Joe, and Gentlemen:
I have been an EC for 20+ years, and a while back I took the AHJ tests, thinking of the "future"; yes, some of us get 'old & tired'.
I took a PT insp position <4 years ago which recently turned to a 40 hr week. I see both sides of the fence.
Yes, FIELD experience is very important. It should also be a pre-requisite fr the Elec Engineers and Arch's who layout electric power. (That's another story)
I got my IAEI certification, along with my NJ Licenses.
Ryan: Yes, I also teach PT at a County Vo-Tech (Electrical Trades) Ya have to keep the trade going.
John
