SOPEEC 2nd-Class Power Engineering Exam Format: Structure of the Revised Second Class Papers

This editorial guide summarizes the SOPEEC Second Class revised exam structure using SOPEEC’s revised Second Class examination page as the primary source. It is informational only and is not an official SOPEEC notice, regulator advice, or a substitute for instructions from the jurisdiction where a candidate applies.

Exam overview

SOPEEC’s revised Second Class examination information states that candidates should contact the applicable jurisdiction for application-specific information because jurisdictions may coordinate exam applications differently. For the 2nd Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency examination, SOPEEC states that successful completion of six examination papers is required in all jurisdictions: 2A1, 2A2, 2A3, 2B1, 2B2, and 2B3.

The revised page also explains that 2nd Class examination questions have been transitioning from long-answer format to multiple-choice format. SOPEEC lists a pass threshold of at least 65% of the total marks allotted for each examination paper.

Paper and part structure

The SOPEEC 2nd-Class Power Engineering exam format is organized across Part A and Part B papers. The six named 2nd Class power engineering papers are:

SOPEEC’s revised Second Class page says that, effective January 1, 2024, only the 2A1 examination remained long answer, with seven essay-style questions and only the first five attempted marked. The same page says that, effective January 1, 2025, the 2A1 paper joins 2A2, 2A3, 2B1, 2B2, and 2B3 in multiple-choice format, with 100 questions each, and that the examinations become three hours in duration.

• 2A1
• 2A2
• 2A3
• 2B1
• 2B2
• 2B3

What the revised Second Class page means for candidates

For candidates, the most important practical takeaway is that the SOPEEC exam structure should be checked against the current SOPEEC page and the rules of the applicable jurisdiction before applying or preparing exam-day materials. SOPEEC notes that, in most jurisdictions, candidates are responsible for required reference material and recommends that reference material be current. SOPEEC also points readers to its General Examination Information for details on what some jurisdictions normally allow candidates to bring into the examination room.

Because SOPEEC’s page refers candidates to applicable jurisdictions for application information, candidates should treat jurisdictional instructions as part of their planning process. This guide only summarizes the SOPEEC-published exam structure; it does not set eligibility, scheduling, fees, permitted aids, or local application requirements.

Common questions