Vegas - Yes, NYS has a training and certification program that is among the best you can find (and not just because I'm now a trainer... ;-) ). We have been certifying Code Enforcement Officials since (at least) the early 80's - that's when it became mandatory. The programs are provided by the NYS Department of State Codes Division, that's who I will be working for. The basic training program is a series of six (seven?) courses with written exam at the end of each 3 1/2 day class. Once you've completed all and passed the exams, you are Certified by NYS as a Code Enforcement Official. Prior to the ICC, over 40 States recognized NYS Certification and would hire a NYS Certified Code Official without hesitation. I know of one gal who didn't even get her actual certificate in the mail, moved to (I believe) Florida right after her last class and was employed full time in less than a week.
We also have some great in-service programs as we require a minimum of 24 hours of approved training annually to maintain our cert. Dept of State Codes Division also provides, among other things, technical assistance, Boards of Review for variances, and interpretations of the State Codes - BINDING interpretations that is, none of this 'we think it means this, but it's up to you...' stuff. That's why I sometimes sound... arrogant?... to some on the BB.
Our system is apparently somewhat unique, but I can't imagine doing this job without that kind of (non-local) support. I feel the pain of those who don't have a strong Statewide presence to back them up. Check out the State Codes Division website:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/code/ls-codes.html .
mtlog - I'm not sure even NYS is ready for a whole class on 'attic stairs' yet, maybe someday... They do encourage us to get involved in course development, but still need to get new material approved by my boss.
code neo - The advantage of on-line answers is that you don't see how long it takes me to formulate an answer, or how many windows I have open with different versions of the codes at the same time... or how many 'edits' I make before I hit the post reply button. Like the difference between a taped performance and a live performance, there's not much of a comparison.
jp - Your attachment link is dead... What was it?