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New building inspector trying to figure out how to get certified...

T

Tidwell.B427

Registered User
Joined
Apr 24, 2018
Messages
9
Location
Palmyra, MO
I just started as a building Inspector in a small town and am looking to learn as much as possible while here to eventually move up into bigger cities/areas. I've been looking at the ICC website and some others to try and figure out how to best get certified and just confused the hell out of myself...any advice you guys could give, do I need to buy ALL the Code Books, or not really? The city will pay for training and books/materials, just got to figure out where and how to get started. Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
Prepare for a thankless job with no recognition, that is your creed.

After that start small and get a residential inspection certificate it will allow you to move horizontal to your next big gig.

Did I mention the pay is low, so prepare to drive a beater to work, cuz the other employees will wonder how you can drive a BMW to work?
 
Is the city an ICC member?
Is there a permit Tech, Is there a BO at your place of work? If so ask what he/she needs of you?

What is your strengths? What are you good at? Residential, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Commercial etc.

If you haven't already, go to ICC site, education & certification tab, certification center-exam catalog. Look for the certificate you desire and the testing options, like computer testing or paper and pencil. If you get the first certificate and your awesome at testing, due to your desire to move on, I'd jump right into the CBO three part test.

When you get that CBO you'll be able to set back in the office and rake in the big bucks, maybe get to drive a shiny old used public works truck. You'll pick up some baby sitting work and some budget work and all the citizen questions will come your way.

Some city's pay a bit more if you have some certs.

Sorry for being so snarky, it's Monday. Waiting for the complaints to roll in about dandelions and weeds.
 
What is your background?

Two suggestions

Get hooked up with an icc chapter in your state, to include fire.

Good place to get info and training


Other is get with a bigger city inspection dept and ride with them every so often and learn from them
Plus they may do some training


Yes to do a icc cert test you need the books

Someone on the forum can suggest which ones to start with
 
My background consists of Residential Construction, both new and remodeling. I can run electrical, plumbing drains and supplies, HVAC, gas lines, framing, roofing, basically all but the foundations. No real experience in concrete other than small pours during some remodels and fence posts.

Looking into the local chapters now, all good info that is helping get me pointed in the right direction. Thanks!
 
Tidwell.B427, Give me a call. I can help you out a bit. Jim Brown. Work: 307-686-5260. I'm the Deputy Official for the City of Gillette Wyoming. I also currently serve on the ICC board of directors.
 
This should help you in your search as well:
  • ICC Board Liaison

    Jerry Mallory

    Building Inspector

    Wellsville, KS 66092-0455
  • Primary Staff Liaison

    Tim Schmitz

    GR Regional Manager

    BATAVIA, IL 60510-1150
  • Discipline-specific Staff Liaison

    Robert A Neale

    VP of National Fire Service Activities

    WASHINGTON, DC 20001-2070

    [E]rneale@iccsafe.org
  • Regional Chapter

    ICC Heartland Region IV Coalition

    Brian Hunt-President
 
jpranch said:
Tidwell.B427, Give me a call. I can help you out a bit. Jim Brown. Work: 307-686-5260. I'm the Deputy Official for the City of Gillette Wyoming. I also currently serve on the ICC board of directors.
Click to expand...

I will definitely take you up on that! Probably give you a call tomorrow on my lunch (took an early one today...) Thanks for looking out!
 
jpranch said:
This should help you in your search as well:
  • ICC Board Liaison

    Jerry Mallory

    Building Inspector

    Wellsville, KS 66092-0455
  • Primary Staff Liaison

    Tim Schmitz

    GR Regional Manager

    BATAVIA, IL 60510-1150
  • Discipline-specific Staff Liaison

    Robert A Neale

    VP of National Fire Service Activities

    WASHINGTON, DC 20001-2070

    [E]rneale@iccsafe.org
  • Regional Chapter

    ICC Heartland Region IV Coalition

    Brian Hunt-President
Click to expand...


I thought I did the icc link

My bad
 
I recommend you read this book also along with the technical codes there are the "people" skills you may need to learn to be good and effective at "code enforcement" without coming across as authoritarian and demanding.

7104s_1.jpg


http://shop.iccsafe.org/topics/building-departments/inspection/inspector-skills.html

Inspector Skills is the first text to focus on the “other” skills that are essential for success as a construction inspector. These “soft skills” are the non-technical traits and behaviors that enhance an inspector’s ability to interact with others and to successfully carry out his or her job duties.

Inspector Skills aims to raise awareness of the importance of soft skills and to provide guidance toward recognizing and improving those skills. When coupled with the technical knowledge of codes and construction practices, developing effective soft skills elicits cooperation, generates respect and credibility, and improves the image of inspectors and code safety departments.

Inspector Skills was written for construction inspectors in all disciplines and will also benefit students, permit technicians, plan reviewers and building officials.
 
Pcinspector1 said:
Is the city an ICC member?
Is there a permit Tech, Is there a BO at your place of work? If so ask what he/she needs of you?

What is your strengths? What are you good at? Residential, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Commercial etc.

If you haven't already, go to ICC site, education & certification tab, certification center-exam catalog. Look for the certificate you desire and the testing options, like computer testing or paper and pencil. If you get the first certificate and your awesome at testing, due to your desire to move on, I'd jump right into the CBO three part test.

When you get that CBO you'll be able to set back in the office and rake in the big bucks for Building inspection Perth, maybe get to drive a shiny old used public works truck. You'll pick up some baby sitting work and some budget work and all the citizen questions will come your way.

Some city's pay a bit more if you have some certs.

Sorry for being so snarky, it's Monday. Waiting for the complaints to roll in about dandelions and weeds.
Click to expand...
What good experiences have you had with Building Inspectors? What bad experiences have you had? What could an Inspector do to make your interaction with them better? How do you react when they point out that your project does not meet the specs as specified on the approved plans? If you are or have been a Building Inspector, what do you see that a BI could do better? Thanks!
 
The OP was here for a total of 23 days in 2018. A person with no certifications that is ostensibly working as an inspector is lucky enough to find this forum and then ignores this forum????

ICC should declare active participation on this forum a prerequisite to sitting for an examination.
 
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