Washington Administrative Code(WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Electrical Practice Exam

What may result from falsifying training hours according to RCW 19.28.71?

1. Civil action

2. Criminal charges

3. Monitoring by the department

4. Loss of employment

The correct answer is: Civil action

Falsifying training hours is a serious violation under RCW 19.28.71, which governs electrical training and certification. The law is designed to ensure honesty and integrity in the documentation of training activities, as accurate training records are critical to maintaining safety and competency in the electrical field. When training hours are falsified, it can lead to civil actions where individuals or organizations may face lawsuits as a result of misleading information that can compromise safety standards. Additionally, the law serves to protect the public and the integrity of the profession by enforcing accountability, which may include enforcing penalties for those who misrepresent their qualifications. While criminal charges might seem a plausible consequence, the statute specifically outlines civil repercussions, emphasizing that the process is typically administrative or civil rather than criminal. Individuals found to have falsified training hours are primarily subject to civil actions that can include fines or other regulatory penalties but not necessarily criminal prosecution. Monitoring by the department and loss of employment may occur as secondary consequences, but they are not the primary legal ramifications imposed by the statute. Thus, civil action is the most directly relevant outcome articulated in the law concerning falsified records.