License Renewals and Code Refreshers

[jaylectricity]

I'm in Massachusetts so I'd appreciate answers specific to MA, but I'm interested in the processes of other states as well.

I got my license renewal application in the mail recently and a few days later I got a flyer for a 15 hour review. The flyer was most likely sent to me by the same people I used in '04. I only used them because my friend suggested we go together.

Unfortunately we had to drive to Wakefield (an hour drive), a daunting task on a Saturday and Sunday morning after a Friday and Saturday night of ermm...umm, well never mind.

Also the class was poorly run. It is my only experience with a code refresher course so maybe I was hoping for a bit more than a man behind a podium addressing a cafeteria full of electricians, reading each code change line for line. A few times we were able to engage them in some horror stories to break up the monotony but all in all the class was worthless. (Besides the $189 never mind the license fee)

Do you know of any code refresher courses closer to my area? I am near the Quincy area. If you know of a slightly more stimulating refresher course, that would be helpful too.

The flyer mentioned that "ALL MA Licenses Expire July 31, 2007." Is that true? What about people who just got their license last November? I remember my old boss having to renew his in 2003 while I had until 2004. Am I missing something?

Lastly, this will be the second time I get my code refresher class less than a year before a new code book comes out. Should I just take another refresher class next year for the 2008 NEC to fulfill the requirement for my next cycle? I guess it seems obvious but I'll ask anyway.

Thanks!

 

[yanici]

If you want to I'm sure you can find a course that comes out right after the 2008 book does, instead of waiting until the end. I usually take mine as early as I can at the Local IBEW training center. Last time it was June 2005. They keep it fairly interesting and you can't beat the coffee, donuts, and lunch.

 

[iwire]

Jay, I use Leo Martin in Norwood.

But there are many providers.

List of Approved Continuing Education Providers for 2005

By the way at $189 you will make our NJ members jealous, I think they pay more than $700.

 

[Rockyd]

Go to a Mike Holt Seminar on code changes, Mike doesn't read from the book to you, he can tell you exactly what it says, but he is a lot more dynamic than that! Go to one of his seminars and see shy he is Number One as a code presenter! Take $306 dollars more for a class worth going to. here is Mikes fall courses - click here.

Mike Holt Seminar Presenter / Extended Information
Presenter Information

Mike Holt worked his way up through the electrical trade from an apprentice electrician to a master electrician and electrical inspector. Mike did not complete high school due to circumstances. Realizing that success depends on one?s education, he immediately attained his GED, and ten years later he attended the University of Miami?s Graduate School for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Mike continues today to stay current in all aspects of his education. Because of his education experiences, he understands the needs of his students, and strongly encourages and motivates them to continue their own education.

EDUCATOR

Mike is nationally recognized as one of America?s most knowledgeable electrical trainers and has touched the lives of many thousands of electricians, inspectors, contractors and engineers. His dynamic and animated teaching style is relaxed, direct and fun. The quality that sets Mike apart from the others is his ability to motivate his students to become successful.

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Mike has devoted his career to studying and understanding the National Electrical Code, the foundation of the electrical industry. Researching the NEC all these years and understanding its background has not only made Mike an expert, but it has earned him the respect of his peers.

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Mike is a well-respected author and developer of software, books and video training programs. He has mastered the art of explaining the complicated in a simple but direct style. His ability to simplify technical concepts makes him one of America?s most sought after speaker and writer in the electrical trade. His extensive use of illustration in all of his training programs makes learning fun. His articles have been seen in numerous magazines, such as Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M), CEE News, Electrical Design and Installation (EDI), Electrical Contractor (EC), International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI News), The Electrical Distributor (TED) and Power Quality (PQ) Magazine.

THE MAN

Mike resides in Central, Florida, is the father of seven children, and has many outside interest and activities. In 1988 he became the National Barefoot Waterskiing Champion, has set five national records and in 1999 he again captured the National Barefoot Waterskiing Champion. Mike enjoys white water rafting, racquetball, playing his guitar, and spending time with his family. His commitment to God has helped him develop a lifestyle that balances God, family, career, and self.

Audience

This program is designed for any individual that is involved in the electrical industry.

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[electricmanscott]

Jay, I don't know who you used but I have been to a few different ones over the years. For me the best ones were done by Charlie Palmieri and Bill Laidler. They run their own courses I believe and are also hired by MECA to do classes. Charlie participates in this forum so maybe he will check in.

Ideally you would go to the update as soon as the classes were available, early 2008 for next cycle. That way you are up to date on the changes. Hanging out at this site keeps you ahead of the game anyway but won't help you renew your license.

All licenses do expire in July.

 

[jaylectricity]

Thanks for the responses so far. I don't have time to sit here and write more right now, but I'll be back.

 

[jaylectricity]

All licenses do expire in July.

This part is still confusing me. Even an electrician who passed the test and paid the licensing fee 8 months ago has to pay the fee again? I took my test in November 2002 and didn't have to pay my renewal fee until 2004. Do all licenses always expire on the same day here?

That would mean that all licenses expire right before the new code book comes out. I suppose that makes sense but I was never aware of that fact.

 

[Davis9]

All licenses expire at the same time. Masters and Journeymans. They get a bunch of checks in July.....

Tom

Try to take the update early in '08 so it's done. I took mine in Feb of '05 and it was the best thing I could do. Saves you money in the long run.

 

[jaylectricity]

All licenses expire at the same time. Masters and Journeymans. They get a bunch of checks in July...

So...what do they do with those checks? Where do the licensing fees go? I'm sure some of the money pays for the computers and offices where the tests are taken. The inspectors get paid by the town, the money coming from the permit budget.

What about the rest of the money? Any ideas?

 

[electricmanscott]

So...what do they do with those checks?

"Make checks payable to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts"


I think that says it all. Just read the paper any random day of the week and you'll see were the money is squandered. Example from yesterdays Herald "State forces MBTA to spend $4M to help turtles cross traintracks"

:roll:

 

[jaylectricity]

"Make checks payable to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts"


I think that says it all. Just read the paper any random day of the week and you'll see were the money is squandered. Example from yesterdays Herald "State forces MBTA to spend $4M to help turtles cross traintracks"

:roll:

Haha, as soon as I re-read my question before reading your response I about kicked myself and thought...Big Dig, Aqua Teen Hunger Force bomb scare, etc.

 

[John Arendt]

As I wire said:
By the way at $189 you will make our NJ members jealous, I think they pay more than $700.
__________________
Bob
Electrical Construction & Maintenance

Us Jersey guys don't get jealous!
Does Mass have to do 34 hrs total? We need 9 NEC; 1 Law, & 24 trade related. Rates are dependent on where we go.
All courses are State Board approved, and the Instructors are also State Approved.

Stay safe
John:grin:

 

[iwire]

John right now 21 hours every code cycle for MA.

15 hours in a state certified class and 6 hours 'related' which is as vague as it sounds.

I actully listed my time on the forums as my '6' hours related, but any OSHA, safety, elctrical class will work.

15 hours for RI as well but they accept my MA classes.

CT is another story.

I now have to take a different 7 hours per year to keep my CT license so now I will apply that time to my addtional MA time required.

 

[macmikeman]

Where I'm at you pay $50 bucks if you take the class early on. It graduates all the way up to $500 if you wait till the new code cycle takes effect.