State Cert. vs State Regis.

[mike14mon1]

Im fixing to take experiors county Masters Exam which would make me a state registered Master Electrician. The reason I am doing this is becouse the state would not accept my military background in electronics. All my fees are paid and I am fixing to take my exam and now I am being told that the licence I am shooting for is less prestigious than the states licence. I think this reaction may be becouse 1. I am young and setting very high goal for myself and 2. I turned down the apprentaship program becouse of my familly priorities and self taught myself, am I on the right track or are my efforts in vain?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: State Cert. vs State Regis.

I am guessing you are in Florida?

There is nothing less "prestigious" about a registered license verses a certified license. The choice is there specifically for people in your situation. There is very little difference.

Lets examine the two:

1. Both can work on all electrical systems, except registered contractors cannot install alarm systems. An additional license will be required for that.

2. Both require extensive testing and qualifications to obtain. Experior is the approved provider for the entire state.

3. The registered contractor can only work in the jursidiction they are registered, however 90% of the jurisdictions will readily reciprocate your license to their jurisdiction. Both the certified and registered contractor are required to obtain occupational licenses and permits to perform work.

4. Both require the same insurance and bonding requirements. Both are recognized by the Florida Fire Underwriter's and the ELectrical Council of Florida.

5. Both require the same amount and type of continuing education for license renewal.

6. Vendors and suppliers don't know the difference. 90% of customers don't know the difference.

I know several dozen registered contractors that have been licensed and working in local jurisdictions for over 20+ years. Certified contracotrs are not given any special treatment or opportunities.

I myself am partial to the registered contractor. We are the family run businesses, we are the small town community electrical contractors, and we represent over 75% of the ECLB's annual fee revenue. There is no such thing as a useless certification or license. Go for what you can, and if for some reason in the future you wish to install fire alarms and work anywhere you want in the state, then work towards getting your EC. By that time, you will either not need it nor ever need it, or you will have all the qualifications and requirments met for the EC.

(PS > I am an ER contractor in the state of FLorida, just so you know here my bias is.)

 

[mike14mon1]

Re: State Cert. vs State Regis.

Thank you for your positive feedback. It comes few and far between anymore. Its seems that most people tend to be negative toward someone who shows determination. My company told me due to my experience level (Even though I am one of there better employies)they would not even consider me as a licenced journyman even if I am able to pass my exam. Go figure heh

 

[ltcox]

Re: State Cert. vs State Regis.

Your path sounds very similar to the one I took. I went to night school on my own and took the local Master's Exam in my home County. Reciprocity wasn't a problem. I was licensed in about 15 Counties in Florida. This was a State Registered License, ER.

Then a problem arose that I wasn't aware of. We are regulated by FS 489 Part II. This Statute requires that every County License be registered with the State at an individual cost of $105.00.

Lee County was the first to bring this to my attention and once the State was notified, I had no choice but to comply.

Given the situation of the high cost along with having two ES licenses, I decided to take the State exam and get an EC license.

My advice? If you plan on staying in your local County or maybe one or two others, stay with the ER. When you get into multiple registrations with Counties, State Certified Contractors are treated differently, as far as registering is concerned.

If you decide on the local test, hurry, a move is on to allow only state tests.