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Boiler Training:
Prepare for your ABSA Special Boiler Operator’s (SBO) and Special Oilwell Operator’s (SOW) exams with Safety Buzz Campus

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Special Boiler Operators (SBO) + Special Oilwell Operators (SOW) training with Safety Buzz Campus

Preparing to write ABSA exams is nerve-racking. Get yourself and your team ready with our study and exam preparation program. Gain increased confidence heading into your ABSA exam.

2024-2025 schedule

SBC is one of the only companies in Alberta that offers classroom training for special oilwell and boiler training. Most courses are held in our Dunmore campus, a hamlet just outside of Medicine Hat. Contact us to learn about availability and training opportunities at your location.

Did You Know? SBC is one of the only Alberta companies that offers SBO + SOW exam prep courses in the classroom!

We have competitive pricing with the highest student exam pass rating. We have trained well over 700 people since 2019!

We can offer this course and exam in many locations around Alberta including our campus! Check out our course offerings below with dates and locations. Contact us to see if you can arrange training at your company.

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Exam Qualifications + Eligibility:

SBO: Must be currently employed in operating a boiler/power plant with a capacity not exceeding 250 kW.

SOW: Must have six months of experience around a portable boiler/power plant with a capacity of up to 1000 kW at drilling or oil and gas production sites.

Pre-Qualification Exam Forms

Exam application forms must be submitted 21 days before the exam date.

Special Boiler Operator (SBO)

  • Complete forms 66 and 66a

  • ABSA recommends completing these fillable PDF documents over handwriting.

Special Oilwell Operator (SOW)

  • ABSA recommends completing this fillable PDF document over handwriting.

Once the form is completed email it to admin@safetybuzzcampus.ca 


Safety Buzz Campus will submit your form for approval by ABSA. Forms must be completed in full, including Boiler A #, chief engineer and student signature.

Exam prep course overview:

  • The course will review boiler design & operation

  • Regulatory codes and acts

  • Thermodynamics and combustion

  • Mechanical properties of metals

  • Basic boiler construction

  • Boiler fittings

  • Feedwater treatment

  • Boiler maintenance 

Exam Instructions:

The examination will be facilitated and certified through ABSA. Safety Buzz Campus does not have ANY authority over the examination.

Special Boiler Operator (SBO)

  • The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, 1.5 hours in duration.

  • A  grade of 65% will be required to pass.

  • Detailed information regarding this examination can be found in the Special Boiler Reference Syllabus (AB-57).

Special Oilwell Operator (SOW)

  • The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours in duration.

  • A grade of 65% will be required to pass. 

  • Detailed information regarding this examination can be found in the Special Oilwell Reference Syllabus (AB-56).

  • ABSA Special Boiler Operators (SBO)

    ABSA Special Boiler Operators (SBO)

    This is an exam prep course for ABSA SBO certificate of competency in Alberta. Upon successfully passing the ABSA SBO exam, this certification allows the certificate holder to supervise a boiler/power plant not exceeding 250 kW. This is a site-specific certification.

  • ABSA Special Oilwell Operators (SOW)

    ABSA Special Oilwell Operators (SOW)

    This is an exam prep course for ABSA SOW certificate of competency in Alberta. Upon successfully passing the ABSA SOW exam, this certification allows the certificate holder to operate portable boilers / power plants up to 1000 kW at drilling and oil and gas production sites. This certification is not site specific and subject to a renewal fee.

APPLY FOR EXAM AND EXAM PREP

Anyone can apply for SBO + SOW prep course and exam by connecting with us at Safety Buzz Campus. Materials covered will prepare students for both SBO + SOW exams.

Applicants looking to write the exam on the same day as the exam prep course MUST submit ABSA-required forms 21 days before the exam date. Approval is not guaranteed.

Contact us for more information or to register!

Safety Buzz Campus
Phone (403) 526-8400
350 Eagle Butte Rd.,
Dunmore, Alberta T1B 0K2

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