Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: b_electric, Location: Nevada City, CA
Asked on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 9:32 am EDT
Answered on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 9:32 am EDT
Question: Hope I'm in the correct forum here...Curious to know what other's experiences have been with regard to electrician certification continuing education requirements outside of California (any other state).In California, I've recently been introduced to 8 C.C.R. § 291.5(c) which mandates if a certified electrician does not complete the 32 hours CE requirement (due once every 3 years) and submit proof postmarked at least 30 days prior to the actual due date, then that electrician's certification is rendered as expired, thereby making it illegal for the electrician to work as an electrician from that moment of expiration (i.e., employed as an electrician one day, employment immediately terminated the next), and the only regulatory remedy to re-acquire certification is to re-pass the respective certification examination; in my case, the general electrician certification examination.Does this make any sense to anyone else?The ongoing average pass rate for the California general electrician certification exam is ~53%. In 2023, of the 4,150 attempts, the first-time pass rate for the general certification was 51.2%, with a (first time-failed) repeat pass rate of only 39.75%.This is not an exam to be passed multiple times. All certification examinations are inherently designed to be once-in-a-lifetime examinations as there is no other instance where I, or any other certified category of electricians would ever be required to re-pass our respective certification exam, except for the nonsense found in8 C.C.R. § 291.5(c).This is why the exams are so difficult to pass, because the creators of these exams understand they have only one chance to be sure the examinee can operate under the most extreme conditions of the job.I already passed the once-in-a-lifetime exam my first attempt by making the monumental once-in-a-lifetime effort to do so in 2011, at a time when it was practical for me to do so, after preparing the 6 preceding years in anticipation of doing so.Under the immediate distress of losing my job and not being legally allowed to get another job in the only trade I’ve ever known, especially losing that level of income, it is highly unlikely that I, or anyone else under the circumstance (the guru's in here, notwithstanding), would be capable of successfully taking on such a monumental task in such a short period of time .I'm no lawyer, but in my view, if I construe the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment correctly, its Procedural Element provides constitutional protections for all electrician certifications as our individual property interest (i.e., state requires certification to work as an electrician, and I then jumped through 6 years of the state's hoops and pass the state's exam to acquire that certification)If this is true, then it is well-settled that there must be adequate procedural protections in the form of fair legal notice and a hearing administered prior-to my protected interest being subjected to the state agency's automatic deprivation.I contend 8 C.C.R. § 291.5(c), in itself, is an unconstitutional test-trap, but again, I'm no lawyer, so what the hell do I know, except the fact that my mortgage is due, my child support is due, my daughter's tuition is due, utilities are due, my car payment is due, my auto insurance is not due, yet.Any and all comments are welcome. I really need to know if this is normal in other states.Thank you for letting me to 'oh!' this one out...
Okay, let's break down your concerns and see how they compare to electrician certification continuing education requirements in other states. You're clearly frustrated with the stringency of California's requirements and the potential consequences for a simple lapse in continuing education (CE).
The Core of Your Complaint
Your main argument is that California's rule (8 C.C.R. § 291.5(c)) is excessively punitive and potentially unconstitutional because:
Disproportionate Punishment
Forgetting to submit CE credits on time leads to immediate job loss and a requirement to retake a difficult, "once-in-a-lifetime" exam, which is a disproportionate consequence.
Lack of Due Process
The automatic expiration and exam requirement don't seem to offer any grace period, appeal process, or hearing before depriving you of your ability to work.
Economic Hardship
The immediate job loss creates severe financial hardship, making it even harder to prepare for and pass the high-stakes exam.
Is This Normal in Other States? Generally No.
While most states do require continuing education for electricians to maintain their licenses, the consequences for failing to meet those requirements are usually not as drastic or immediate as what you describe in California. Here's a more typical scenario: CE Requirements
Most states have CE requirements similar to California (a certain number of hours every few years).
Grace Periods/Reinstatement
Many states offer a grace period after the license expiration date to complete CE and reinstate the license, often with a late fee. Some states may allow you to make up the missing hours within a specific timeframe.
Suspension, Not Revocation
In some cases, a failure to meet CE requirements leads to a suspension of the license, not a complete revocation. Suspension means you cannot work as an electrician until you complete the CE and pay any required fees.
Reinstatement Options
Reinstatement procedures vary, but they typically involve completing the CE, paying fees, and perhaps taking a refresher course. Very rarely is retaking the entire original certification exam required.
Warnings and Notifications
Most states send multiple reminders about upcoming renewal and CE deadlines.
Examples of Other States
Texas
Requires 4 hours of CE every year. Failure to comply results in the license becoming inactive. To reactivate, the electrician must complete the missed CE and pay a fee. Retaking the exam is generally not required.
Florida
Requires 11 hours of CE every two years. Failure to comply can lead to disciplinary action, but reinstatement is typically possible by completing the missed CE and paying a fine.
Washington
Requires 24 hours of CE every two years. Failure to comply can result in a suspended license. Reinstatement is possible by completing the CE and paying fees.
Oregon
Requires 16 hours of CE every three years. Failure to comply can result in a suspended license. To reinstate, you must complete the required CE and pay any applicable fees.
Why California's Rule Seems Unusual
The severity of the California rule lies in:1.
The Immediate Job Loss
Many states have a grace period or offer options for reinstatement without immediate job termination.2.
The Retake Exam Requirement
This is the most significant difference. Requiring a retake of the original certification exam for a CE lapse is highly unusual and, as you point out, places a tremendous burden on the electrician. It also does not seem to ensure public safety.
Addressing Your Concerns
Consult an Attorney
The Due Process argument is complex and requires legal expertise. You should consult an attorney who specializes in administrative law or professional licensing in California. They can advise you on the merits of a potential legal challenge to the rule.2.
Lobbying/Advocacy
Contact your state representatives and senators and explain the burden this rule places on electricians. Work with electrical trade associations to lobby for changes to the law.3.
Appeal
Depending on the specific wording of the regulation and any available appeal process, you may be able to appeal the decision. An attorney can help you explore this option.4.
Provisional License Some states have provisional licenses in cases such as yours.
In conclusion: California's approach seems stricter than most other states in terms of consequences for failing to meet CE requirements. I recommend speaking with a California licensed attorney. Flag for review