Challenge Exams For People Out of Province Certification

The Challenge process allows individuals who have equivalent certification (as outlined below) and the required Trade/Practical experience to apply for a CPCA petroleum mechanic license without participating in theoretical training. Individuals are required however to write the appropriate examination for the license they are applying for. Exams can be written at an approved testing centre (located throughout Canada) and will be arranged once the challenge request is approved. Challenge requests are reviewed by a standing committee several times throughout the year, applicants may be subject to longer waiting periods during this approval process.

Note: The challenge process is not intended to replace the CPCA training program process.

Applicants to be approved by the CPCA based on sufficient Trade/Practical experience and related out of province certification where applicable, based on the scope of the licenses below. All Challenge participants are supplied with the applicable CPCA training manual.

Relevant Certification

Applicants must have the following equivalent certification to challenge the CPCA exam

  • TSSA Petroleum Certification – PM1, PM2 and/or PM3
  • Nova Scotia Petroleum Storage Tank System Installer Certificate – Class 1
  • ITABC certification – Technician and/or Installer

PM1 – Service and Maintenance

A person who holds a PM1 license may, without supervision, service and maintain petroleum equipment and systems, and accessories essential to their operation.

  • Install and remove suction pumps and related systems
  • Repair and maintain suction pumps and related systems
  • Repair and maintain submersible pumps, dispensers and related systems

PM2 – Underground Installation

A person who holds a PM2 license may, without supervision, install, remove, alter, test, service and maintain any type of underground installation and the equipment and accessories essential to its operation.

  • Install underground tanks
  • Remove underground tanks
  • Install petroleum transfer systems
  • Repair and maintain systems for detecting leaks and monitoring tanks
  • Install and remove submersible pumps

PM3 – Aboveground Installation

A person who holds a PM3 license may, without supervision, install, remove, alter, repair, test, service and maintain any type of aboveground installation and the equipment and accessories essential to its operation.

  • Install above-ground tanks
  • Remove above-ground tanks
  • Repair and maintain systems for detecting leaks and monitoring tanks
  • Install, remove, repair and maintain bulk handling equipment

Required Forms

  • Form 1 – Petroleum Mechanic Training Registration Form (Challenge process section completed only).
  • Form 3 – Verification of Trade Experience

Both forms must be submitted before an exam is arranged. Incomplete forms will result in processing delays.

Required Code Books

Individuals may use the following codes during exams

A copy of the latest National Fire Code** and the CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) Environmental Code of Practice for Above Ground & Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products booklet***

The NFC and CCME are used for reference for the exam. It is strongly recommended to bring these two publications with you. The National Fire Code can be purchased through the National Research Council (click here for website). The CCME booklet can be downloaded for free. Click here to download

To apply:

Contact the CPCA at info@cpcaonline.com

Exam Registration for Approved Applicants

Once and applicant is ready to write the exam, they can contact CPCA for the testing centre information for their area.

Exam Re-writes

If students are unsuccessful on their initial examination attempt, they are permitted to re-write after 30 days. The re-write fee is $200 plus any invigilation fees if written at an approved testing centre (varies based on test centre).

Please contact the CPCA at 1-866-360-6722 or info@cpcaonline.com to schedule a re-write.