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Take the next step in your power engineering career with online 3rd Class training.

Most refineries, upgraders and plants that have more than 15,000 kW steam generation require 3rd class power engineers to operate their equipment.

To find out more about 3rd class certification in Alberta or Saskatchewan, check with the provincial organizations:

There are 4 courses in the 3rd Class Power Engineering program – QNRG 211 3A1, QNRG 212 3A2, QNRG 213 3B1 and QNRG 214 3B2. These online courses are self-paced, self-directed, fully online and live attendance times are not required. You will have up to 6 months to complete each course.

Notice: Pan Global Training Systems, our primary provider of textbooks and learning materials, has announced its decision to wind down operations over the next three months. The Lakeland College bookstore has purchased the equivalent of 70% of our student capacity. We expect this order to arrive mid-May. For purchase inquiries, please email the bookstore or call 780 853 8409.  For technical inquiries, please email Simon Stilgoe, chair of the energy department.

Apply and register

Register for the four courses on our registration platform.

Even if you only need to take one or more of the courses, you will still need to provide a copy of your valid 4th class power engineering certificate.

Please email energyconed@lakelandcollege.ca with one of these subject lines:

  • Applying to 3rd class power engineering
  • Proof of 4th class power engineering certification for 3rd class courses

Required books and codes are listed with registration information. Go to the PanGlobal website for a list of books and reference materials.

Course topics: algebraic operations • logarithms and problem solving • trigonometry • mensuration • forces and friction • work, power, energy & linear & angular motion • strength of materials, bending of beams • simple machines: pressure, density, flow heat, state change, calorimetry • thermal expansion and heat transfer • steam properties and calculations • gas laws and calculations • chemistry fundamentals • metallurgy and materials • corrosion principles • industrial drawings

Course length: 6 months
Cost: $799 
Delivery: online, self-paced
Prerequisite: complete and valid 4th class power engineering certification

Course topics: legislation and codes for power engineers • code calculations - ASME section I • fuels, combustion, flue gas analysis • piping design, connections, support • steam traps, water hammer, insulation • valves and actuators • electrical theory and DC machines • AC theory and machines • AC systems, switchgear, safety • electrical calculations • control loops and strategies • instrument & control devices • distributed and logic control • safety management programs• fire protection systems.

Course length: 6 months
Cost: $799
Delivery: online, self-paced
Prerequisite: complete and valid 4th class power engineering certification

Course topics: boiler classification • boiler construction • boiler heat transfer components • high pressure boiler fittings • fuel, draft, and flue gas systems • boiler operation and maintenance • boiler control systems • feedwater systems • pumps, welding procedures and inspection • pressure vessels.

Course length: 6 months
Cost: $799 
Delivery: online, self-paced
Prerequisite: complete and valid 4th class power engineering certification

Course topics: prime movers • gas turbines • internal combustion engines • cogeneration • compressors • refrigeration • codes • special industrial equipment • wastewater treatment • plant maintenance and administration

Course length: 6 months
Cost: $799
Delivery: online, self-paced
Prerequisite: complete and valid 4th class power engineering certification

Online learning has advantages, especially if you are "learning while earning" or are simply too far away to commute to training.

What Lakeland College expects of you

If you are thinking about online learning with Lakeland College, here's what we expect from you. To:

  • have access to a computer and high speed internet
  • have a supported browser and browser tools
  • have computer and web skills in order to do course work
  • read and write in English as all of our courses are conducted in English
  • commit to approximately 4 to 6 hours per week per course
  • be prepared to submit course work and complete exams within the timelines provided
  • register by the course registration deadlines

Most Lakeland College online courses will use Lakeland's learning management system, Desire2Learn or Microsoft Teams.

You aren't limited to a particular type of computer or smart device. But, you do have to have particular browsers and other software.

Most web platforms require:

  • up-to-date web browsers including Chrome, Edge and Mozilla Firefox
  • enabled cookies
  • enabled JavaScript

If you aren't sure what any of those requirements are, do a quick systems check on the D2L page. It will tell you if your computer is set up properly.

Before your course start date, you will receive a welcome email from our registration team. This communication will contain instructions and login information to access the course contentOn your course start date, you will be able to access your course content with a laptop/computer and internet connection. 

You will have up to 5 months to complete this course; however, you can work as quickly as you wish to complete the required course content. A one-time 3-month course extension option is also available. 

Please note: A Course Extension Form must be submitted to energyconed@lakelandcollege.ca at least 14 days prior to your course end date. Fees apply. 

This is a self-paced course design; therefore, there are no required live attendance times. You can log in to your course as often as you wish to complete the course content.

Note: All course content must be completed prior to your course end date. 

Yes, a midterm and final exam is required for each course.  All exams are online. When you are ready to schedule an exam, you will be required to schedule your exam with an approved proctor in your area and submit an exam request.  Detailed information will be available in your online course. Note: Exam fees are the responsibility of the student. Exams must be written in a professional setting. 

  1. Schedule an appointment with an approved exam proctor (refer to the proctor requirements). 
  2. Submit your Exam request form with your preferred date/time. Note: *A separate form is required for each exam and forms must be submitted with a minimum of 5 business days of notice (excludes weekends and holidays). 
  3. A confirmation email with instructions will be sent to you and your exam proctor within 24 hours of your exam date. Note: Exams are flexible and can be scheduled during day, evening or weekend hours.  Midterm and final exams can be written during the same or separate exam sitting.

If you wish to write your exam at Lakeland College, please visit our Exam Centre. Note: Fees apply. 

An exam proctor is an exam supervisorThe exam supervisor will monitor your exam following the exam requirements.   Some examples of suitable proctors are exam testing agency members, librarian, principal, superintendent, teacher, lawyer, accountant etc.

Exam fees may be charged for exam services and are the responsibility of the student. 

You will receive access to the course content through our online learning portalAdditional textbooks are required for the course, along with suggested materials to assist you with preparing for the ABSA exam.

You have 5 months to complete this online course. A suggested schedule is provided in your online course. An estimated 3-6 hours per week is suggested to successfully work through the course content.  Additional time may be required to prepare for required exams as well as any required provincial exams.

Once you have successfully completed all courses, you will receive a Lakeland College completion letter.  This letter will be sent to you by email within 10 business days of successful course completion.  

Note: All course requirements must be completed.  

If you require a replacement completion letter, submit the Request for Replacement Completion Letter Form. The fee to process a replacement letter is $30.  Please allow up to 7 business days for processing.

Our team is here to assist you.  If you have reviewed your course outline/introduction and still have questions, please contact us.  Detailed contact information for our team members can be found in your online course.

For information and assistance with registration, contact our registration team 780 871 5712. 

There are no course refunds for online courses once the course registration is activated(ie. registration deadline). 

You can register for Continuing Education courses: 

  • using our online registration platform. Search for your course using the search box or choose the Energy Category to see the current course offerings
  • by calling 780 871 5712  

Note: The registration deadline is the 15th of the month that you wish to begin.  Courses begin on the 20th of the month.

There are no course pre-requisites for the Fired Process Heater Operator course.   Courses are delivered in English language.   

Yes, please contact our registration team for more information and assistance by calling 780 871 5712. 

If you are interested in registering a group or have questions about customized group options, contact the Continuing Education Energy Program Coordinator at 780 871 5527 or michelle.armstrong@lakelandcollege.ca.

Register for 3rd class courses