As a code enforcement professional for 18+ years I can tell you that CEU's play a major role in the success of the tradesmen in The Commonwealth of Virginia. While many do not agree with the cycle of every two years most will tell you they want the training which is generally code update training. The complaint heard most is DPOR requires CEU's every two years while Virginia adopts new codes generally on a three year cycle. This causes tradesmen in some cases to have to take the same code update training twice which is where the problem is. The Governor's office should consider getting DPOR on the same schedule as DHCD as this would eliminate red tape for tradesmen, and would be a savings within the agency as you would be mailing out less renewals on a three year cycle versus two. If you used a three year cycle than every six years you would be sending 2 mailings to each tradesmen for renewals. Currently after six years you have mailed out three renewals and many are forced to take the same CEU course twice.

Consequently the three year cycle would eliminate one mailing to every tradesman (25,000 +-) over six years and that would be a huge savings in itself!

Some have said that North Carolina relaxed its CEU's and this is why Virginia is considering the same. In case you had not heard, VIRGINIA and Florida lead the nation in code development and that is passed down to our tradesmen thru the CEU process giving all the opportunity to stay current with the codes. This also makes for smarter tradesmen involved in the construction of all buildings in The Commonwealth which leads to better buildings, homes, and further promotes the safety of all who reside in, or visit, The Commonwealth of Virginia.

Respectfully Written,

Skip Harper
Louisa County Building Inspections
540-967-3414