Almost every electrician in Michigan has faced that moment of realisation that their renewal deadline is creeping in and they have not met all the renewal requirements. With the state's strict renewal requirements and the demands of daily work, this must feel like a trap you just can't free yourself from.
But there's some good news. Renewing your electrical licence in Michigan doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and some smart strategies, the entire process should be straightforward and even stress-free. Here's how to do that.
In Michigan, electrical contractor licences are valid for 3 years, expiring on December 31st. Electrical Master and Journeyman licences, on the other hand, expire each year on December 31st. In some special situations, however, you will have until 1st March to renew your licence. Still, all licensees must complete an approved Michigan electrical license renewal code update course from a recognised provider like RocketCert every 3 years to renew their licenses successfully.
Here's the catch: what trips up many electricians isn't the CE itself; rather, it's the timing. Most will wait until there are only a few months to go, but the pressure to complete their courses becomes too much to bear. So, understand the rules early enough, as this will help you plan accurately.
There are countless CE providers in Michigan at the moment, and each has something different to offer. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires you to take state-approved courses, so that's one area you need to check before committing. But that's not all. You also want to think about how the course will fit your work and lifestyle.
Online course providers are a great choice since they make it easier to study after hours or during slower periods on the job. The update modules are quite flexible and easy to revisit if something isn't clear the first time. But since not all online courses offer the same experience, you should choose a provider that makes it easier to understand the course content and apply it at work.
It's usually tempting to see continuing education as just another requirement, but that's where you'd go wrong. In reality, these are courses that have been designed to boost your skills and credibility. Many clients and employers will certainly notice when an electrician is up-to-date with the latest codes and safety practices.
So, don't think about your continuing education requirements as just another hurdle towards a successful renewal: take it as a solution to remain competitive in a market where customers expect expertise on modern systems. View it as an investment towards your future career.
If you ask many electrical licence holders in Michigan why they think the renewal process can be troublesome at times, many will mention continuing education somewhere. But that's not the actual problem. The problem is that these professionals aren't used to professional development. When something isn't part of your routine, it feels more like a chore compared to a natural process.
That's why you should invest in professional development as much as you can. This helps you get to the point where it all feels natural in a way that makes you feel like something's out of order whenever you're not doing something to grow in your career. This way, the toughest part of any licence renewal (CE) will start to feel enjoyable.
Renewing your Michigan electrical licence shouldn't feel like a burden. Even if you just focus on starting early and making professional development part of your life, you will have made two of the greatest steps towards an easier licence renewal process.
Still, if you ask us, it pays a lot to choose the right education provider. A provider like RocketCert makes your CE courses easier to take since they've narrated the expertly written content fully. As a result, you will even enjoy studying.