Licensing Debate: Certification Has Failed

I've heard it suggested that the certification law has failed - that we succeeded in beating those who would control us from having their way, but that we failed to get meaningful regulation. During its inception, I'm told, other interests lobbied the legislature to pass a law that would provide a venue for complaints. The inspectors mobilized and quashed this, but attempts to write regulations with teeth were shot down by DPOR.

Virginia is a right to work state. Proposals put forth by VAREI were considered by DPOR to be restrictions on this right. Mandates of continuing education and minimum experience requirements might not be available to inspectors in less populated parts of the state.

So now we have a state issued credential that doesn't do much to raise the bar because, on the one hand, it's easy to attain; and on the other, it's easy to avoid.

Once again, I'm talking about something about which I have limited knowledge. If anyone else has more information, please jump in.

Hollis