Basic Classroom Instruction (BCI) for trainees

Trainees must complete 48 hours of approved BCI courses every 2 years to renew their training certificate. Courses must be taught in person, in a classroom setting where students and instructors are both physically present. Curriculum is limited to the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and electrical laws and rules – RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B.

Note: Credit for completion of a BCI course counts only once, toward renewal of a training certificate or as industry related CE credit toward renewal of electrical administrator and electrician certificates.

Continuing Education (CE) for electricians and electrical administrators

CE courses can only be credited to electricians and electrical administrators. They do not count toward a trainee’s BCI requirements.

Electricians and electrical administrators are required to complete 24 hours of approved CE classes in the 3 years between renewals:

• 8 hours must be on currently adopted National Electrical Code (NEC) changes.
• 4 hours must be on electrical laws and rules – RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B.
• The remaining 12 hours of CE credits can be any other course listed under the Continuing Education (CE) Courses tab.
• No more than 4 hours of industry related CE credit is allowed for behavioral health and wellness training allowed under RCW 19.28.211(2)(b). Training does not count toward BCI requirements for trainees.
• You cannot receive credit for the same class more than once during the 3 years between renewals.

Pumping Industry courses

Classes are intended for holders of combination plumber and electrician certificates in the (03) pump and irrigation and (03A) domestic pump specialties. Learn more.

Courses listed below are for electrician/master electrician and electrical administrator certificate renewal only and cannot be used for an electrical trainee renewal. (Find Basic Trainee Classes)

For course schedules, contact the course sponsor named in the lists below. Courses are good for 3 years from the date of approval. Before selecting a course, verify the course will not expire before you complete it.

Approved courses for administrators, master electricians, and electricians:

• Code update courses.
• RCW-WAC courses.
• Industry related courses.
• First aid courses.

Courses specifically for combination 03 or 03A specialty plumber-electricians in the pumping industry:

• Pumping industry courses (Trainees in the pumping industry must take Basic Classroom Instruction Classes to renew their training certificate.)
• Chapter 296-46B-970 WAC rule regarding electrical continuing education.

Classes required for electrical trainees

What classes are required for electrical trainees?

• Approved basic trainee classes.
• Check carefully — some classes may have expired.

When do I have to renew my electrical trainee certificate?

• Electrical trainee certificates renew every 2 years.

How many hours of classroom instruction are required to activate or renew my electrical trainee certificate?

• 48 hours of basic trainee classes are required to renew.

What type of courses do I need take to renew my electrical trainee certificate?

• Only basic trainee classes are credited towards trainee renewal.
• Basic trainee classes for electrical trainees are different from continuing education courses for electricians, electrical administrators, and master electricians.
• First aid, internet, or correspondence-based courses will not be credited toward renewal for trainees.

Note: Courses approved for electrician, electrical administrator, and master electrician renewal requirements will not be credited to an electrical trainee certificate.

Course providers are required to send course information and instructor qualifications to us for approval.

Providers of behavior health and wellness training allowed under RCW 19.29.211(2)(b) may submit applications for CE courses under the Industry Related category. This training is not eligible as a BCI.

Getting a new course approved or renewing an existing course

• Fill out the Electrical Education Course Application (F500-068-000) and and mail it to us with the required fee.

Getting a new instructor approved or renewing an existing instructor.

• Fill out the Electrical Education Instructor Application (F500-090-000) and mail it to us with the required fee. First aid and behavioral health and wellness instructors are exempt from application requirements.

Mailing is the only option. We have no way to accept electronic payments of any kind.

More:

• Courses and instructors are approved for a 3-year period. In some instances, National Electrical Code (NEC) code update courses expire in less than 3 years if a later edition of the NEC becomes effective.
• Course providers are required to use the Trades Education Roster Recording System (TERRS) to provide L&I with a finalized roster of attendees within 7 days of the course completion date.
• Get the latest instructions for using the TERRS system.

Complete information regarding continuing education and basic classroom instruction courses can be found under WAC 296-46B-970.