Navigating NEC Continuing Education Requirements for Electrical Professionals
Maintaining an active electrical license often requires completing continuing education (CE) courses. These courses ensure that electrical professionals stay up-to-date with the latest safety regulations, technological advancements, and industry best practices, particularly those outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC). This article provides a detailed overview of NEC continuing education requirements, focusing on specific state regulations and general guidelines.
General Continuing Education Requirements
For licensed electrical professionals, continuing education is a must for license renewal. Regardless of the expiration date of their licenses, these professionals must complete a specified number of CE hours. Licensees are required to obtain 16 hours of continuing education by the time of renewal or by June 30, whichever is sooner.
A significant portion of these hours must focus on the National Electrical Code (NEC). A minimum of eight hours is required to be on the National Electric Code. Furthermore, there are often restrictions on the type of courses that can be used to fulfill these requirements. Only eight hours are allowed to be pre-approved correspondence or interactive online courses.
To ensure compliance, licensees typically need to provide proof of completion. Licensees are required to upload the certificate of completion in the portal to track their CE hours for the next renewal.
State-Specific Requirements: Minnesota
In Minnesota, the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) sets specific CE requirements for various electrical licenses. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) only accepts courses offered by approved education providers like JADE Learning, regardless of license classification.
Read also: Explore LaGuardia's Programs
The following license types require 12 CE hours on the National Electrical Code (NEC) plus four professional development hours that review related technical subjects or the Minnesota Electrical Act and Minnesota Rules Chapters 3800 and 3801:
- Journeyworkers (Class A + B)
- Masters (Class A + B)
- Installers (Class A + B)
- Maintenance
- Power limited technicians
However, there are exceptions. Power limited technicians only need four hours of NEC training and can spend the other 12 hours on non-code topics. Satellite installers and unlicensed electricians only need four and two hours of code-related CE, respectively.
State-Specific Requirements: South Dakota
In South Dakota, licensees are required to obtain 16 hours of continuing education by the time of renewal or by June 30, whichever is sooner. A minimum of eight hours is required to be on the National Electric Code. In addition, only eight hours are allowed to be pre-approved correspondence or interactive online courses.
Renewal Schedules
Renewal schedules vary depending on the type of license held. Journeyworkers must renew every two years at the end of the month when the license was issued. Master electricians must renew on the last day of February of each odd-numbered year.
Continuing Education Providers
Selecting an approved education provider is critical to ensure that the CE hours will be accepted by the licensing board. In Minnesota, The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) only accepts courses offered by approved education providers.
Read also: Radiologic Technologist CE in Texas
JADE Learning Benefits Since 2014, their trusted online electrical safety training and education materials have helped electricians in the state renew with ease. Every course is DLI-approved (#S1685535) and taught by licensed electricians and NEC experts.
Since all of their lessons are online, you are free to work at your own pace from any internet-connected device. After you finish a course, they report your certificate of completion to the state for you. All of their courses can be completed At Your Pace Online to help you meet your requirements to maintain your license. Once you finish your course, they provide an official certificate of completion for your records.
Course Examples
Approved providers offer a variety of courses to meet CE requirements. Some examples include:
- Online courses reviewing important changes to specific editions of the NEC (e.g., 2020, 2023).
- Courses focused on specific electrical installations, such as electric service installation walkthroughs for residential dwelling units based on the 2023 NEC.
- Courses covering safety standards like the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
State-Specific Requirements: Kansas
The state of Kansas does not license electricians directly. Licenses are issued at the city or county level, and your license expiration date will vary based on jurisdiction. However, continuing education may still be required at the local level. Our courses are approved by the Kansas Electrical Education Review Committee and do meet the requirements for many jurisdictions. For instance, Sedgwick County requires 12 hours every 2 years; licenses expire on December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Staying Informed
Electrical professionals should stay informed about specific requirements in their state and local jurisdictions. Resources such as the Electrical Commission's web portal (though it may experience temporary outages, such as the one scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, due to technical difficulties) and the Laws and Rules page for related Administrative Rules can provide valuable information.
Read also: Navigating Continuing Legal Education
tags: #NEC #continuing #education #requirements
