Master Code Professional Gary Carpenter

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

Gary Carpenter
Inspector
Town of Ashland City Building & Codes Department
Ashland City, Tennessee, United States
International Code Council member for three years

BSJ: What led you to pursue and obtain MCP certification?
Carpenter: Starting out I wanted to obtain additional certifications in order to be able to help my jurisdiction in performing inspections. As I obtained more certifications, this became more of a personal accomplishment that I wanted to attain this designation.

BSJ: How did you study and prepare for the many exams you took as a part of your MCP designation?
Carpenter: I would study the code books during the evenings, then put what I learned into practice as I performed inspections. When going to businesses/homes during off-time, I would look for things that I learned while studying which helped me to understand how things worked together.

BSJ: What does achieving the prestigious MCP status mean to you?
Carpenter: It is a recognition of my pursuit to perfect my profession. I viewed each certification as a “license” to learn and put into practice the knowledge I have obtained over the years.

BSJ: How would you describe the value or benefits that have come with the recognition of your MCP status?
Carpenter: It allows me the flexibility to research other areas in the building industry that I have been interested in for several years (e.g., building performance).

BSJ: What advice would you offer to those who are considering pursuing an MCP designation?
Carpenter: Never pass on an opportunity to expand your knowledge. Each new area learned and put into practice is something that you will be able to take with you wherever you go.

BSJ: How long have you been in the industry?
Carpenter: Sixteen years (three years as a code inspector).

BSJ: What major changes have you seen?
Carpenter: The emphasis on improving efficiency during construction.

BSJ: What excites you about the future of your industry?
Carpenter: That I may be able to contribute to the area of building performance.

BSJ: What is one piece of advice that you would give to those starting out in the industry?
Carpenter: Do not let yourself get overwhelmed. Find ways to put into practice what you learn and understand how all fields relate to each other.

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?
Carpenter: I want to be able to go home each day knowing that I have done my best to ensure that people have a safe place to live, work, or visit. I understood that everything is presented in the ICC codes was based on something that has happened in the past.

BSJ: Obtaining all those ICC certifications is quite an accomplishment. What are you going to do now that you have achieved this goal?
Carpenter: I enjoy being able to help others in their development as an inspector. I will still continue to expand my knowledge and experience.

BSJ: Thank you, Gary, 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 Gary 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.