Alberta has adopted training and certification standards of the Canadian Petroleum Contractors Association. Manuals are available from the CPCA once registration is complete & fees are paid. Examinations are scheduled on an as-needed basis.
The following is an overview of the CPCA model. If you have any questions, please submit an email to our Association.
Overview of the CPCA Petroleum Mechanic Training Program
Introduction
The CPCA Petroleum Mechanic Training Program has been adopted by the following provinces: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Quebec
Steps to take for the Petroleum Mechanic Training and Certification Program
- Fill out the registration form (available on CPCA website)
- Select training program or challenge exam if you qualify. Training manuals will be sent to you for the home study course.
- Send in payment with the registration form to the CPCA
- You will be notified when the next course will be available (exam dates will be posted on the A.P.S.S.C.A. website)
- Examiner will do a 2 hr. review of the course before the exam (exam and review takes about 6 hrs.)
- Write the A.P.S.S.C.A. exam.
Please note: for new individuals looking to become Petroleum Technicians, you still need to register and fill-out all of the forms and submit them to the CPCA to start the process.
Training examinations will be scheduled & coordinated through C.P.C.A. In order to complete this, the registration process needs to be started as soon as possible. Scheduling the exams for the challenge process will be based on registrations and requests for taking the exams.
Applicants are required to write the appropriate examination for the license they are applying for.
Individuals are required to register & purchase training materials. The Petroleum Mechanic Course Training program is based on a home study format. The recommended hours of study are as follows:
PMH – 35 hours
PM1 – 40 hours
PM2 – 40 hours
PM3 – 40 hours
Examinations are multiple choice and a minimum passing grade of 75% is required.
More information is available by contacting C.P.C.A. online at www.cpcaonline.com as well as A.P.S.S.C.A. at info@apssca.com.
Description of License Categories Overview
PMH—Petroleum Mechanic Helper
- The PMH license is a prerequisite for individuals that are new to the industry (senior individuals do not need to write the PMH exam)
- Can replace nozzles, spouts, hoses, breakaways, filters & belts
- Contain & clean up spills and leaks
- May assist the holder of a PM1, PM2, or PM3 license if directly supervised by the holder of that license
PM1—Service & Maintenance (Includes Precision Testers)
- Must have a PMH license (senior individuals do not need to write the PMH exam)
- Can service & maintain petroleum equipment & systems
- Install & remove dispenser & suction pumps & related systems
- Repair, troubleshoot, test or replace mechanical, hydraulic, electrical & electronic safety devices
- Must be under direct supervision of a PM1 license holder in order to complete their experience requirement for this level of certification
PM2—Underground Installations & Removals
- Must have a PMH license (senior individuals do not need to write the PMH exam)
- Can install, remove, alter, repair, test, service & maintain any type of underground installation & the equipment & accessories essential to it’s operation
- Pressure testing
- Install & remove submersible pumps, dispensers & related systems
- Must be under direct supervision of a PM2 license holder in order to complete their experience requirement for this level of certification
PM3—Aboveground Installations
- Must have a PMH license (senior individuals do not need to write the PMH exam)
- Can install, remove, alter, repair, test, service & maintain any type of aboveground installation & the equipment & accessories essential to it’s operation
- Pressure testing
- Install & remove submersible pumps, dispensers & related systems
- Must be under direct supervision of a PM3 license holder in order to complete their experience requirement for this level of certification
Trade Experience Requirements
- PM1 – Service & Maintenance = 1000 Hours
- PM2 – Underground Installations = 2000 Hours
- PM3 – Aboveground Installations = 500 Hours
Challenge Process
- Licenses can be challenged with an affidavit for verification of trade experience signed by a Commissioner for Oaths (fill-out Form 1 & 3, available on the CPCA website).