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The MAHPBA education committee was very happy that we finished the year with 94 NFI exams taken in 2009 -- that was the same number in 2008! Keeping in mind what kind of year this has been, I'm not at all disappointed. Looking forward is always the way to go when you have a goal in mind. My goal for 2010 is to have even better-attended NFI sessions than we have had in the past. We have chosen the dates and locations which you will find listed under the tab entitled 2010 Locations. We are currently planning four review and exam dates for each wood, pellet and gas classes. These classes are well distributed across the Mid-Atlantic to help accommodate our entire region.
As a reminder to all, each Certification you hold requires a specific number of CEU's if you do not wish to retake the exam. If you hold one Certifcation you need 24 CEU's; if you hold two or three Certifications you will need 32 CEU's. You have three years from the date you have passed the exam to fulfill the CEU's required. There are three categories of CEU's: Technical CEU's, Safety/Health & Liability CEU's and Elective CEu's. You can go to the NFI Website and check to see how many CEU's you currently have an in what category. The website is http:www.nficertified.org.
As do codes, the NFI books change as well. All three NFI books have been updated in the past two yearts, yso you should be studying from "Version 3". Some books have added as many as 100 pages of new information. It is not a bad idea for every retailer to keep an up-to-date copy on your shelf for quick reference. These books are available from the MAHPBA office. You can purchase just the book or plan now for the upcoming NFI exam. The more time you have to review, the easier the test becomes, so order early!
The HPBEF has also updated the "Hearth 101" set of books. This set of two Application and Fundamentals are great basic books for new sales people. It gives the new sales person background on our industry; what is a pellet, what is a pellet stove, what is a btu and how does it affect what I'm trying to sell, etc. This set of two is also available through the MAHPBA office.
Thanks for your time and we look forward to corresponding soon.
Shannon Rodgers, Education Chairman
Click Here for 2010 NFI dates and locations!
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