Electrical inspectors are instrumental in ensuring building safety and regulatory compliance for residential, commercial, or even industrial buildings. If you’ve been considering a career in this field, you’re on the right path since it’s highly rewarding with many opportunities for growth and career change.
In this article, you will learn more about this role and what it takes to embark on and succeed in such a career.
What’s the Role of an Electrical Inspector?
As an electrical inspector in Michigan (and any other state), your roles would typically be:
- Inspecting Installed Electrical Systems
At the top of the roles of an electrical inspector, the most important is to inspect installed electrical systems in buildings to ensure they meet the set codes and standards.
- Reviewing Electrical Plans and Drawings
Another crucial role of any electrical inspector is to assist with identifying potential safety issues before installation can begin. That means they have to be adept at reviewing electrical plans and drawings.
- Ensuring Compliance
Electrical inspectors also work in conjunction with professionals such as contractors to ensure compliance with Michigan’s electrical codes and regulations to guarantee public safety.
Educational and Licensing Requirements
As with any other skilled profession, acquiring sufficient knowledge and experience in the electrical field is the only way to ensure you are competent in your career. In addition to your initial training, you will have to take Michigan Electrical Inspector continuing education (CE) classes from an accredited provider frequently to retain your license.
What You Need Initially:
Before being certified as an electrical inspector, you should have substantial experience in the electrical field. It’s typically six or seven years of experience depending on the position code title.
If you’re aiming to be an electrical inspector E11, you’ll require six years of experience, including two years equivalent to a journey-level electrician. As an electrical inspector 12, you would require seven years of experience including two years equivalent to a journey-level electrician and one year equivalent to an electrical inspector E11.
You’ll also have to submit copies of your licenses and International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications. These documents show your dedication to the role and your commitment to protecting the public’s health, safety, and well-being.
Examination:
To become an electrical inspector, you will have to take an open-book exam that spans 120 minutes with a total of 84 questions. You can only pass your examination if you have attained a minimum score of 75% (63 correct answers). The test covers the following topics:
- Current electrical code rules
- Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act
- Skilled Trades Regulation Act
- MCL 125.1508a & MCL 125.1504 codes and related theories
Licensing Process
After meeting the set prerequisites and passing your examinations, you can proceed with the application process. The application is done through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
There are only two steps:
- Submit the required documents (copies of your journeyman or master electrician license and relevant certifications).
- Pay the application fee ($75 required to process your application).
Continuing Education Requirements
After being confirmed as an electrical inspector, you will be required to renew your license every 3 years before September 16th. You have to take continuing education classes as part of the requirements you have to meet to have your license renewed.
The continuing education classes include the following topics:
- Plan Review – 2 hours
- Rules and Acts – 4 hours
- Specialty – 12 hours
- Technical – 16 hours
This means you have to attain a minimum total of 34 CE credit hours every three years to renew your license.
Get the Support You Need to Succeed in Your Career
Your initial training and continuing education classes are vital elements in the success of your electrical inspector career. Though it sounds like you’ll need a lot of effort and dedication to prepare for your exam and attain the required CE hours, enrolling at the right institution can make a huge difference.
The team of tutors at RocketCert has put in the work to create easily comprehensible CE and exam prep courses that you can take online at your own pace. That way, you won’t have to mess with your work schedule. Check out their website to learn more or sign up today to get started!
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