA establishes the certification requirements, examinations, and qualifying operating experience requirements.

Medicine Hat College supports students on the certification pathway by providing:

• Classroom education
• Hands-on lab training
•  A Work Practicum/field placement as part of the diploma program

Please note that certification requirements may change. Students are encouraged to confirm current certification and examination requirements directly with ABSA at absa.ca.

Steam Time Requirements
As part of the certification process, students are required to independently secure three months of qualifying operating experience (steam time).

It is important to understand that:

• The Work Practicum is a required component of the diploma program.
• Steam time is a separate certification requirement established by ABSA.
• Not all work experience qualifies as steam time.

Students should always consult ABSA for the most up-to-date information on certification requirements and what is considered qualifying operating experience.

Transfer Alberta
Looking to continue your education after MHC? Visit Transfer Alberta for the most current information on transfer agreements and requirements.

Athabasca University
Graduates may be eligible for block transfer credit toward select Athabasca University post-diploma Bachelor of Science degree options, including:

• BSc (Post Diploma) – Human Science Major
• BSc (Post Diploma) – Applied Mathematics Major
• BSc – Computer and Information Systems Major

Depending on the program selected, graduates may also be eligible for up to 30 additional transfer credits through course-by-course assessment.

Graduates may be eligible for up to 60 credits of block transfer toward the BSc (Post Diploma) – General Science Major.

Students should contact an Athabasca University Academic Advisor for current transfer details, admission requirements, and academic planning.

NAIT
Graduates who meet admission requirements may be eligible to apply to year three of NAIT's Bachelor of Technology program.

For current admission requirements, transfer opportunities, and application details, students should contact NAIT directly.

As a Power Engineering Student

• Labs: supervised practice operating systems and following procedures
• Theory: how systems work and why standards matter
• Assignments: drawings, documentation, and problem-solving

As a Power Engineer

• Monitoring equipment and readings
• Following permits, procedures, and operating standards
• Documenting work (logs, handovers)
• Responding to issues and troubleshooting methodically
• Communicating clearly and working reliably in shift-based environments

1) Is the program difficult?
The program is technical and structured. Students tend to do their best when they attend classes regularly, stay engaged in labs, and ask questions when they need support.

Want to see the learning environment before you apply? Book a lab tour. Email PowerEngineering@mhc.ab.ca.

2) What will I learn?
The program combines power engineering theory (POWE), hands‑on labs (PLAB), and a Work Practicum (PLAC 111) to prepare you for a career in power engineering.

For the full program outline and prerequisites, see Course Details on this page.  

3) Does the program include real-world experience?
Yes. The program includes a Work Practicum (PLAC 111), giving you the opportunity to gain practical industry experience.

Before starting your practicum, you must have Standard First Aid with CPR and WHMIS. Students are responsible for the cost of the certifications and must submit proof of completion by the date in the course outline.

4) Who regulates certification, and what is steam time?
In Alberta, power engineering certification is regulated by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA), which establishes exam and certification requirements.

Steam time is documented operating experience in a qualifying plant environment. It provides the practical experience required to support certification.  

5) How much steam time do I need and who is responsible for it?
Steam time requirements vary depending on the certification level and the type of experience ABSA accepts. For example, Fourth Class certification includes experience options such as assisting in the operation of a qualifying plant, or other ABSA-approved combinations.

As part of this program, students are required to independently secure three months of steam time as part of the overall certification pathway.

For current steam time requirements and information on qualifying experience, visit ABSA. 

6) Can I continue my education after completing the diploma?
Yes. Graduates may be eligible for transfer credits and pathways with institutions such as Athabasca University and NAIT.

For the most current transfer credit and pathway options, visit Transfer Alberta or the Transfers and Pathways section on this page. 

7) If I already have Fourth Class certification or other related training, can I receive credit?
Credit eligibility depends on previous training and how it matches program requirements.

Connect with Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) to have your credits assessed.

8) Can I complete steam time or work in another province?
Requirements vary. ABSA determines what experience may be applied toward Alberta certification, while other provinces have their own regulatory authorities.

If you plan to complete steam time or work outside Alberta, confirm requirements with ABSA and the regulator in the province where you intend to work.

9) What support is available if I need help?
As a student, you have access to a range of support services, including tutoring, academic coaching, financial aid guidance, accessibility services, and career services. 

Explore student supports and services here.