Stationary engineers (also known as operating or power engineers) are responsible for the operation, maintenance, renovation and repair of boilers and all other mechanical systems within a given facility. All Canadian provinces and territories permit only certified power engineers to operate such equipment. Stationary engineers in Canada are employed in various facilities, such as hospitals, airports and power plants, to name a few.

In Canada, there are five national levels of stationary certification. Fourth and fifth classes are the lowest two levels; first class is the highest. By fulfilling the following education recommendations, you will enter into the workforce with a third-class certification. Your advancement to higher certification levels is achieved through specified work experience and examination requirements.

While in high school, take 11th-grade physics and foundations in mathematics, followed by 12th-grade English/communications and academic math.

Consult your high school career counselor about universities or colleges in your area that offer a power engineering technical program. The Institute of Power Engineers website provides an extensive list of Canadian colleges and universities that offer this program. Find this list on the "Education" page.

Enroll in the university or college of your choice that offers a certificate of technical studies in power engineering. Upon enrollment, you will be required to take an entrance exam that tests your math, English and physics knowledge.

Prepare to spend 38 weeks of full-time study to receive your certificate of technical studies in power engineering. You will need a passing grade of 60 to receive your certificate. This certificate will allow you to work in operations and maintenance at the facilities listed in the Introduction. However, keep in mind that you are not qualified as a stationary/power engineer at this point.

Research universities or colleges in your area that offer a diploma of technical studies in power and process engineering.

Apply to the university or college of your choice for this program. You will only be accepted if you already have an equivalent engineering or technical education, as well as a valid fourth-class power engineering certificate.

Prepare to spend 38 weeks studying full-time to receive your diploma of technical studies in power engineering. You will need a passing grade of 60 to receive your diploma.

You must then take the power engineering exam at your provincial safety authority. Your program head will be able to give you the information required for taking this exam, which consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section you can complete online and another section you must complete in person. Both exams are open-book.

Apply to become a member of the Institute of Power Engineers. Membership fees are $95 a year. As a member, you will be able to review all the job openings for stationary/power engineers across Canada. Membership will also give you the opportunity to network with superiors and co-workers.