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As a journeyman or master gas fitter, you’re tasked with the installation, repair, improvement, and removal of LP or natural gas equipment and materials. In order to become a licensed professional, you had to meet the requirements for vocational training and experience before passing the state exam.

Now that you’ve got your career underway and you’re thriving in your chosen profession, you want to make sure that your ability to work isn’t interrupted by your license expiring. This means completing continuing education requirements and renewing your license periodically.

Why is license renewal so important? What are the requirements to renew a gas fitter license in Virginia? And how can you find a suitable continuing education program?

The Importance of Renewing Your License

Failure to renew your license means it will expire and you will no longer be able to work legally. Any current contracts will be put on hold until you’re able to reinstate your license, and you will have to pay additional fees to complete the process.

If you further fail to meet your reinstatement deadline, you’ll have to reapply for a license, including meeting all requirements.

Steps to Renew Your Gas Fitter License

Licensing for skilled trades falls under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (DPOR), but license renewal is regulated by the Board of Contractors. Before your license expires, you’ll have to submit proof of completed continuing education hours along with renewal fees.

Gas fitter licenses must be renewed every three years. Yours will expire on the last day of the month, three years from the date of issue. For example, if your license was issued on June 1, 2020, the expiration date would be June 30, 2023.

You are required to complete one hour of continuing education through a state-approved program and submit proof of completion, plus fees, no later than the date your license expires. Approved programs will cover changes to the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).

You may renew online or by mail, but online is the easiest way to ensure you don’t miss your deadline. When you renew online, you have the option to log in to an existing account or simply use the quick pay feature.

The Best Renewal Program for Working Professionals

When choosing any continuing education program for license renewal, it’s critical that the course is approved by the state. This ensures that you not only meet renewal requirements but also receive the information you need to best serve your customers moving forward.

The right program will be designed to offer convenience for working professionals. This could include remote learning, with 24/7 access to online courses in a self-paced format that works with your schedule.

Another perk is a program that not only provides an instant certificate of completion for your records but also notifies the state daily, so all you have to worry about is submitting your renewal fee.

RocketCert is committed to helping professionals obtain and maintain licenses. If it’s time to renew your Virginia gas fitter license, contact us today to complete your continuing education.