Are the CEU's really needed?

Virgina requires that all electricians must complete 3hrs of CEU's before they will be allowed to renew their Journeyman or Master Electrical license. It is required that the CEU's be completed sometime during the two year period before the license expires. I have heard many people complain about this and that all it does is generate revenue for the state. This is far from the fact. First point the state does not receive any revenue from the courses. The course are offered through independent education providers that are approved by the state. Each of the providers may have a different cost for the courses offered.A list of the education providers is available at the Virgina Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations website. Click here for more info. The list is quite long and you have a wide variety to choose from. One of the main reasons for the education updates is to assure the public that license tradesman keep up with the code. These requirements apply to all of the major trades and also to many other license professions as well. Many complain that 3 hours is not enough. well again many other states require from 6 to 18 hours of CEU's.
You may ask why is this needed? The answer is simple in times past many tradesman simply past the test, got their license and worked the trade for years and never even read a new code book. Not to mention that the code makes some significant changes regarding the safety of  installations every three years. Many times tradesman were not aware or choose not to keep themselves updated. The requirement assures that those working are qualified and up to date with the current codes for their profession. If you are looking to take a code class many types are offered. The online classes require a test at the end so that their is a verification that all the material is reviewed and is sometimes a bit cheaper. The classroom classes have an instructor that gives the class and does not require a test. If your looking for a class click here for both types of classes offered So make sure you stay informed in today's world you cant afford to be out of the loop. Make an input, your experience does make a difference and we can all pass the trade down to others. Till next time work safe and stay informed.
Dave

Sorry Class Full

I was not expecting the response for the Electrical exam Prep course. Unfortunately  the class filled quickly.
Sorry for all those who cannot make it. I will be holding another 8 hour course in April or May.
Feel free to drop us a line from our website at www.surgingforward.com. I the mean time work safe and keep surging forward.
Dave

Virginia Master Exam Prep Class

Thanks for all of you that have been asking about a Master Exam Prep class. I have finally been able to secure a date and a room. For those of you that are interested ( or know someone that is ) check out the website at www.surgingforward.com for more details. The class will be in two 4 hour sessions starting Feb 22. The course is designed for the Virginia exam and allows for open discussion. Please feel free to post any questions you have about the test before the class. Remember to not stress over the test. Keep that positive attitude and you will keep surging forward. I look forward to helping all out there achieve their 2013 goals.
by for now hope to hear from you soon
Dave