Master Code Professional Brian Hunt

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 800 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. Brian Hunt is the latest to join the elite group of Master Code Professionals. In this exclusive feature for the Building Safety Journal, we asked Brian to share his experience on obtaining the MCP designation, highlights of his professional career and any insights or advice he has concerning the industry.

Brian Hunt
Building Official
Building Inspections Department
Desoto, Texas, United States
International Code Council member for 24 years
North Texas Chapter

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Hunt: I have been an inspector and building official for my entire career. I feel certification is important in this field. MCP certification is the highest level so this has what aspired me to attain this certification. I feel this shows my opinion of the value of ICC certifications.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Hunt: I used online study courses and attended continuing education classes to learn as much as I could to prepare for the exams.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Hunt: For me, this represents the dedication to obtaining ICC certifications and staying the course of obtaining the highest certification level.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Hunt: MCP certification shows my peers and potential employers that I have the knowledge and experience to be at the highest level of certification.

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Hunt: Stay the course. Try to set a timeline for the completion of this pursuit. Do not get discouraged and think it is not attainable. It is an honor to be identified with professionals in this field.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Hunt: Twenty-eight years.

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Hunt: Industry-driven products and procedures. Wide-open opportunities to learn and teach. More opportunities to get the education required to stay current in this field.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Hunt: New products. Opportunities to be heard in the code development process. Trying to recruit and train new people in the field.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Hunt: Be a sponge and soak up all you can. Take every opportunity available to learn and advance. Share your knowledge and be open to learning.

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?
Hunt: Our responsibility is to provide a safe and code-compliant building. The ICC is available for code interpretation and tools for this mission.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Hunt: Maintain CEUs to keep certifications current and encourage others to become involved and certified.

BSJ: Thank you, Brian, 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 Brian on achieving this important and significant accomplishment,” said Autumn Saylor, Director 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.