I am against mandatory continuing education for architects, professional engineers and land surveyors, on many levels

I'm currently an architect registered in Va. and Ct.  After much effort and expense I earned my architect's degree from the Catholic Univ. of America in 1971.  In the mid 70's I passed my three day Va. licensing exam.  I practiced architecture in Va. until moving to Conn. in 1999.  While in Va., I spent over 12 years teaching Architecture at the Annandale and Alexandria campi of NOVA.

Although I managed to raise a family with five children while living in Falls Church, architecture is not a well paid profession.  Although I did well enough financially, I had little money to spend on seminars sponsored by the A.I.A. which typically cost 'only' $500.  If I needed to brush up on my architectural skills, I asked questions of those familiar with my question or read a book on the subject.  I did not need big government telling me what I needed to know.  As a professional worth my salt, I can determine my strengths and shortcomings all by myself, thank you.

Does the Va. or any other government know what my strengths as an architect are?  I doubt it.  In this age of specialization, I doubt anyone in any profession knows every minute detail of their field of endeavor.  The days of the Renaissance Man are long gone.  Within this line of logic shall we have mandatory tests to determine if our current politicians are qualified to hold office?  Seems they know everything.  Let them prove it.

I cannot afford nor do I have the time to spend taking the equivalent of (5+) over five three hour courses per week for a semester per year over (2) two years simply to have some government tell me what I already know.

To protect the public we already have enough safeguards such as the Plan Review process all municipalities have and litigation.  Anybody ever worry about someone slipping on an approved handicapped ramp while holding an over heated cup of coffee?  Enough already!

Anthony D Szewczyk, R.A.