What type of courses shall only be offered by approved providers by the department?

Continuing education courses are specifically designed to help professionals maintain or improve their skills and knowledge in their field. In the context of plumbing, these courses ensure that licensed plumbers stay up-to-date with new technologies, regulations, and industry standards. The requirement for these courses to be offered only by approved providers highlights the importance of maintaining high standards for professional training. Approved providers are vetted to ensure that the education they offer meets certain quality criteria, reinforcing the integrity of the profession and ensuring that plumbers receive reliable and relevant information. This ensures that practitioners not only fulfill legal obligations for license renewal but also improve their competencies, which ultimately benefits the safety and efficiency of plumbing services. Other types of courses like special topics or introductory courses may not carry the same regulatory requirements, allowing for a broader range of providers. Advanced training may also include different criteria depending on the specific skills being assessed.