In spite of the many comments recommending NO to C.E., this is a state government juggernaut which will eventually be approved, to follow the trend of other states and to deflect criticism of lack of oversight when something occurs like a bridge collapsing.  Other professions, such as lawyers, CPAs, physicians, etc., are increasingly requiring C.E.  Instead of trying to fight it, the outcome needs to be shaped.

 

Problems with the proposed C.E. which need to be addressed include:

 

-         $18 M in training costs every year, with lost productivity and billable hours easily double that. = annual cost to Virginia >$50 M/yr.  Can the state economy sustain this at this time?

-         No apparent standards for formal courses in terms of content or quality.  Most formal courses are pablum and considered useless.

-         No certification process for instructors.

-         No flexibility for professionals who work for governments, but don’t design or stamp drawings (but need the professional registration for promotion purposes).

-         No means to self-accredit the continuing education that all professionals do in the course of their work.  This is the one area that would possibly win over most of the naysayers, since they believe they achieve C.E. through everyday work, reading technical material, and consulting with fellow professionals.

-         No reciprocity delineated with C.E. completed at other states or professional organizations.

 

Please focus on remedying these issues before voting on C.E.