ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Six more months for California to become certified.

Wish there were more like you, sandsnow.

Dave

Hey Dave,

I don't want to linger on the Mexico card too long, but it does seem only slightly fair seeing that they have only just two months ago provided any information about this law in spanish, and DO NOT have a spanish test yet! ( One must also remember that California was once part of Mexico, and some of them would not mind taking it back! )They figure they might have a test in Spanish six months before they are all due, leaving a huge number of people who must take it last minute.

We also must remember that only 70% of the electrical trade know (English speaking or not) of this test anyway, which also includes people who only speak Chinese (Two Kinds), Tagaolog, French, etc, etc.

California is a very diverse place, and to give you an example, I'll use my crew.

1 Chinese
2 Philipino
2 Mexican
3 Nicuragua (A different Spainish dialect)
1 Samoa
1 Irish (A different English dialect)
4 American born

And everyone speaks english fuentley at work, (as I mis-spell) but don't read it very well. I also have half of this crew who have been in the trade for over 15 years, some 20! 50% have passed, 25% are re-testing, 25% have not recieved their paper work back yet. But were supposed to have already taken it months ago.

Bottom line is this law is being completely mis-managed. It was signed into law almost 6 years ago, and they have been holding it over our heads with little to no action for years. I suspect it will get knocked back again in another six months.

"It is NOT voluntary Senior dmattox, all Electricians as employees of C-10's, who use tools, connececting 100va or more. MANDITORY!"

Can you show me somewhere in the law that shows its not voluntary? Not the DAS website, but the actual law.

Now it may be forced in without proper wording in the law, but as the law read it was voluntary, unless I misunderstand the word "may".

"Chapter 2. California Apprenticeship Council
Subchapter 4. Electrician Certification
New query
§290.0. General
Scope and Application: Improper electrical connections can result in fire or other damage to property and can cause injury and death. Any individual MAY apply for certification showing that the individual possesses the skill, knowledge and training to safely and competently make electrical connections of 100 volt-amperes or more in the course of doing work for an electrical contractor."

dmattox, here you go..... Found here: Manditory!
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/01-02/bill/asm/ab_1051-1100/ab_1087_bill_20020529_chaptered.html



The "may" in the context you quote is that an individual "may" apply, he "may" not have a job much longer either. I'm not trying to get your goat, but it is for real.... Although postponed????

The part that I find upsetting about this is that I will be renewing my 3 year old certification 3 months after the monolingual Spanish deadline.

If there wasn't such an economic issue involved, I would see this postponement as nothing more than a reward for apathy and laziness.

I stand corrected, thanks e57.

I think it will never go into effect though due to lack of participation. I have heard there are around 75,000-100,000 electricians in the state, and only 10,000 people have passed the test to date (per DAS website), then that’s 10% of the states electricians have it. There is a critical mass where enforcement becomes impossible. Or enforcement would be so bloody that the state politicians will not allow the fallout (as we have seen for the last few years with delay after delay).

But regardless, I still have my test date and will be taking the exam. Having another card in my wallet can't hurt right?

To Dave55 - Thank You,

Regarding the renewal date, there is a RUMOR that it is likely that all renewals will start at 3 years from the "final" "final" deadline that the CAC sets.

What is typical of our state is that no rulemaking has been done on enforcement and standards for continuing education for renewal.

I'm optimistic about the certification program. It sounds like I'm being naive, but given time it could develop into something worthwhile.

The lack of education in the code is terrible in this state. My hope is that the continuing education will correct that.

Right now the test is easy and qualifying for it is even easier. No proof needed. Eventually I predict it will get harder.

No one who lives here should be surprised at the deference given to ESL (english second language) people. As I am, you have every right to be frustrated about it.

Yes there is some truth to the rumor.
http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ECU_FAQ.htm

This is going to change too..... Because of the postponement.

And as for "enforcement", the parent of the DAS, the DIR, is also in charge of rule making for Workmen's Comp', I have it essentially from the houses mouth that "insurablity" will be the method of enforcment. No Certification, no insurance, no work!

In ideal, as a concept Certification is great, but not like this. In my opinion this law should be handled by the CSLB, not the DAS. (Which happen to be a bunch of $100 an hour consultants, and a handfull of state employees, who have no contact with the trade on the ground.)

[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 11-02-2004).]

Just a question regarding the three classifications: Journeyman, Residential and Fire Life Safety Technician.

Does a Journeyman electrician have to be certified as a Fire Life Safety technician also?

Your interpretations would be welcome!