The International Code Council (ICC) and California Building Officials (CALBO) join forces to create a new program to earn California Code certifications.     John LaTorra (left), ICC Board Member, Building and Inspection Manager, Redwood City (Cal.); Brad Remp, C.B.O., CALBO President, Building Official, Chula Vista (Cal.); Henry Green, Vice President ICC Board, Executive Director, Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes and Building Safety; William Schock, C.B.O., First Vice President CALBO, Building Official, San Leandro (Cal.); and Kevin Scott, ICC Board Member, Fire Marshal, Kern County (Cal.) Fire Department.

Earn professional International Code Council-CALBO certification on California Codes

Code officials will soon be able to earn California Code certifications through the International Code Council and the California Building Officials (CALBO). The two organizations have joined forces to create a new program specifically for California.

"This new program will serve our membership and public safety in California by testing officials on the actual code requirements used in the state," said International Code Council Vice President of Certification and Licensing David Nelson.

With the new International Code Council-CALBO Certification, candidates will be tested on the California Code of Regulations, Title 24. Title 24 references the Uniform Codes, the National Electrical Code and California amendments. Amendments make up approximately 5-10% of the code.

Whether it's for employment, state licensing or personal achievement, successful completion of specified examinations is necessary to obtain certification. Previously, California plan examiners and inspectors earned certification through the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), developer of the Uniform Codes. ICBO consolidated into the International Code Council in 2003. The International Code Council accepted ICBO certification under its "Legacy Certification" program.

Individuals who are already certified under the International Code Council "Legacy Certification" program will only need to take the California amendments portion of the exam to upgrade to the California Building Code (CBC), California Plumbing Code (CPC), California Mechanical Code (CMC), and California Electric Code (CEC). The ICC-CALBO certification will be valid for three year term. To renew, individuals will be required to accrue continuing education units (CEUs).

The International Code Council offers certifications for many code administration and construction inspection professions. Across the United States, International Code Council Certification is fully recognized by most code officials and state agencies that regulate inspection personnel.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.