Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2019

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

entire industry. As the entire industry becomes more informed, consumers benefit. Continuation education classes already blanket the state and a continuing education requirement will create even more opportunities. (3) The board shall promulgate rules to assess a fee of five dollars ($5.00) per hour of continuing education to be used to maintain the continuing education program. The law allows the HVACR program to charge $5 per hour for a total of $20. This pays for the administrative cost of maintaining the continuing education program. The cost of the classes will vary depending on who is offering the class and the scope of the class. There will be plenty of classes for free or the cost of refreshments. Distributors have long made a minimal charge because of perception. Strangely, people frequently do not attend a class that is free because there is no perception of value. With the advent of required continuing education, the value is established without a fee. (3) Beginning July 1, 2020, all applications for renewal shall 2 be accompanied by proof of completion of the continuing education program required under this section. The law is effective July 1, 2019 but licensees have a full year after that date Fourth, what will this training cost? Fifth! When will the requirement begin?

to take their first four hours of continuing education. After July 1, 2020, licensees must submit proof of having taken their continuing education to renew their “A” or “B” license. How will one get proof of having taken continuing education? Details will be worked out by December 31, 2019; however, at a minimum, entities offering classes will provide the licensee with a certificate of completion. Some programs in other trades have the provider send the information to the licensing board. It will not be difficult. Education is the cheapest, most effective means of regulation and consumer protection.