Yes! Building codes and the enforcement of those codes by certified
inspectors is imperative for municipalities, developers and individual
homeowners. Hiring
certified professionals, with up-to-date training and certification renewals
is vitally important to a safe-built environment.
Learn who governs certification, building codes, and renewals and what is required of certified inspectors. Remember that the hiring of certified staff and monitoring their certifications is a benefit of outsourcing building department functions to a company like SAFEbuilt Colorado.
Understanding Building Inspection Certifications
The International Code Council (ICC) sets the bar for building safety
standards, and most
Colorado municipalities require that all building construction in their
communities meets some form of ICC code.
| Building codes are established to protect public health, safety and
welfare in the “built environment.” They provide protection from tragedy caused by fire, structural collapse and general deterioration. |
ICC certification for Building Inspectors and Plans Examiners requires comprehensive knowledge and expertise. Certifications are specific by both discipline and residential or commercial applications. (For example, there are separate certifications for Commercial Building Inspectors AND for Residential Building Inspectors.)
Some of the general discipline areas include:
- Building
- Electrical (also need to be licensed by the State of Colorado)
- Plumbing
- Mechanical
- Combination
- Sprinkler Systems
- Accessibility
- Energy
To be ICC certified, Building Inspectors and Plans Examiners must:
- Complete training courses in each
- Pass a rigorous 4-hour written exam for each specialty area
- Renew certification every 3 years by completing a minimum number of continuing education and professional development activities, which may vary by specific area of expertise certification requirements
Public welfare is of paramount importance in any built structure. To ensure the expertise certification requirements protection of public health and safety in your community, use only experienced professionals (internal staff and contract resources) with certified knowledge of current building codes. If you’re not sure if your inspector or examiner is currently certified, ask for proof of credentials.
To find ICC-certified professionals in your area, visit www.iccsafe.org.
