Powerline Technician
Powerline
Technician
- How to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems
- How to erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and wires
- How to splice, solder and insulate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks
- How to inspect and test power lines and cables
- How to install and maintain street lighting systems
Powerline Technicians are careful and analytical tradespeople who work with the complex electrical systems that deliver power to our homes and businesses.
As a Powerline Technician, you’ll put your analytical nature to the test—in an essential role that ensures the continued, safe supply of power to our communities.
You'll construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power transmission and distribution systems. You may work for electric power generation authorities, electrical contractors and public utility commissions.
Technical Training
The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider.
Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province.
Program Information and Resources
Program Information and Resources
Exam Information and Resources
Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page.
- Exam Breakdown
- Acronyms and Formulas
- Code Book required: none
- Exam Breakdown
- Acronyms and Formulas
- Code Book required: none
- To be implemented.
- Red Seal Occupational Standard
- Red Seal Exam Preparation Guide
- Red Seal Exam Breakdown (online)
- Red Seal Exam Breakdown (pdf)
- Code book provided: none
Program and Exam Updates
Powerline Technician is a Skilled Trades Certification trade, also known as a compulsory trade, in British Columbia. This means that to work in this trade, you must be registered as an apprentice, be a certified journeyperson, or have applied as a Trade Qualifier or Uncertified Experienced Worker.
January 2020: OPSN 2020 001 (Harmonization Program Changes)
- August 2024: OPSN 2024 019 (Harmonized Level 1 SLE Launch)
- September 2025: OPSN 2025 019 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Launch)
- March 2021: Program Update (2018 Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS))
- A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2013 National Occupational Analysis (NOA) and 2018 RSOS can be found here.
Challenge the Certification Exam
Challenge the Certification Exam
If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program.
If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level.
Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.
Online Application
Create a SkilledTradesBC Portal account to start your application
Declaration Forms Instructions
A section-by-section guide on how to complete the declaration forms
Employer Declaration
A form for your employer to document and attest to your work experience
Statutory Declaration
A form for you to document and attest to your work experience from self-employment or because a direct supervisor cannot be contacted
- Monitoring and critical thinking
- Safe work practices
- Troubleshooting
- Climbing, hydraulic buckets and rigging equipment
- Electrical systems repair and installation
Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.