Fuel Technician Certification
What is the Fuels Certification Program?
The Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), regulates the Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician occupations. A new certification structure for these occupations is in place, under the newly created Regulation and Technical Standards and Safety Act. Programs of study have been lengthened to accommodate knowledge and skills required to service today's more sophisticated gas and oil burning equipment.
All fuel certification programs and courses offered at Mohawk College are accredited by the TSSA. Mohawk's STARRT Institute is an approved Certification Test Centre for all Fuel Certification examinations.
How do I obtain certification as a Gas Technician?
The Gas Technician Certification program is comprised of the following three levels:- Gas Technician 3 (GT-3)
This is a mandatory, entry-level certification which must be completed by anyone wanting to work as a Gas Technician. GT-3 training includes 9 modules which are prerequisites for the remaining certification training. The GT-3 is now renewable bi-annually. Individuals with GT-3 certification work under supervision on appliances up to and including 400,000 BTUH. - Gas Technician 2 (GT-2)
GT-2 certification requires successful completion of Modules 10 - 24 . These are prerequisites for future certification training. The GT-2 can be renewed and allows technicians to work unsupervised on appliances up to and including 400,000 BTUH. The certification is renewable bi-annually. - Gas Technician 1 (GT-1)
The GT-1 is the highest level of gas technician certification. To obtain GT-1 certification, you must successfully complete Modules 25 - 31 of the training program. The GT-1 allows technicians to work on appliances of unlimited BTUH inputs and which use natural gas and propane gas in its vapour state. The certification is renewable bi-annually.
How do I obtain certification as an Oil Burner Technician?
The Oil Burner Technician Certification program currently includes the following three levels:- Oil Burner Technician 3 (OBT-3)
This is a mandatory, entry-level certification which must be completed by anyone wanting to work as an Oil Burner Technician. An Oil Burner Tech. 3 may work in the presence of and under general or direct supervision of an OBT-1 or OBT-2 on any oil fired appliance using # 2 fuel oil of not more than 2 U.S.G.P.H. input firing rating, oil burner, controls or accessories which form a component part of the appliance assembly directly or remotely attached; and unsupervised, may clean, lubricate, or reactivate an appliance; clean, remove and replace any flue pipe or the barometric damper. OBT-3 training includes 13 modules which are prerequisites for the remaining certification training. - Oil Burner Technician 2 (OBT-2)
OBT-2 certification requires successful completion of Modules 14 - 23. These modules are delivered in three parts and are prerequisites for future certification training. OBT-2 certification allows technicians to work unsupervised on appliances using number 2 fuel oil, up to and including 7 U.S.G.P.H. - Oil Burner Technician 1 (OBT - 1)
The OBT-1 is the highest level of oil burner technician certification. The OBT-1 allows technicians to work on appliances using number 2 fuel oil, with no B.T.U.H. input limitations. Currently, the TSSA and the Canadian Oil Heating Association (C.O.H.A.) are reviewing the curriculum. For those individuals grandfathered into level one, please note that certification is renewable biannually.
How long does it take to complete Certification training?
Mohawk College offers Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician training during the day at the STARRT Institute, and at night at both the STARRT Institute and Brantford campus.Gas Technician Training
- The GT-3 night program is 144 hours and is part of the CE Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Certificate; the day program is 180 hours and is completed in 30 class sessions. The evening program is completed in 36 sessions, with classes offered twice weekly (18 weeks).
- The GT-2 program is 480 hrs; the day program is completed two days weekly for 20 weeks. The evening program is delivered in four parts of 120 hrs each, requiring a minimum period of study of 16 months (two sessions per week).
- The GT-1 certification requires 160 hours of study beyond GT-2.
Oil Burner Technician Training
- The OBT-3 day program is 180 hours and is completed in 30 sessions.
- The OBT-3 evening program is 120 hrs and is completed in 30 sessions, with classes offered twice weekly (15 weeks)
- The OBT-2 program is delivered in three parts of 120 hrs. each.
- The OBT-1 program is currently under review.
NOTE: The Oil Burner Technician Training is offered through day school at this time.
How do I register for Fuels Certification courses?
Please note that different registration procedures are in place for night school and day school programs:
If you wish to study at night, please register using one of the Mohawk College Continuing Education Registration options.
If you wish to register for a course offered during the day, you must complete the OCAS (Ontario College Application Service) post-secondary application form available from the Registrar's Office at Fennell, STARRT Institute or Brantford campus.
What are the admission requirements for Gas and Oil Burner Certification Training?
Applicants with Grade 12, especially Mathematics and English, are best equipped to handle the curriculum. Experience working with gas- and/or oil-fueled equipment is a definite advantage.
How much does Certification training cost?
Currently, tuition for the GT-3 evening course is $910.36
Tuition for GT-2 evening sessions is $773.67 for each of four parts
Tuition for OBT-3 evening sessions is to be determined
Tuition for OBT-2 evening sessions is to be determined for each of three parts
Prices for dayschool are available by calling the Registrar's Office at (905)575-2000.
Please note that these fees do not include texts. Candidates are also required to pay an application/examination fee of $150.00 for each level of certification. All prices are subject to change.
Can I use my work experience to reduce the number of course hours I must complete?
Each curriculum module in the Fuels Certification program includes theory and practical instruction. Mohawk College has a process in place which enables you to challenge the theoretical component through completion of a written challenge examination. After you have successfully completed the written examination, with a grade of at least 75%, you must submit to an additional practical assessment by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.
Please note the following:
FUEL CERTIFICATION CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS
Challenge Examinations for Gas and Oil Burner Technician III Certifications may be written at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) 1-877-682-8772 www.tssa.org. After successful completion of the written challenge examination (minimum pass 75%), you must submit to a Practical Assessment. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority will conduct practical assessments at a location of their choice. Scheduling appointments and costs to be determined at the time of calling the TSSA.
Theoretical challenge examinations for Oil or Gas Technician will interest those with Gas or Oil Burner Technician experience who are not certified in any category or have never possessed any Certificate of Qualification as a Gas or Oil Burner Technician. Reinstatement and higher category challenge examinations will have to be arranged and written at the TSSA.
If you wish to challenge the Gas or Oil Burner Technician II exam or the Gas and Oil Burner Technician 1 exam you must provide proof of the following to the TSSA:
1. A valid Gas or Oil Burner technician III or II license, depending on the exam you are challenging.
2. Documentation of the hours related to the work experience for the license that you are challenging types of equipment etc.
Documented proof of related work experience would include letters or affidavits from employers detailing work experience related to the certification sought and the name and certificate number of the supervising certificate holder(s).
Can Certification courses be used as credits in other Mohawk College programs?
Yes, GT-3 and OBT-3 can be used as credits in the Mohawk College Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Certificate Program, the Power Engineering Techniques Program, the Utilities Systems Operator Program, and the Gas/Oil Burner Technician II Program.
For more information:
For inquiries about the status of licenses, licensing requirements, reinstatement of licenses, or other general information about the Fuels Certification Program, contact TSSA or visit website for the latest information releases on the fuels certification program.
If you have specific questions about curriculum content, or other academic issues, please contact the Program Manager.
