Power Engineering is a skilled occupation in Newfoundland and Labrador that is NOT part of the apprenticeship pathway but has similar certification steps. To work as a Power Engineer, Refrigeration Operator or Compressor Operator in Newfoundland and Labrador, you need a Certificate of Competency issued by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD).

Training

Power Engineering has four levels (called classes) that require a mix of work experience and training to be completed to qualify for certification exams. Refrigeration Plant and Compressor Operators also require a similar mix of work experience and training to qualify for certification exams. Below is a breakdown of these certifications and where you can train.

POWER ENGINEERING	TRAINING INSTITUTION
Fourth Class (entry level)	College of the North Atlantic
Third Class	College of the North Atlantic
Second Class	Correspondence/Online – training institutions in other provinces
First Class (highest level)	Correspondence/Online – training institutions in other provinces
REFRIGERATION PLANT OPERATOR	TRAINING INSTITUTION
Refrigeration A	Correspondence/Online – training institutions in other provinces
Refrigeration B	Correspondence/Online – training institutions in other provinces
COMPRESSOR OPERATOR	TRAINING INSTITUTION
Compressor Operator	Correspondence/Online – training institutions in other provinces

Exams and Certification

Exams for these occupations must be written in the province where you are employed or in the province where you live. You must meet all regulatory requirements in the province where you are applying to write.

How to Apply for an Exam

To write an exam, here is what you will need to do:

1. Review the general examination conditions for Power Engineering exams.
2. Complete the Exam Application form and email it to jamesbrake@gov.nl.ca for approval by the Provincial Power Engineering Examination Committee.
3. Once approved, complete the Power Engineer Exam Registration form to schedule an exam session.

What Happens Next?

• You will receive details about the exam date, time and location.
• Exams are facilitated and monitored by department officials.
• Exams are graded by the Provincial Power Engineering Examination Committee (see terms of reference here)
• You will be notified of your results, which are recorded in the ATCD database. Completed exams are kept on file for one year.

Appeals Process

If you wish to appeal your exam results, submit your written request to the examination coordinator within one month of being notified of your exam results.

Appeals are reviewed by an independent examiner, and the results will be sent back to you.

Certificate Renewal or Replacement

If your Power Engineering certificate is lost, damaged, or due for renewal, you can apply for a replacement or renewal by completing the Renewal or Replacement Application form.

To keep working as a Power Engineer, you’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.

Questions?

For questions related to the Power Engineering occupation, contact James Brake, Program Development Officer at (709) 637-2333 or jamesbrake@gov.nl.ca.