Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-5-.01

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 303-X-5-.01 - Continuing Education Courses Required

(1) Every electrical contractor licensee of the Board must complete continuing education courses in subjects relating to electrical contracting to assure the safe and proper installation of electrical work and equipment in order to protect the life, health, and property of the public.

(2) Every electrical contractor licensee shall complete continuing education every two (2) years to renew the license on which he or she is currently listed, for the next annual license period, except as follows:

(a) licensed electrical contractors and journeymen electricians becoming qualified by examination during the 24-month period immediately preceding the license renewal date;

(b) qualified licensed electrical contractors who have elected an inactive status; or

(c) persons presenting and/or instructing at least 14 (fourteen) hours of approved courses of continuing education in an educational period.

(3) The electrical contractor licensee shall complete, during the two (2) year period (known as an educational period) immediately preceding the license renewal, a total of 14 (fourteen) hours of continuing education courses that have been approved by the Board. Seven (7) hours must be instruction in NEC/NFPA courses. An electrical contractor may accumulate additional hours over the required 14 (fourteen) hours in an educational period and carry forward not more than 6 (six) additional hours to be credited to the following two-year educational period. Successful completion by a licensee of any course or courses of continuing education shall be certified by the provider to the Board on a form provided by the Board. It is the licensee's responsibility to insure that the certifications are sent by the provider and received by the Board at least six (60) days before the expiration of the license. A late fee may be assessed by the Board upon any licensee whose certifications are not received by the Board six (60) days before the expiration of the license. This continuing education requirement may be waived by the Board in cases of undue hardship or inactive status as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of the Board. Failure of a licensee to document completion of the continuing education requirements to the satisfaction of the Board shall be grounds for disciplinary action, including denial of the renewal of the license or revocation of the license.

(4) The Board, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-36-8(b) and (c) and Rule 303-X-2-.03(3), is authorized to approve course providers, instructors, and courses. Because of differences in the electrical contracting industry and individual needs of licensees, each licensee must exercise judgment in selecting courses for which continuing education is claimed and in choosing only those courses that will advance the individual's knowledge. Licensees may not count the same course more than once during an educational period.

(5) All electrical contractor licensees of the Board must obtain the required continuing education hours by receiving credit for taking a course or courses offered by a provider approved by the Board. These courses may be offered in or outside of Alabama, provided that the Board may give subsequent approval to any courses taken outside the state of Alabama. This differs from Board approval for courses administered in the state of Alabama, which must be approved before the licensee takes the course. See Rule (3), (4). On-line course education is considered as in-state education for the purposes of this Rule. In either event, the Board reserves the right to examine any and all courses offered for continuing education credit, pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-36-8(c).

(6) If a licensee completes a course administered by a provider not previously approved by the Board, that licensee may petition the Board for approval of a continuing education course that the licensee has completed within the last ninety (90) days. A fee of $25 must accompany the petition for approval.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 303-X-5-.01

Filed March 7, 1986. Repealed: Filed February 14, 2011; effective March 21, 2011. New Rule: Filed December 5, 2012; effective January 9, 2013.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIV, Issue No. 09, June 30, 2016, eff. 8/11/2016.

Author: Hendon B. Coody

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-36-8(b); 34-36-8(c).