Instrumentation and Control Technician

Instrumentation and control technicians install, maintain and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing.

Instrumentation and control technicians work with a wide variety of pneumatic, electronic and microcomputer devices used to measure and control pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force, and chemical composition.

In general, they:

consult manufacturers' manuals to determine test and maintenance procedures,
use pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices to inspect and test instrument and system operation, and diagnose faults,
practice loss management principles,
consult with and advise process operators,
train apprentices,
repair, maintain and adjust system components or remove and replace defective parts,
conduct risk assessments,
calibrate and maintain components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications,
work with engineers on basic designs,
install and maintain instruments on new or existing plant equipment and processes, and
interpret and use appropriate CSA, ISA and API installation standards and practices.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices,
Certified Journeypersons
Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for instrumentation and control technicians is 4 years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the first and second years, and a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of classroom instruction in the third and fourth years. The entrance requirements for this trade require completion of an Alberta high school diploma that includes English 20-2, Math 30-3, Physics 30 and Chemistry 30, or equivalent, or pass the entrance exam. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for an Instrumentation and Control Technician are: A minimum of 72 months AND 9,180 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Recognized Credentials The requirements for an Instrumentation and Control Technician are: A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam.

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for instrumentation and control technicians is 4 years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction in the first and second years, and a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of classroom instruction in the third and fourth years.
The entrance requirements for this trade require completion of an Alberta high school diploma that includes English 20-2, Math 30-3, Physics 30 and Chemistry 30, or equivalent, or pass the entrance exam.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on:

Work Experience

The requirements for an Instrumentation and Control Technician are:

A minimum of 72 months AND 9,180 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized Credentials

The requirements for an Instrumentation and Control Technician are:

A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.
Related Trades	Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements. Communication Technician Electrician

Category

Information

High School Credit

A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time.
A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

Communication Technician
Electrician

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order

Instrumentation and Control Technician

Program Information

Program Credit

Supporting Resources

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