My state (GA) requires 4 years OJT under a licensed electrician, a heap of references, three letters from some one in the building trade stating that you are qualified and of good moral character and a signed voucher from a current license holder before they will even let you take the 8 hour exam. Over 80% fail the first time and it's even tough to get accepted. I have passed 3 state exams the first time, call me lucky (or well prepared). The Sec of State governs us and is not afraid to slap a fine or revoke a license in a blink of an eye. This makes guys take their job a bit more serious. Homeowners are allowed to do there own work but must reside in the house one year before selling. GA has an electrical board and a seperate low voltage board for work under 90V. Kind of crazy that you can wire a factory but you can't wire a TV jack unless you have LV license. I think it is very important to have licensing for accountability. I'm sure fire/homeowners insurance is much higher in your state than mine.
And what really ticks me off in GA is the general contractors are not required to have a license. This hurts us because any dumb*ss can buy a truck, some magnetic signs and a cell phone and be in business. Get tied up with on of these guys and you can lose money fast. We have had this happen a couple of times when home owners requested us to do the job and the idiot GC cant even read a set of prints!
[This message has been edited by arseegee (edited 04-20-2002).]
