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CBO Complete

jar546

jar546

CBO
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
12,816
Location
Not where I really want to be
I should have done this 13 years ago when I hammered out most of my certifications that originally started in 2003. Back then it was only 2 tests but now 3. I did 1 a week for the past 3 weeks. I must say it was a pain in the a$%. The problem with the Building Codes & Standards test is the fact that you are very limited on time and have 1 minute and 30 seconds on average to complete the 80 questions. The questions in the BC & Standards test are easy, very easy but it just takes a lot of time to look them up. There have been some changes since I took my tests and I like to verify my answers even if I think I know the answer.
 
Good Job!

Glad I knocked it out before, I had my Combo Cert (ICBO days), so all I needed was the Legal/Administrative test. But it was a booger enough. Working on the last 4 for the MCP, two energy that I am working on right now, and two accessibility.
 
rktect 1 said:
Good job. Hopefully the city where you work will appreciate it.

Mine does not.
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For the CBO it is a job requirement in Florida. I would have lost my job if I did not get in in the allotted timframe. They won't recognize 10 years as a certified building official in PA through their system. As far as MCP, when that happens, that's just for me.
 
jar546 said:
For the CBO it is a job requirement in Florida. I would have lost my job if I did not get in in the allotted timframe. They won't recognize 10 years as a certified building official in PA through their system. As far as MCP, when that happens, that's just for me.
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The thing with the MCP, is it only matters to those who know about it. And at that, it mostly only means something to those who have worked or are working towards earning it themselves.

That said, it is a hell of an accomplishment and it it is a bit of a resume booster to throw out that you are 1 of less than 1,000.
 
classicT said:
That said, it is a hell of an accomplishment and it it is a bit of a resume booster to throw out that you are 1 of less than 1,000.
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What ... there are only 1,000 in the country? He said it was required for his job ... is that common? Jar ... how long did you have to get the certificate ... 6 months?
 
e hilton said:
What ... there are only 1,000 in the country? He said it was required for his job ... is that common? Jar ... how long did you have to get the certificate ... 6 months?
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CBO is required for my job. I had a provisional license with a time-limit to get the CBO. The MCP is not a requirement and is the one that has less than 1,000 people.
 
e hilton said:
What ... there are only 1,000 in the country? He said it was required for his job ... is that common? Jar ... how long did you have to get the certificate ... 6 months?
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CBO was required.

MCP there are less than 1,000
 
classicT said:
CBO was required.

MCP there are less than 1,000
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Yea, I like reading job descriptions that ask for the MCP. At 1000 total MCP's, Illinois has between 27 and 77 of them based on population. I would bet that most of the people with these are not working for village/city departments. I know of about 3 people with the MCP.
 
rktect 1 said:
Yea, I like reading job descriptions that ask for the MCP. At 1000 total MCP's, Illinois has between 27 and 77 of them based on population. I would bet that most of the people with these are not working for village/city departments. I know of about 3 people with the MCP.
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I've been to a couple ICC annual meetings so I'm sure I've met another one or two, but the other guy in my chapter who has one is the only other one in IL I really know. My jurisdiction paid for it and the certificate looks decent hanging on the wall, but if I'd been out of pocket for it I probably wouldn't have done it. Not enough ROI if you're content to stay "small town" like I am.
 
rktect 1 said:
Yea, I like reading job descriptions that ask for the MCP. At 1000 total MCP's, Illinois has between 27 and 77 of them based on population. I would bet that most of the people with these are not working for village/city departments. I know of about 3 people with the MCP.
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Requesting an MCP is ridiculous. A CBO is far more reasonable.

Washington State has 22 MCPs in total. I am fortunate enough to work alongside one, as well has hold the certification myself. Having two at one jurisdiction has to be pretty rare. And at that, my home AHJ doesn't even crack the top 20 most populous cities in the state.
 
classicT said:
Requesting an MCP is ridiculous. A CBO is far more reasonable.

Washington State has 22 MCPs in total. I am fortunate enough to work alongside one, as well has hold the certification myself. Having two at one jurisdiction has to be pretty rare. And at that, my home AHJ doesn't even crack the top 20 most populous cities in the state.
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I find it interesting that the State of WASHINGTON, which has no state mandated certification requirements for building inspectors and building officials, but has 22 MCP's.

However, in the State of OREGON requires certifications for all building inspectors and building officials, but only has 10 MCP's. For the record, Oregon has their own certifications, and only gives reciprocity for some of ICC certs.
 
Inspector Gift said:
I find it interesting that the State of WASHINGTON, which has no state mandated certification requirements for building inspectors and building officials, but has 22 MCP's.

However, in the State of OREGON requires certifications for all building inspectors and building officials, but only has 10 MCP's. For the record, Oregon has their own certifications, and only gives reciprocity for some of ICC certs.
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That is interesting...

Perhaps it is because those in WA are working though certification in the ICC regime, and stick with it for advancement opportunity. Whereas, in Oregon, employers only recognize the certifications issued by the state; therefore, there is less value (compensation) in obtaining the ICC certifications.
 
I would like to get my CBO sooner than later. Prefer to do know in the code cycle I'm already used to. My AHJ won't pay unless I move up. The BO still has 10 years before he retires. So unless I pay out of pocket don't see it happening here. :(
 
my250r11 said:
I would like to get my CBO sooner than later. Prefer to do know in the code cycle I'm already used to. My AHJ won't pay unless I move up. The BO still has 10 years before he retires. So unless I pay out of pocket don't see it happening here. :(
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The first 18 certifications I got with the ICC and all CEU's for 12 years were all out of my pocket. Why not take the initiative to pay for it yourself? It sounds like you are not interested unless someone else pays for it.
 
classicT said:
That is interesting...

Perhaps it is because those in WA are working though certification in the ICC regime, and stick with it for advancement opportunity. Whereas, in Oregon, employers only recognize the certifications issued by the state; therefore, there is less value (compensation) in obtaining the ICC certifications.
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Exactly the case in CT as well....If no desire to leave the State, no ROI....So you just have to want to do it for yourself....
 
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