Oregon Electrical License: Continuing Education Requirements
Maintaining an Oregon electrical license requires ongoing professional development through continuing education (CE). The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) mandates that licensed electricians complete approved CE courses to stay updated with the latest codes, regulations, and industry best practices. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Oregon's electrical license renewal requirements, focusing on CE obligations and available course options.
Licensing Renewal Requirements
To maintain an active electrical license in Oregon, licensees must fulfill specific requirements, including completing CE hours and submitting a renewal application every three years by October 1st. The exact number of CE hours required varies depending on the specific license type held.
Required CE by License Type
Oregon offers various electrician licenses, each with its own CE requirements. The following table outlines the CE hours needed for different license types:
| License Type | Oregon Rule and Law | Code Change | Code Related | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Supervising Electrician (S) | 4 | 12 | 8 | 24 |
| Limited Supervising Electrician (PS) | 4 | 12 | 8 | 24 |
| General Journeyman Electrician (J) | 4 | 8 | 12 | 24 |
| Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician (PJ) | 4 | 8 | 4 | 16 |
| Limited Residential Electrician (LR) | 4 | 8 | 4 | 16 |
| Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) | - | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Limited Energy Technician Class A (LEA) | - | 8 | - | 8 |
| Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) | - | 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) | - | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG) | - | 2 | 2 | 4 |
It's important to note that "Code Changes (CC)" is a subset of "Code Related (CR)." Therefore, if a license requires a certain number of CC hours and CR hours, completing a CC course can fulfill both requirements, with any excess CC hours counting towards the CR requirement. For example, if a license requires 2 hours of CC and 6 hours of CR, an 8-hour CC course will satisfy both requirements.
Continuing Education Options
Numerous options are available for Oregon electricians to fulfill their CE requirements. Approved education providers, like JADE Learning (Provider #707 since 2002), offer courses covering various topics, including:
Read also: Evolution of the Oregon Mascot
- NEC Changes: Courses focusing on updates and revisions to the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC): Reviews of state-specific regulations, including adoptions, revisions, and exclusions from the NEC.
- Commercial and Industrial Wiring: Courses covering updated terms and requirements for commercial and industrial electrical installations.
- Residential Wiring: Training on effectively designing and installing residential wiring, covering topics from outlet placement to tamper-resistant receptacles.
- Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E): Overviews of electrical safety programs, training requirements, PPE, and troubleshooting equipment, based on the NFPA 70E standard.
Examples of Individual Courses:
- 2023 NEC Changes for LEA and LEB Licenses: An 8-hour course reviewing 100 of the most important changes to the 2023 NEC, covering sections 100 through Annex C.
- 2023 NEC Changes Part 1: An 8-hour course reviewing the first 100 significant modifications from Section 100 through Section 406 in the 2023 NEC.
- 2023 NEC Changes Part 2: An 8-hour course highlighting changes from Section 406 through Annex K in the 2023 NEC.
- Commercial and Industrial Wiring (2023 NEC): An 8-hour course focusing on updated terms and requirements for commercial and industrial electrical installations, including conductors, branch circuits, and overcurrent protection.
- Residential Wiring (2023 NEC): An 8-hour course covering the design and installation of residential wiring, including outlet placement and receptacle requirements.
- 2023 NEC Changes for LRT and SIG Licenses: A 4-hour course outlining 50 of the most important changes to the 2023 NEC, covering sections 100 through Annex C.
- 2023 OESC and Oregon Rules: A 4-hour course reviewing requirements in the NFPA 70 and NEC 2023 that have been adopted, revised, or excluded by the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC).
- Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E 2024) Part 1: A 4-hour course providing an overview of electrical safety programs, training requirements, types of PPE, and troubleshooting equipment.
Choosing a Provider
The Oregon BCD only accepts CEU credits from approved education providers. When selecting a provider, consider factors such as:
- Approval Status: Ensure the provider is approved by the Oregon BCD.
- Instructor Expertise: Look for courses taught by licensed electricians and NEC experts with extensive experience.
- Course Content: Choose courses relevant to your license type and areas where you want to improve your knowledge.
- Course Format: Select a format that suits your learning style, such as online, in-person, or self-paced courses.
Renewal Process
The Oregon electrical license renewal process involves several steps:
- Complete CE: Fulfill the CE requirements for your specific license type.
- Renewal Application: Complete the online renewal application within 45 days of the license expiration date.
- Pay Renewal Fee: Submit the required renewal fee.
JADE Learning and similar providers typically report completed course credits to the BCD on behalf of the licensee. However, it's always recommended to retain a record of completed courses in case of an audit.
Reciprocity
Oregon has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing electricians licensed in those states to obtain an Oregon license without further examination. These states include Arkansas, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The specific requirements for reciprocity may vary, so it's essential to consult the Oregon BCD for detailed information.
Additional Information
For further licensing information and clarification, contact the Oregon Building Codes Division or the local jurisdiction in which you reside. Local chapters of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) may also offer classroom training and events.
Read also: Quarter System at OSU Explained
Read also: Growth and Community at WOU
tags: #oregon #electrical #license #continuing #education #requirements
