Certification: Frequently Asked Questions
Earning a Certification
Does the Code Council require a candidate to have a certain level of experience or education before taking an examination?
No. Most Code Council examinations are open to all individuals with no prerequisite for experience or education. Code Council certification should be used as one of several measures of an individual’s qualifications when screening applicants for a position. Inspectors should possess the right mix of technical knowledge, education, and related experience. Because proper weighting of the relative importance of these three qualifications is a subjective decision, determining the emphasis of Code Council certification is most appropriately performed at the local level by the building official. For this reason, the Code Council does not specify education or experience requirements for certification applicants for most categories. However, the Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector has additional requirements after passing the certification exam.
Is a Code Council certification the same as a license?
A license is a permit to work in a particular occupation, issued as a result of state or local legislation. Code Council certifications are voluntary certifications. Many jurisdictions require Code Council certification in their administrative regulations. Check with your state or local agency to find out if your state recognizes Code Council certifications.
What is the best way to prepare for an examination?
The best way to prepare for an examination is through the study of codes and standards. Code Council seminars, self-study workbooks, code commentaries, and textbooks may be helpful. Practice examinations for many categories are available from the Code Council. However, nothing can substitute for studying the code and on-the-job experience of code use and application. You must devote the time needed to understand the code and master the ability to apply it.
When can I test?
Computer-testing is administered frequently at over 1,200 sites across the nation. Paper-and-pencil examinations are administered on a limited basis. To get the most updated information, click here.
When will I receive my results?
Electronic exams:
Unofficial results for examinations taken electronically are available immediately after completion of the examination.
For most certification categories, candidates will automatically receive a Code Council certificate and wallet card within seven to nine weeks after they pass the examination.
Paper-and-pencil exams:
Results for examinations taken by paper-and-pencil are mailed within three to four weeks of the exam date. Pass results will also be posted to the Code Council website in approximately the same time frame.
I didn’t receive my pass letter, wallet card, and/or certificate. Can I have another mailed to me?
Yes, but the item must be requested within 90 days from the date of the passed examination to have another mailed without a fee. If a resend of a pass letter, wallet card, or certificate is requested after 90 days from the exam, a fee will be charged. For fees and other optional services, click here.
Are the examinations open book?
Yes, most exams are open book. To get the most updated information on examinations, click here.
Can’t I just look up all of the answers in the books?
Because of the time constraints, you will not have time to look up all of the answers. For those answers you must look up, you must be VERY familiar with the references to avoid wasting time searching for information.
How long are the examinations?
The length and allowed time varies depending upon the subject matter. To get the most updated information on examinations, click here.
How many examinations can I take at one administration?
For computer-based exams, in most cases you may take two exams in one day, as long as each examination is only two hours in length. For paper-and-pencil exams, you may schedule three exams at one administration, but multiple exams must be scheduled for different starting times (i.e., 8:00, 10:30, and 1:00).
What type of question format will be included in the examination?
Test questions are in four-option, multiple-choice format, with one answer on each question scored as correct.
Should I guess if I don’t know the answer to a question?
There is no guessing penalty, so it is to your advantage to answer every question.
How difficult are the examinations?
Examination difficulty is measured by the individual candidate’s knowledge. Candidates with work experience and thorough code knowledge should not find the examinations difficult.
If I pass one CBO examination but fail the other, do I need to retake both exams?
A candidate who passes one exam has three years to pass the other without retaking the passed exam. After three years, the candidate would need to retake and pass both examinations.
Can I use my VA Montgomery Bill benefits to pay the fees for taking the examinations?
Many Code Council exams have been approved for VA reimbursement. To obtain more information on educational benefits for veterans and to submit an application online, visit www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-GIBILL1 (442-4551). For a list of Code Council exams currently covered and reimbursable under the GI Bill, visit www.gibill.va.gov/Education/LCweb/search.asp. Type in the keyword: International Code Council.
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