National & Regional CertificationsNational CertificationsFifth ClassFifth Class is the certification level for low pressure boiler operation, usually related to residential apartment and commercial buildings. Fifth class operators are limited to boiler operations of 103 kPA maximum steam pressure. The Fifth Class text material is in 3 volumes and contains large sections on building maintenance and refrigeration. Fifth Class certification is only available in certain provinces. A Fifth Class course or certification is not a pre-requisite for the Fourth Class. Fourth ClassFourth Class is the lowest certification level for high pressure steam plant operators. High pressure is defined as steam pressure above 103 kPa. The Fourth Class texts contain most of the topics in the Fifth Class texts, but at a higher level. This is a requirement of SOPEEC and IPECC. A Fourth Class Power Engineer can operate a facility that is designated Fifth Class, but not vice versa. The Fourth Class texts consist of 4 books, designated as Parts A1,A2,B1, and B2. Completion of a jurisdictionally approved course, delivered by an approved educator (most often a college) using PanGlobal's texts, often allows the student to write the SOPEEC exam for Part A. Then, upon completion of a variety of experience periods (often 6 months) in an operating steam plant (of a size approved by the SOPEEC jurisdiction), the student can challenge the Part B exam. Each exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions. Third ClassOnce students complete their Fourth Class requirements and work in an approved plant for a specified time, they can attempt the SOPEEC Third Class examinations. Students who take Third Class are usually employees in a plant and can receive one year's credit toward experience time if they complete an approved Third Class course, which uses the PanGlobal texts. The Thrid Class texts include four books, designated Parts A1, A2, B1, and B2. The text includes chapters on ASME Code calculations and it is recommended that students also purchase the "ASME Extract". This book has sections of the ASME Code approved by SOPEEC and candidates are permitted to take the book into the SOPEEC examinations as reference material and replacement for the full ASME Code books. Second ClassCandidates for Second Class certification must already hold an approved Third Class Power Engineering Certificate and must meet experience guidelines as set in the jurisdictional Power Engineers Regulations. These students are usually seasoned plant employees who may be taking a Second Class course individually or in a group from an approved College. They will often receive 9 months credit toward their experience time if they complete a Second Class course or they may challenge the exams directly if they have sufficient, approved experience. There are 6 SOPEEC Second Class Examinations, called papers, which align with the materials in each PanGlobal texts. Students are also advised to purchase two additional books, the ASME Academic Extract and the ASME Extract Supplement, since there are extensive sections on ASME Code Calculations. These books are approved for use in the SOPEEC Examinations. Also, due to the high level of Applied Mechanics calculations in the Second Class text material and the corresponding SOPEEC examination questions, Applied Mechanics Vol.1 and Vol.2 (author Stan Bailey) are recommended for purchase. Additional reference texts are identified on the SOPEEC website. First ClassCandidates for First Class certification must hold an approved Second Class Power Engineering Certificate and meet the experience guidelines in the jurisdictional Power Engineers Regulations. This is the most senior level for Power Engineers and, upon completion of their certificate, they will work as Plant Managers, Superintendents, Shift Supervisors or senior technical managers in pressure equipment operation or inspection. They will all be plant or corporate employees and are usually senior, experienced operators. There are no formal courses for First Class Engineers as a group; only individual distance learning programs from several approved Colleges. Students may receive 12 months credit toward their experience time for successful completion of a recognized course. Candidates with sufficient experience time can challenge the examinations directly. The PanGlobal First Class texts consist of eight books, which parallel the SOPEEC syllabus and examinations. Regional CertificationsRefrigeration Operator Endorsement LevelsThere is a National Standard Refrigeration Operator Program, endorsed by Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.The provinces of Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have closely aliigned regional certification for Refrigeration Operations. Ontario has Refrigeration Operator A and B licensing plus Compressor Operator, while Nova Scotia and Newfoundland offer a Refrigeration Operator endorsement. For more information, check the appropriate Safety Authority websites: TSSA (Ontario) and BCSA (for British Columbia) Alberta Special, Non-Standard CertificationsAlberta has two introductory levels for operators of small once-through type boilers used in drycleaners under 250kW (Special Boiler Operator) or wellsite service boiler and municipal sewer boiler operators (Special Oilwell Boiler Operator). For more information, check with ABSA, the Alberta pressure equipment safety authority: (ABSA)
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