How I Prepared For ICC Certification Exams | From A Building Inspector

Regardless of what your experience is, its going to take time and effort getting familiar with building code books to pass the exams! Here I jump into what my past experience is and what was required to pass various ICC certification exams.
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Time Stamps:
My Experience - 55 sec
Home Inspector VS Building Inspector - 4:08
Experience Needed To Become An Inspector - 5:55
My Preparation For ICC Certification Tests - 7:15
Job Research Before Starting Certification Test Prep - 10:58
Resume Builders/Getting A Foot In The Door - 13:45
Additional Study Options/Importance In Knowing The Code Book - 16:19
Continued Education - 18:04
Stay classy!
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I hope this was helpful!

[@TellersandTales]

I can vouch with this information. Thanks for this kind of content I was looking for to have the motivation to pursue this career move. I have one year to pass P1&P2 . Let's go!!!!

[@bjack7657]

Great information. Thank you for this and other videos. You have helped me tremendously through my process of becoming a Buildings Inspector in my California city. I come from the "Jack of all trades" world and a couple owner-builds at my own house. Already being a city employee helped a bit too. I am preparing myself to take B-1 now. Again, thank you for the time you put into your videos.

[@buildingcodetips]

Thanks for the kind words! And good luck on your test!

[@moc.m.9606]

I wasnt aware it was open book examination. Thanks for the video, great info!!

[@buildingcodetips]

Good luck!!

[@rqmatix305]

Thank you very much for the information, you answered the questions that were keeping me from applying for the inspector job with my city.

[@buildingcodetips]

I am glad it helped!

[@Samson003]

I subscribed. Thanks for doing these. I’m finding them very helpful. I applied to a building inspection job that opened up near where I live. Hopefully it will go smooth. I have about 15 years of construction experience 12 as a commercial carpenter foreman, and a year as a superintendent with an associates degree in construction management, hoping that will at least get my foot in the door as it seems, they will hire with the qualifying factor of getting a certification within a year fingers crossed Found this to be really helpful as I want to get other certifications as well

[@buildingcodetips]

Thats Great! I hope the interview goes well and you get the position.

[@aramavakian]

Great Information, Thank you for keeping us in the know.

[@AllOneKind]

Awesome information! Thanks so much for making this very detailed video Ben!

[@bowhunterz]

Thanks a lot Ben! Starting my new job tomorrow

[@buildingcodetips]

Thats Awesome! Good Luck

[@shaneoakley8757]

North Carolina Department of Insurance now has a 2 year apprenticeship in conjunction with NC State University for building inspectors. It’s a training program that incorporates days in the field with days in class. They said that at the end of the 2 year program you will have Level 1 Certs in all four building trades. I start February 5th. 😎

[@buildingcodetips]

Wow! That’s great. First I have heard of a university providing education for building code. If you think about it, let us know how its going and if you would recommend it to others! Good luck

[@shaneoakley8757]

@@buildingcodetips I absolutely will. NCDOI and NC STATE developed the program and are boasting a high success rate. As you say there is a demand and there are not a lot of people going after it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

[@David-xy9yo]

Contractor's Institute really helped me. Passed both my exams on the first try.

[@buildingcodetips]

That's awesome! Congrats and thanks for sharing, I will make sure to pass along the info to anyone who asks

[@khalidbaacha]

Good

[@SamMartinez-js8mq]

Hey Ben thanks for the informative videos. I want to become a masonry special inspector, ICC site says masonry exam references ATSM standards. Is there a book of standards or must all of these ATSM standards be bought individually? There's quite a few required and they each cost $70 individually.

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Sam, that sounds cool! To be honest I have never gone down the special inspector path. Are you planning to start your own business or work for another company? May be able to reach out to one of the special inspector businesses about your intentions and they might help with study materials with the thought that you might work them. Might also send ICC an email asking them how to get the study materials without spending a fortune!! Good luck

[@nordicoinmedia2487]

Hey Ben, thanks for the good job you're doing. Was wondering if ICC does include plans as part of the questions in B3 exams.

[@buildingcodetips]

I believe so. There is usually an attachment to a question that might show only a corridor, staircase or a few rooms. Then the question might ask about path of egress distance, amount of exits required, rated assemblies, etc. The plan portion you need should be attached to that question though.

[@jtnebeker5577]

I know this will get lost for sure. I am an architectural designer looking to make a change in my current career. I have pretty extensive knowledge in ICC specifically the IRC and IBC, is knowledge of the IECC, IMC, IPC, etc. required for these tests or will the IRC and IBC be sufficient enough?

[@buildingcodetips]

Each section is tested separately. Visit iccsafe.org and look up the course materials for individual certifications for the IBC and IRC. There are a couple random books in there if I remember right but when I took the tests I used only the IRC and/or IBC depending on the certification I was going for. All the different codes are tested separately and for different items of service such as inspector or plan review.

[@bowhunterz]

Really enjoy your videos Ben. Just recently took a job as the Code Administrator for the city that I grew up in. I also applied for the interim Building Official position which involves open book testing at a texting center. I believe that I’m required to use the 2019 RCO as my book. My question is am I allowed to put tabs on the book with notes and highlights on pages or is this book an unmarked original tabbed book.

[@buildingcodetips]

Thanks for the kind words and congrats on the new position! I am not familiar with RCO, maybe its a specialty code for your area? Though, if it is regulated by icc you can write ink pen notes or highlight in your book. Tabs are allowed as long as they are permanent. Meaning that it would rip the page if removed. Here is the link: scroll to the bottom and hit the "exam resources/materials" tab. Hope that helps! www.iccsafe.org/professional-development/assessment-center/icc-exam-administrative-rules-and-procedures-2/

[@phillipwong9101]

Do these types of jobs drug test? I self-medicate for inflammation and was wondering if drug testing is usually part of the hiring whether it be governmental or from a contractor? Thanks

[@buildingcodetips]

In my area I have only seen drug testing in the event of getting hurt on the job. I am sure it changes by state, county and city though

[@Sacredgrooves]

I passed the General Contractor exam a few months ago, my next step is the ICC R5 combo certification. Is the test basically open book and just looking up code requirements? I did a lot of that for the GC test, so I'm wondering if it is worth taking a class since I already have that familiarity? My background is as a Home Inspector for 20 years, as well as specialty contracting work. My goal is to use ICC certs to bolster credentials for both the GC and Inspection businesses. Thanks for the great video!

[@buildingcodetips]

Congrats on passing the general contractors exam! Thats awesome. Yes, the ICC exams are all open book (at least all of the ones I have taken). Its more about being able to find the information in the book than memorizing it. Based on your background and already going through and passing the general contractors exam I am sure you can get through the R5 without taking a class. I didn't take any classes, just spent a lot of time in the code book.

[@Sacredgrooves]

@@buildingcodetips I appreciate you saving me some cash!

[@mettaalpha8551]

Do you think Fire plans examiner is a good job? Also is it easy to learn?

[@buildingcodetips]

The IFC (International Fire Code) has a lot duplicated information from the IBC. If you have worked in the code book at all it shouldn't be to much trouble. I don't have any fire fighter experience and I was able to pass the exam for certification with normal studying. As far as it being a good job, my opinion would be that it is right in line with a plans examiner except tailored towards fire related items such as exiting, how fire engines can get in and out, alarms, flammable products, storage, etc.

[@y_p7]

Hi, your videos are awesome I’d appreciate it if you make a video on how to prepare for ICC’s Reinforced Concrete Masonry Construction cert Much love,

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Joseph, Thanks for the kind words! My knowledge in reinforced concrete masonry construction is limited. Its not a certification that our local area requires. Beyond the study material provided by ICC you might find a course at WC3 academy or reach out to some special inspector businesses to see what they may offer for employment and on the job training. In our area most concrete, rebar and cmu work is inspected by a special inspector who is certified for those inspections. Hope that helps a little!

[@whazittooya6203]

Is it common to get a job as a level one inspector and act as essentially a trainee during the 12 month window you have to be certified? Im interested in building inspection but dont have relevant experience

[@buildingcodetips]

It probably depends on how big the city or county is that you are applying at. I have seen where certifications are required before hire and others that will hire and train. My guess is that smaller cities and counties are more lenient. Might be worth jumping on your local city and county websites to see what they have for job openings!

[@mrcodeguy1]

Great information but what he doesn't tell you is that if you fail a test(like me), ICC doesn't let you know what you missed which seems shady to me.

[@buildingcodetips]

Great point!

[@butadreamwithinadream]

It gives you a report at the end of a failed exam that tells you the areas you need to study.... they obviously won't tell you the exact question. Come on. These exams are gravy.

[@gazzpachoo]

Do you have any recommendations for study materials for the Fire Plans Exam? I’m currently preparing for this exam . Thanks

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey PJ, I took that same exam a couple years back and all I used was the code book. There are a few identical chapters from the IBC if you happen to be familiar with that code book! I know ICC has some study materials such as flash cards and study guides which have worked for me in the past on other exams. Might be something to look into for this exam. I like to put the flash cards in my car and test myself while driving. Good luck!

[@jeesuussf642]

What study guide should I get for ICC b1 ?

[@buildingcodetips]

The best study guide is spending time in the code book! But I also used the flash cards and the related study guide that can be found on the icc website when I was studying. These may be able to be found on amazon or somewhere else for cheaper. Though the icc webpage should show you all that is available. shop.iccsafe.org/

[@jonathanmatthews1728]

Do you have links to residential and commercial books?

[@buildingcodetips]

Visit iccsafe.org. There is also upcodes.com. I dont know of anywhere to get them for free but there may be older code books that your building department might not need anymore.

[@mardy0514]

Hi ! awesome video and information. I'm preparing to take the B2 exam. Should I take the 2018 or 2021 B2 exam?

[@buildingcodetips]

I would go with whichever one you have already started to study. If you haven't started though then definitly work under the most current. Good Luck!!!

[@fmolina28]

​@buildingcodetips will the ICC stop offering the 2018 test and require the 2021? If so, how much longer will the 2018 be available?

[@buildingcodetips]

​@@fmolina28 That's a good question! Now that the 2024 codes are out I would assume that the 2018 exams would drop off at some point. My gut would tell me that it will be a little while as I am sure they have to update all of the exams for the 2024 code but I am not sure.

[@fmolina28]

@buildingcodetips awesome, one last question once you get a license with the ICC, how often do you have to retest or do you just pay a free to keep your license active.

[@buildingcodetips]

hello, to keep your cert active continued education is required. For one cert I believe its 1.5 CEU’s or 15 hours of education every 3 years. 3 certs is like 3.5 CEU’s I think and so on. Usually your employer will help set up continued education and pay for it. Hope that helps!

[@gtownlad77]

90% me 10 about test

[@Realdanielmiguel]

How much are you making hourly?

[@SuperPhen0m]

is a home inspector a much different process or are they all similar ?

[@buildingcodetips]

The process for getting certified to become a building inspector is generally the same across the board regardless of what state you live in. The codes may be different but studying code books and taking a test to get certified is pretty standard as far as I know. For home inspectors my understanding is that the requirements can change from state to state. Some states only require a business license while others might require some training or even a certification.

[@allenft8396]

Can you do a video on what it intels for your construction management degree?

[@buildingcodetips]

Hey Allen, Thanks for the comment! Give me a week or so and i will see if I can put something together about what it looked like for me on getting a construction management degree.

[@allenft8396]

@@buildingcodetips thank you sir.

[@buildingcodetips]

@@allenft8396 Hi Allen, here is a link to my video on getting a construction management degree. If this doesn't answer all of your questions feel free to reach out! I haven't made it public yet but thought I would send it along to you!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnKZeJhoad1qnKM

[@allenft8396]

@@buildingcodetips it shows the link as being private, unable to watch.

[@buildingcodetips]

@@allenft8396 Sorry about that...I think I got it fixed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnKZeJhoad1qnKM

[@ixDye07]

Do you have any advice for Reinforced Concrete Cert ?

[@buildingcodetips]

Hello, I wish I did. That's a cert that I have thought about getting but haven't jumped into yet. If you come across any good advise please share!!

[@RegularJoes]

Get a copy of the Concrete Manual ACI 318-19, from ICC. They have some with commentary which can be helpful. Look into getting your prestressed concrete cert as well. A tip for employment, the fewest amount of special inspectors seems to be in structural welding and soils.

[@User_92020]

Are you a home inspector or code inspector?

[@buildingcodetips]

I am a building (code) inspector!

[@IsraelHernandez-zr7tk]

hello, question is the study guide worth buying?

[@buildingcodetips]

In my opinion, i would say yes! It helped me quite a bit. Might depend on how you best retain info though.

[@IsraelHernandez-zr7tk]

@@buildingcodetips if not asking too much does it also have a lot of question from the test? or are they just similar questions. thank you

[@buildingcodetips]

@@IsraelHernandez-zr7tk There are so many questions that can be asked, I am sure some carry over (the easy ones) but there are a lot that don't. Since the icc tests are open book the real goal is to be able to find anything you want in the book in a quick amount of time, say 3 or 4 minutes. When you get to that point your probably ready to take the test.