California Licensing Requirements

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BAHTAH

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Under the New California Licensing, I was required to take the Journeyman's Test even though I have had a C-10 for over 30yrs. Score 98% and I provided information to the testing authority on two questions that had more than one correct answer listed. I am working with a young contractor, helping him get his business up and running and only plan on working for another three years. The journeyman's card is good for 3yrs and you are required to take CEU's during that time in order to renew without taking the original exam again. My question is does anyone know where you can take the required refresher courses to get CEU's ? And my second question is related to my finding one web site with classes but the cost for the required CEU's over three-years would be over $800.00 and it seems easier and much less costly to just take the exam again for $150.00 or what ever the current cost would be. Any information would be appreciated.
 
congrat's!

congrat's!

Glad to hear you did so well on the test. I've known outstanding electricians who freeze when testing.
You do not need to spend a fortune to get those CEU classes. The bureau who issued you the license will have to come up with an approved list of what will be acceptable - before your license comes due for renewal. They will likely have a list of subjects, and class schedules. Be patient - they may move slow since this is their first time.
I always liked to attend classes, and have attended them in several different states - usually put on by the state, and did not cost much. My son, who is not able to attend classes due to his work location just completed getting his CEU courses over the internet. They then sent him his certificates which he sent in with his renewal application to the state. He even took extra's because he had an interest in a class which he did not need for his renewal.
The cost for the two he did need was only $80 - the one he wanted in addition by itself was $75
He did his through Jade Learning Center. Check it out on the internet.
You want success, you need attitude..attitude..attitude
 
grant said:
My question is does anyone know where you can take the required refresher courses to get CEU's ? And my second question is related to my finding one web site with classes but the cost for the required CEU's over three-years would be over $800.00 and it seems easier and much less costly to just take the exam again for $150.00 or what ever the current cost would be. Any information would be appreciated.
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These are the only "Approved" schools as of yet and only a select few are doing CEU's yet. It's a pay-to-play game, and those are the ones who paid. You must also understand that all of the post-ponements on this law was due to the fact that originaly there was to be only one outlet for apprenticeship, and CEU's. And when they allowed more than that one... They yanked the approval of the rest... Not sure which ones are currently offering CEU's, but I know a few dont... And was wondering if the 'on-line' one you mention was the WEC one, as it is the only one I know of yet? Or another? Apparently if you are a member of one of the 3 organizations (WEC, ABC, IBEW) that do offer any classes, you get different pricing - another method to force you to choose one labor organization over another. Even the very few Community Colledge ones are linked somehow to one of those 3. And due to another law on apprenticeship, it is up to the DAS to 'determine the need' for programs, but otherwise will not allow more than one apprenticeship program in the same geographical area. As the requirements for having an Aprenticeship program are the same as having approval for offering CEU's - so goes the same for the geographical area crap... Which is why I was surprised when I saw that they were offering On-line classes. And the DAS likes to yank the rug out from some of these things as time goes on, I was wondering if it would last....

But yes, you have a might good point.... about re-testing - not quite sure if there is some sort of hang up in there if one were to do that, but it does sound quite a bit cheaper and much less of a hassle if one did. $800/32 hours of BS and quite possibly more if you need to be forced into assocition with who ever the provider is. (ABC, WEC, or IBEW) vs. an hour or two of your time at $150 and only needing to get a 60% on a test....

The whole guise of even having a test is bogus IMO due to the many manipulations that have occured in this process. And the DAS is either foolish or malicious - sometimes it is hard to tell which.

FYI I too found one question that did not have an answer listed at all, and several other people I know who took the test also came across it too.

Are they still testing on the '99 code? Or have they made it to the '02 yet, as we change to the '05....
 
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Are they still testing on the '99 code? Or have they made it to the '02 yet, as we change to the '05....

When I tested they were still using the 99 code, had do some digging to find my old copy. I always use the most current code regardless of whats been adopted. The on-line courses I found are offered by WECA and they charge $25.00 for what they call a 1-hour course. With 32 hours being required you can see the cost. I am working with the local college, trying to get an approved program as many colleges are listed as approved in the State. I was an instructor for ABC for fifteen years and hope we can get something going in our area.

Grant
 
grant said:
I am working with the local college, trying to get an approved program as many colleges are listed as approved in the State. I was an instructor for ABC for fifteen years and hope we can get something going in our area.

Grant
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For those colleges it has been an up-hill battle, for many of them they got yanked initially and for those who stuck to it they got to keep them eventually. Many just gave up. The WECA/IECA have been in near constant legal battles over thier programs as was the ABC.

As for starting one at a nearby school - I too would love to get one in my area at say our Community College. But they would be at the mercy of the DAS to recognize the 'need'. (See 3075a)
 
Interesating point on the cost comparison. The redeeming factor of this whole mess was increased education for the trade. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

The schools listed at this link are permitted to provide classes to earn CEU's.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ListOfApprovedSchoolsDetail.html

I know the the schools are listed as being approved for electrical trainees, but what is not clear on the website is that they can also offer CEU's.

Not all schools may offer classes. There is talk of some classes being offered over the internet, I will look in to this and post back some info.
 
Please correct me if I am wrong. I don't think CA. has approved any CEU programs. My journeyman card expires next year. I remember getting a letter stating I received an extension because of this problem.

I need to figure out how to earn my CEU's. My understanding of the California system is that if the "card" expires, I must enroll in the four year program to be eligible to take the test again.

This is unacceptible. I have the years in the trade. I took the test without a course. I am willing to take CEU classes. I don't want to drive to Fresno. This is where I drove to take the test (120 miles+).
 
It seems my previous post was in error. I was going off info I received from someone close to the Elect. Cert. Program.

They make a big point of stating that the list of approved schools is not equal to a list of continuing ED providers. If you read the qualifiers for a CEU provider then all those schools listed would qualify. The private post secondary providers IBEW and ABC are affiliated with community colleges. I'm not sure about WECA.

If you read the FAQ's on the DAS website, I believe they answer all your questions.

Even though there is an error on the FAQ page, it appears that proof of CEU's will be on the honor system just like your hours. How sad for the industry. With the price of obtaining CEU's, the temptation to lie on the application will be great. The continuing CEU's was the redeeming value of the whole program.
 
Yeah? Well those of us who live here have spinning heads & crossed eyes for breakfast. I got a 99% when I took it in '03. Needless to say it was an easy test compared to others I have taken ( WA, IAEI etc). California is a joke in this area (and most areas) so it's best to just laugh and raise our rates.
 
bkludecke said:
Yeah? Well those of us who live here have spinning heads & crossed eyes for breakfast. I got a 99% when I took it in '03. Needless to say it was an easy test compared to others I have taken ( WA, IAEI etc). California is a joke in this area (and most areas) so it's best to just laugh and raise our rates.
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I took mine in 2003 as well, but they didn't give me a score, just that I'd passed. (I know I aced it, as I left in 1 1/2 hours for the 4 hour test)

Back to post, I agree: California's contractor laws are the pits.
 
I would certainly be all over the State Web page that hosts your Electrician fourm. http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

You might also read up on the G.S. and by laws of the State board, of course your in California, so you might be well be setting a trend retesting as opposed to course work.

Why don't you get your Associate to pay for your CEU's cost ?

Googles search of "CA electrical license" brought up some select reading.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=CA+electrical+license , home
studies and Course already seem available.
 
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