Masters of Code: Zackery Loiselle achieves the gold standard of code certification

It’s considered the Ph.D. of building safety codes certification. The Master Code Professional (MCP) is the highest level of designation the International Code Council offers and is the “gold standard” for demonstrating proficiency in the code profession. The Code Council has certified thousands of individuals, but only a small select number have attained this high level of achievement: just over 900 MCP professionals worldwide. Their achievements are a benefit to the code enforcement profession as well as their communities.

To obtain this level of certification requires and demonstrates a commitment to the profession, diverse knowledge of codes and a high level of self-initiative. Zackery Loiselle is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Zackery Loiselle to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Zackery Loiselle
Chief Building Inspector
Development Services
Celina, Texas, United States
International Code Council member for 17 years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Loiselle: It was a personal goal of mine that I set 17 years ago. It began with a desire to become a building inspector (like my father)and that path led me to new goals to achieve the highest of certifications.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Loiselle: I spent countless hours after my regular inspector position where I studied typically three to five days per week to prepare.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Loiselle: It means that I join the highest rank that I know of in the inspections field. It shows that I have persevered throughout my career to obtain this prestigious goal.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Loiselle: I have not yet seen the results of my achievement as of yet, but I know it will be in the near future as I pursue my next goal of becoming a Building Official.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Loiselle: Stay steady in your mindset to achieve this goal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to test.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Loiselle: 16 years

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Loiselle: I have seen means method changes to the construction practices. People seem to be working smarter not harder. The Covid-19 changed how we have done occupied inspections using virtual methods.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Loiselle: I think that starting in this field there are a lot of unknowns. It seems like in this time we as a collective group are becoming more in the field of educating and helping construction move forward. The new generations have already stepped up with the technology advancements.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Loiselle: Stay calm, keep an open mind, don’t be scared to make mistakes, learn from everyone around you including contractors, engineers, and architects.

BSJ: Building safety is the focal point of our mission here at the Code Council. What is the importance of building safety to you? How has ICC helped you in your career and commitment to public safety?
Loiselle: The importance of building safety is to ensure that minimum standards are met and maintained during and after construction. There is a combined effort in order to obtain and safe building for all occupants. It is very rewarding to know and understand the safeguards installed in building construction for the occupants of the building to be able to safely evacuate a building if necessary.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Loiselle: I’m going to continue to educate myself and stay informed of all code changes. I am going to help others in the field to obtain ICC certifications and to help them grow in the organization.

BSJ: Thank you, Zachery, and congratulations. You have definitely been an encouragement to us all in your pursuit of excellence.

To earn the Code Council’s elite MCP designation, a candidate must first pass 10 core Code Council exams plus a number of elective Code Council exams. Typical Master Code Professionals hold 17 or more Code Council certifications. The Master Code Professional designation requires certified individuals to complete an additional 60 hours of Continuing Education Units every three years to maintain active status.

“The Master Code Professional certification is the pinnacle of all Code Council certifications, representing a level of effort, knowledge, and dedication that elevates not only the individual achieving it but the code official profession as a whole,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO.

Master Code Professionals are typically responsible for all technical and management aspects of code enforcement with duties that range from the management of a code enforcement department to the supervision of inspectors and plan reviewers.

“Congratulations to Zachery on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, program services manager of the Code Council’s Assessment Center. “I challenge and encourage all code professionals to strive for this level of achievement, and look forward to congratulating more Master Code Professionals in the future.”

To learn more on how you can join this elite group and let us help you open the door to increased professional challenges and career advancement, click here.