State group moves to the front of the security learning curve

WILTON, Conn. - Connecticut’s regulations review committee approved continuing education regulations for electrical license holders. Since the passage of the bill in October, license holders are required to complete seven hours of continuing education classes per year to renew their license. The state approval came as the Connecticut Alarm System Integrators Association wanted the electrical trade to parallel with all state trades that provide continuing education units. Like other trades, it is important for installers to stay informed with the latest developments in the industry. “You have a certain amount of people that seek out continued education, but then you have another whole set of people who go to school, get a license and never get current education,” said Rick Weiss, president of CASIA. The continuing education requirement provides a standard across the state, plus a level of professionalism for integrators. The seven continuing education units will be split into two categories - three hours of legal and four hours of regulations in the electrical field. The areas of study range from licensing or business law and regulations. The topics include - current state building codes and standards applicable to the electrical trade and construction safety. CASIA helps its members obtain the credit hours by offering seminars, such as computer networking for security technology and radio transmission for alarms before the association’s monthly meetings. As part of membership dues, the seminars are offered at no cost for members. The association asks instructors for a syllabus, and submits it to the state’s occupational licensing department for review. Attending seminars give association members a chance to receive credit, Weiss noted. Other courses available to low-voltage license holders, such as manufacturer’s seminars, count toward continuing education units. These classes are offered on weekends and are sponsored by the National Training School. Someone who has an electrical license, but is not a member of CASIA, can participate in the weekend courses but will have to pay for the credits. Weiss noted members can look to CASIA for appropriate courses. “The approval has shifted our priorities and makes education one of our top priorities,” he said.