Why Are Associations Fighting State Licensing?

Why is there so much opposition from organizations like BICSI, CEA, CEDIA, NSCA, and others in regards to state licensing for Electronic System Technicians (i.e. Low Voltage Installers)?

Here in Florida, every trade that works on a residential construction project, from the framing contractor to the flooring contractor to the painting contractor to the landscaping contractor, is required to have a state contractor's license.

Every trade except for low voltage installers, where Fla. Stat. § 489.503 provides a loophole.

I started my career in the industry more than ten years ago working for an electrical contractor, but the only work I did was low voltage (home theater, audio/video, phone, television, data, intercom, thermostats, control, etc.).

I learned this trade via OJT and formal education from manufactures, distributors, conferences (CEDIA, Electronic House Expo, and others), and trade associations such as BICSI, CEA, and CEDIA.

I received numerous certifications from manufactures and trade associations alike, including BICSI Registered Residential Installer, CEDIA Certified Installer I & II, CEDIA Certified Designer I, CompTIA HTI+ and CEA-CompTIA DHTI+.

After working in the trade for six years, I applied to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations for a "Limited Energy Systems" (better know as Low Voltage Contractor or Electronic Systems Technician) contractor's license.

To apply for a contractor's license, I first had to have six years experience in the field, pass a credit and background check, pass a rigorous written examination, and complete an extensive application (which was the hardest part).

The primary components of the examination revolved around the candidate's knowledge of construction accounting and law, worker's comp and safety. There were also a number of technical, building code and electrical code related questions, which most any CEDIA Level II Installer would be prepared to answer.

The reason for the application, background checks and examination is so the state can see if you have the basic skills to be in the contracting business and that you are not going to burn anyone's house down. The state licensing process is no guarantee that an individual is qualified to be in the contracting business, and no guarantee that their business will succeed.

But it's a step in the right direction and ultimately benefits the public welfare of the community.

The other key to state contractor licensing is annual continuing education (CEU) requirements. In addition to requiring CEU relating to the technical aspect of your trade, you are required to obtain CEUs relating to Worker's Compensation Law, Workplace Safety, Business Practices, and Building Code (which is important for any person on a jobsite drilling holes and running wires or pipes through framing members that could affect the home's structural integrity).

Organizations such as CEDIA have always been proponents of certification and continuing education, so it has surprises me that they fight so hard against certification and continuing education at a state level.

Politically, I consider myself somewhat of a libertarian, and I usually give strong opposition to any sort of government-imposed regulation. However, I believe that state licensing helps to ensure that businesses and professionals provide quality services to benefit the safety and welfare of the general public.

For these reasons, I do not understand why members of the above listed organizations oppose state contractor certification (i.e. licensing).

One of the issues that has been negatively affecting the Low Voltage industry since its inception is the lack of qualified installation companies, and more notably the vast number of companies that simply go out of business overnight.

At one time it may have been appropriate for our industry to be comprised of hobbyists, but the industry has come too far and grown too much to allow hobbyists to practice in a space that is in dire need of qualified professionals.

I believe that state certification, at least as it's being done in Florida, could help to reduce the number of people getting into the Low Voltage industry prematurely and reduce the number of business failures.

The large number of failed businesses has definitely been a black mark on the advancement of the Low Voltage industry.

Although I hold a state certification for installing low voltage systems, there is a loophole (Fla. Stat. § 489.503) that allows non-licensed installers to perform the same work that I worked hard to become licensed for. And although there is no legal requirement for me to be licensed, I've done so because I believe it the right thing to do.

I would like to charge the members of CEA-TechHome and CEDIA in the state of Florida, with more then six years experience, to apply and become a state certified Limited Energy Contractor (i.e. Low Voltage Contractor).

We need to work together to close the licensing loophole and raise the bar for any new installers trying to begin working in our industry in our state.

I know that many oppose state licensing because they believe the various electrical contractor consortiums are trying to keep the Electronic System Technicians from doing the work they love.

However, Florida is the perfect example where anyone with the proper experience and knowledge can become a licensed contractor with no need for an electrical background or any sort of union affiliation.

I know there are some states that are more controlled by the Electrical Union (IBEW) and the above fears may be valid; however, it is not the case in Florida.

We should figure out how to use the Florida example as model legislation throughout the country.

Is there anyone that can give me a valid response to why so much time, money, and resources are being spent in opposition to state licensing of Electronic System Technicians?

Integrator Shawn Smith of S&S Electric in Oldsmar, Fla. is frustrated that national associations are opposing low-voltage licenses.