The 5th, 4th and 3rd class Power Engineering Exams used to be 150 questions in length, with a 3.5 hour time limit. Earlier this year, these power engineering exams have been adjusted to standardize the 100 question, 3 hour time limit format as found in 2nd class updates. These changes have been implemented by each jurisdiction on a case by case basis, so it is advised that you confirm the format of your exam with the governing body (TSBC, ABSA, TSASK, TSSA, etc.) 

We reached out to SOPEEC representatives to understand the reason for this change. According to SOPEEC, the reason for the change is to standardize the examination format with the 2nd class multiple choice exam structure of 100 questions, but with a 3.5 hour time limit. These 2nd class exams are being changed to multiple choice each year until all exams are updated. 2A2 will be changing to multiple choice early in 2024, with 2A1 to follow in 2025. 

We have received mixed feedback regarding the updated 100 question exams for the 5th, 4th and 3rd class power engineering exams. Some students have found that the shorter exams are easier due to the increased amount of time they have for each question. On the other had, other students have mentioned that the new format is more difficult due to the large amount of content that is being refined to a shorter exam. This is more difficult to know what to expect on your exam and where you attention should be focused.