In the state of Minnesota, electrical contractors are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. These courses help ensure electrical professionals stay up-to-date with the latest codes, safety practices, and technology. This article will outline the requirements for MN electrical contractor continuing education and provide information on approved course providers, acceptable course topics, and how to document completed classes.
MN Continuing Education Requirements
Here are some examples of CE requirements for different professions in Minnesota:
- Architects: 18 hours per year, with 12 hours focused on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) [AIA Minnesota Mandatory CE Requirements]
- Insurance Producers: 24 hours every two years [Minnesota Insurance Continuing Education State Requirements]
- Certified Radon Professionals: Measurement Professionals – 8 hours, Mitigation Professionals – 12 hours [MDH Radon Contractor Continuing Education]
Approved Continuing Education Providers
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry maintains a list of approved continuing education providers on their website. Only courses offered by these approved providers will count toward the license renewal requirements.
Some of the major approved MN electrical contractor continuing education providers include:
– National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA): NECA offers a variety of online and in-person classes focused on the electrical industry. Many cover code updates.
– Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC): Similar to NECA, IEC provides online and classroom instruction. They have regional chapters across the state.
–Vendor/Manufacturer Training: Many equipment manufacturers, like Generac and Square D, provide approved training on the proper installation and maintenance of their products.
–Local Technical College Programs: Schools like Dakota County Technical College offer individual continuing education courses tailored for licensed professionals. Courses often have flexible online and evening options.
-Labor Education Service (LES): A department within the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, LES develops and provides regulatory code training statewide.
It’s best to check the provider listing to confirm a specific class will be approved before registering to ensure the credits will count towards renewal. The State Board of Electricity also offers quarterly approval of courses not on the pre-approved list.
Tracking Your Continuing Education Credits
Licensees need to keep thorough records of their completed continuing education. This includes retaining certificates of completion with the name of the provider, instructor, course title, dates, and number of credits earned.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry uses an online Continuing Education Tracking System where licensees can log all their courses, which will auto-populate during the online license renewal process every three years. Entering courses as they’re completed makes renewal simpler.
Paper records may also be submitted if the online system isn’t used. However, electronic tracking through the state is recommended for easy reporting straight to the licensing board.
Renewal Deadlines
Contractors should plan coursework carefully to allow adequate time for completion before their license expiration date. As mentioned previously, all CE hours must be accrued within each three-year licensing period to avoid penalties.
Contractors who have not completed renewal requirements by the expiration date will have their license changed to inactive and may face fees or fines to reinstate once compliant.
It generally takes 4-6 weeks to process a renewal application after submittal as well. For this reason, the state board suggests completing CE classes 9 months before the license expiration whenever possible.
Conclusion
By following the MN electrical contractor continuing education, you can maintain their licenses in good standing. Taking approved courses through reputable providers ensures credits will meet regulatory requirements. Using the state’s online tracking system also simplifies the renewal reporting process. With adequate planning, license renewal should not be an issue every three years.
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