Posted by Janet B. Stroud — September 18, 2024 — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has just launched a new safety certification program for electrical inspectors, and an industry-first certification for wind turbine technicians.
Image courtesy of NFPA
Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification
NFPA’s new Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification was created for electrical inspectors interested in enhancing their understanding of key electrical safety principles and skills.
Electrical inspection is crucial for enhancing community safety and ensuring compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. The new CEI certification aims to equip electrical industry professionals with the essential skills to conduct safe and effective inspections of electrical installations during construction, modification and repair, and ensure compliance with relevant code requirements. The certification is available to electrical inspectors in the Americas, Middle East and North Africa.
Dan Pickel, director of Certification and Accreditation at NFPA, stated:
NFPA is well-recognized for its certification programs in fire, electrical and life safety areas. The CEI certification serves as a vital credential that showcases employees’ ability to identify and explain relevant electrical safety requirements, conduct electrical inspections, and effectively communicate with contractors, engineers, architects and homeowners about electrical code requirements. Attaining this certificate can also enhance a worker’s credibility, marketability and earning potential.
As the developer of the National Electrical Code and related resources, NFPA actively serves the electrical safety and enforcement community. It helps professionals stay current on vital news and information through related training programs, knowledge, research, and expertise. The introduction of the CEI certification is another step in a larger NFPA effort to support the electrical inspector industry. This includes the introduction of its first two Electrical Inspection Section (EIS) Affiliate Chapters in North Carolina and Ohio, aimed at addressing current and emerging electrical challenges and advancing safety in communities.
Image courtesy of NFPA
Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification
NFPA’s new Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification is said to be the only certification of its kind in the U.S. to date.
Renewable markets such as solar and wind are seeing rapid growth. With more wind installation projects being approved worldwide, there is a growing demand for qualified wind turbine technicians with verified skills and knowledge to work on these projects. The new NFPA WTT-I certification aims to provide the emerging wind workforce with the necessary skills to excel and work safely in this rapidly developing sector.
Pickel remarked:
The WTT-I program will help professionals build successful careers in the wind energy sector and support their ability to service, inspect, and maintain wind turbines safely with industry-recognized credentials.
Newcomers to the wind energy industry, including those who have finished a foundational course in wind turbines and electrical safety, or have worked as wind turbine technicians for at least six months, are ideal candidates for this certification. Upon completion of the program, they will be proficient in the key features and components outlined in the Wind Turbine Technician Exam Blueprint. They will also demonstrate the capability to perform basic tasks related to installing, servicing, commissioning, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, performing lock-out/tagout, reading and interpreting schematics, and documenting work performed on wind turbines.
According to the Global Wind Energy Council, over 574,000 technicians will be required to build, install, operate and maintain the world’s rapidly expanding wind fleet by 2027. In the U.S. alone, more than 77,000 people will need industry-standard training between 2023 and 2027.
Pickel continued:
As demand for these workers increases, candidates who enhance their knowledge and skills through best-in-class certifications, such as the WTT-I certificate, will more easily stand out to potential employers. This can help increase an employee’s credibility, marketability, and earning potential.
NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem
A skilled global workforce is one of the eight key elements of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, a framework identifying the components that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries and death from fire, electrical and other hazards. Training and development initiatives, including certifications, are central to this objective of upskilling the workforce, promoting industry best practices, and prioritizing worker safety, says NFPA.
For more information about the Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI) certification or the Wind Turbine Technician-I (WTT-I) certification, visit NFPA.
