I would write to the Secretary of the Certification Committee to get a decision before taking the course if I was taking it for the sole purpose of meeting renewal requirements. Once I have a response, I have something in writing I can fall back on if there is a discrepancy when applying for renewal. My inquiry would provide the following information:
a) a complete course description,
b) the number of contact hours,
c) whether it is a credit course or a noncredit course,
d) the name of the institution or organization offering the training, and a brief explanation of how it ties into the job functions of a CWI or SCWI.
I would provide objective evidence of successful completion of the course when I submit for renewal. A certificate, a letter with a grade, etc. is required to verify I completed the training. I would also include a copy of the letter or correspondence that said credit would be granted for the training with my application for renewal.
That is my opinion and I am sticking to it.
The last time I needed apply for my SCWI renewal, I used my teaching as one of the means of acquiring PDHs. I presented a listing of the locations where the course was taught, the approximate number of students, verified the courses were open to the public, verified the number of CEUs awarded, a synopsis of the course, and I presented a copy of the course notes. PDHs were granted after the paperwork was reviewed and accepted.
Best regards - Al
I'm looking at someone with not quite enough work experience, but an engineering degree. Not "a" course, a 4-year degree with dozens of courses. Before I submit her entire transcript to the secretary of the Cert Committee, I was hoping for some general guidance so I don't waste anyone's time--including mine if I have to compile descriptions for every single course.
B5.1 is very unclear about this. Also they ask for documentation of number of credit hours but give zero information about how those credit hours translate into work time. And, furthermore, they mention committee participation in the part of the form that says "see B5.1" but there's nothing about committee participation in B5.1, another inconsistency.
Is Joe on the B5 committee?
Hg
Hg,
I'll have to re-read the criteria, but I was under the impression the college counted towards the experience in welding/fabrication. I thought that was the whole idea behind the different levels..ie. HS diploma, two year degree, four year degree...etc. w/ the 4 yr degree requiring the least amount of actual work experience.
From Item 9 on the application form, it looks like only 2 years can be substituted whether it is a 2-year or 4-year degree (and as long as the degree is in engineering technology, engineering, or physical science). But that's the question--for a 4-year degree in engineering, can we take the max allowable 2 years? Looking at it closer, it says we can attach a diploma rather than a transcript, so I guess so.
B5.1 says max 2 years can be substituted for equal number of years of experience, "provided studies are relevant". That's where I start wondering about the specific courses.
Meanwhile Al's response just came in. Yeah, that's something else I was wondering about. It doesn't say welding engineering, which means it could be architectural engineering with nothing but masonry and timber.
What I *think* the asterisked note in 5.2.3.3 means is that any engineering degree means subtract 2 years, and it's only if the degree wasn't completed that they start looking at specific courses.
Awright, I think I have enough now to go through a more official channel and ask an intelligent question.
Thanks guys!
Hg
I believe that is addressed in B5.1, clause 5.2.3.3(2).
5.2.3.3 A maximum of two (2) years of post-high
school education may be substituted for an equal number
of years of the required five years experience, provided
studies are relevant to any of the functions as defined
under 5.5. Credit is given as follows:
(2) Engineering/Technical School Courses. Two
years maximum, and only for successfully completed
courses* in a curriculum that can be (or could be) applied
to (1) above.
She would still have to meet the requirement for three years of qualifying experience. If she counted blueberrys in the wilds of Alaska, it wouldn't count toward her qualifying experience. Other than that, the qualifying experience is pretty liberal. Too liberal in my opinion.
If she has an engineering degree, that fits the bill. It doesn't say she needs an engineering degree in welding engineering.
Best regards - Al
It looks like someone can get 2 years from a college degree and up to 4 years from committee experience, and do away with the work experience requirement altogether??
Hg
Al's position on using the course for the sole purpose of meeting renewal requirements also fits into place with Jim Shore's article in the latest Inspection Trends.
Even if you took the course solely to meet those requirements, as long as you added it to enough other courses and activities it gives you sound basis for recertification without re-testing. The objective would be to not try to cut it so close in your PDH's that you barely had enough to squeek by.
Jim's recordkeeping system makes even more sense for inspectors in light of this question and Al's information. Put absolutely everything you do into a simple record and keep proof of those acitivities. It can only add up to success both for our work and to make it easier to recertify.
Just my two tin pennies worth.
Have a Great Day, Brent
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