Representatives from the Northeast Spa and Pool association and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance told the Plumbing Piping Work Examining Board on Oct. 23 that they want to stay involved as the board updates continuing education (CE) requirements for the next two-year cycle. Justin Ivy, education director for the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (attending via Konspa), said he appreciated the board adding pool-specific items to the CE recommendations and offered to help develop pool-related training.

Linda, chapter administrator for ConSpa, said several members missed renewal-related CE deadlines. Board staff member John Mesner explained the department typically sends renewal emails at least once and will make a second attempt if there is no response; renewals are tied to a fixed annual date and licensees should keep their email contact information current on the DCP licensing portal. Mesner said late fees apply depending on when a licensee renews and individuals may renew up to three years after expiration; after three years, a license is inactive and the applicant must retest.

Board staff clarified CE timing: licensees must complete required CE at least 90 days before credential expiration (the transcript referenced July 31 as that 90-day cutoff for this cycle). Hardship waivers must be submitted before the 90-day cutoff and meet hardship criteria (example: military leave), but being “too busy” is not a qualifying hardship. For late CE, staff said both limited and unlimited CE classes may fulfill the requirement; providers should note the date on the certificate so audit documentation shows the late class was taken.

No formal rule changes were adopted at the meeting. Board members encouraged trade associations and providers to inform members that many CE classes are offered online and that members can plan to take them during off-season months.