As an EIT and soon to be PE, I am concerned with the lack of opportunities for continuing education that are available in my area.  I am also concerned with the way "continuing education" could be interpreted.  The legal mandate for this policy is far too vague to figure out what will be considered to be continuing education and whether or not it will be readily accessible to all individuals seeking recertification.  Many professionals in Virgina do not live close to universities and technical schools which would provide the classic forms of continuing education.  The "professional development" that many other professional organizations require is satisfied by local chapters of the organizations which offer regular lectures meetings in their local areas that qualify for their mandated professional development hours.  Again, many professionals in Virginia do not live near strong NSPE chapters who hold regular professional development opportunities.

I do not oppose this new regulation, I in fact feel it is important for all professionals to remain current with latest developments, I just caution the way this mandate is implemented to ensure that it is not too difficult for professionals in Virginia to satisfy these requirements.  I also feel that it is important to broaden the traditional scope of "continuing education" to something beyond classical university courses.